Ryker Peterson

Ryker Bryce Peterson

March 6, 2004 ~ February 10, 2018

“You make me happy when skies are gray, please don’t take my sunshine away.”

Ryker Bryce Peterson earned his angel wings on Saturday, February 10, 2018.

Ryker’s journey began in St. George, UT on March 6, 2004 as he unexpectedly entered this world weighing 2lbs. What he lacked in size he made up for in determination. He fought through many surgeries and a year’s stay at Primary Children’s. When he was sent home with a low chance of survival, Ryker did not give up, but defied all odds.

Ryker’s life revolved around “Team Peterson” and with them he fought until the end. Whether he was sitting in his dad’s (Bryce) chair, getting kisses from his mom (Trudy Rhodes), laughing when his brother McKade called him Butthead, facetiming his sister Karstyn, wrestling with his brother Kahler, or playing all day with his protector and younger sister Quincee, Ryker never quit. He taught us to have strength and courage.

Along the journey he added three additional brothers to love, Michael, Takuei and Viktor. He had such a special bond with his Grandma Gwen Rhodes. He was her sunshine. He adored his Grandpa Marlin Peterson. He was cheerfully greeted in Heaven by his Grandpa Rhodes, Grandma Peterson and Uncle Troy Rhodes. You have never seen a boy loved more by his loving cousins, aunts and uncles. Family was everything to Ryker and Sunday get togethers were his favorite.

Because of Ryker, many angels were brought into our lives. Kristyn Steedley had no idea that when she cared for him 13 years ago that she would also inherit the whole family. She has been right by our side ever since. Charlotte Grubb and Linda Thomas have been his nurses for most of his life. They are second moms to him and they will be missed in our home. He has been blessed to have wonderful care from many great nurses including Wendy, Jerilyn, Jaime, and Janna.

Ryker loved going on the bus to Rocky Mountain Junior High where he enjoyed great friends, amazing teachers and music classes.

Ryker was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fairgrove Ward and loved spending his Sundays with Brother Brian Tolman. He was blessed to be surrounded by many special friends and neighbors who truly loved him. Ryker’s pure spirit has strengthened so many testimonies. Ryker did not like any type of contention or negative feelings. He made our home a Heaven on earth.

The legacy that Ryker leaves is that he was able to influence the lives of so many people around him. While Ryker may not have said words, people felt the love that he gave therefore proving that actions speak louder than words. We will miss those sweet sounds that only he could make and the daba dabas. The word ma ma ma will never sound the same. Our house will be quiet without all the musical toys that played your favorite songs. He loved music so much. He is the cutest little Down Syndrome boy and brought so much love to our lives.

In honor of the joy Ryker brought to others, please provide an act of kindness to someone else to help brighten their day. His smile and laugh were so contagious, please help us spread that joy.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Kanesville Stake Center in West Haven, 4555 W. 4000 S. The family will meet with friends Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment in the Liberty Cemetery.