Ricky Lee Hart

     Ricky Lee Hart, age 41, of Ionia, MI, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
     Ricky’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, laughter, and light. He is survived by his devoted life partner, Andrew Waterman, with whom he shared a deep and abiding love. He is also lovingly remembered by his mother, Susan (Mark) Pratl; siblings, Amy Mercer (Robert Blackwell), Melissa Hart, Anna (Otto) Harrison, Emily (DJ) Diffin, Duane Hart; and by his extended family, mother-in-law Cindy (Giovanni) Guzman, father-in-law Tab (Michelle) Waterman, and siblings-in-law Stephanie (Miah) Lehman, Josh (Nancy) Guzman, and Soraya Guzman.
     Ricky was a proud and fun-loving uncle to many nieces and nephews: Robin, Kyle, Chelsea, Alyana, Gabriella, Adrianne, Selena, Ashley, Larry, Ava, Weston, Oliver, Jack, Ava, Blakely, and Baylor. He was also blessed to be surrounded by the love of his grandmothers, Barb Hurlbut and Judy Waterman, along with countless cousins and cherished friends who were like family.
     Born in Lansing, MI, to Susan Pratl and Ricky A. Hart and raised in St. Johns, Ricky graduated from St. Johns High School in 2002. He was active in theater and choir, where his natural charisma and joyful spirit shone brightly. Ricky carried those gifts into adulthood, always ready with a joke, a spot-on impersonation, or a warm smile that could light up any room.
     Ricky served as the General Manager of a local Speedway, where he not only ran a successful store but made lasting connections with his customers and staff. He had a heart for people and a gift for making everyone feel seen and valued.
     One of Ricky’s proudest moments was purchasing a home with Andrew—their sanctuary and a symbol of the life they built together. He found joy in the simple things: camping under the stars, movie nights at home, fishing at his favorite spots, tending to his garden, and spending time with his beloved Chihuahua, Emma.
     Ricky’s vibrant personality, contagious laugh, and love for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was the kind of person who made others feel like family—and once you were his, you were his forever.
     He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Pratl, Joy and Douglas Hart; his uncle, Randy Lee Hart; his aunt, Debbie Harvey; his cousin, Douglas Harvey; and his dear friend, Brandon Barrix.
     Ricky will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 2-8 P.M the family will be present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.