Anna Peterson

Anna Ruby Joy Peterson, 18, was in a tragic sledding accident on December 10th and despite the heroic efforts of friends, paramedics, and hospital personnel, did not survive her injuries.  As we remember her, she was always full of light.  It is impossible to think of Anna without seeing her bouncing golden curls and hearing her gentle giggle.  Every year on her April birthday, warm weather or not, Anna ran across the yard, squirt-gun in hand, screaming delightedly with her friends. Known for her sweetness, little Anna sat and ate luscious Oregon raspberries she picked with her family.  Although sometimes self-conscious, Anna could appear strikingly self-confident; when her dad called her “princess,” three-year-old Anna responded “Daddy, I not a princess. I a queen.”  As Anna grew up, she was daring and cautious.  She loved to go fast on her skis but would wake up at night to check and make sure the stove was off.  Responsible by nature, Anna founded the Healthy Decisions Club, at least in part, to help her dad prepare for the Marathon they ran together in 2021.  

It is fitting that Anna spent the last day of her life skiing with friends.  She loved the outdoors and being active and connected to others.  In high school, Anna was on the ski racing team (Metro Ski League Crash of the Year 2021) and captain of the lacrosse team.  A neighbor and classmate noted that she carried herself with dignity and respect, and afforded the same respect to others.  Described by teammates and friends as selfless, caring, loved, loving, special, athletic, beautiful, brilliant, insightful, genuine, always smiling, humorous, a friend, a scholar, competitive, fearless, graceful, radiant, perceptive, inquisitive, nourishing, and a Spiritual Giant.  The smartest of her siblings, Anna was Salutatorian of the Class of 2022 at THEBeaverton High School.  An avid reader, she often impressed her friends with her wide-ranging vocabulary, but was also good at making them feel wise and interesting.  

Anna’s dancing showed so much about her personality. A combination of grace (from her mother) and goofball (from her father), she did everything beautifully, and always made the funniest faces around her brothers, her sister and friends. Annaoften had tender moments when she would ask to cuddle or hold a hand, just to be near you.  She was gentle with her older sister, and actively served other youth with special needs.  

Faith came naturally to Anna. She often reminded us to pray by her example. Her goodness dripped off her like liquid gold, and just being near Anna made your life richer.  When she left home, Anna felt lonely at times, but remembered the wisdom of sharing your light freely, as others had done for her.  Annalearned people’s names and remembered them. She took interest in others and lifted them up.  Anna was always kind. 

Her light shines brighter than ever.  

On earth, Anna is survived by her grandmother Patti Peterson,her parents John and Julie, her sister Emily, her brothers Jacob (Makenzie) and Joseph, her nephew Wesley James, 20 aunts and uncles, dozens of cousins, and countless beloved friends, teachers, neighbors, teammates, co-workers and classmates. Anna lives on surrounded by family and loved ones who preceded us.  We look forward with hope and faith to the day we are reunited.  

A Celebration of Love and Light for Anna will be held at the Beaverton Oregon Church of Jesus Christ Stake Center at 4195 SW 99th Avenue in Beaverton at 2pm on Friday, December 30.  Harp prelude begins at 1pm.  Choir prelude at 1:30pm.  Please plan to be in your seats by 1:30; Overflow capacity is availableat the Cedar Mill Bible Church at 12208 NW Cornell Rd. 

The Peterson Family will be available after the service at the Beaverton Stake Center for an extended time to meet with anyone who would like to greet them, including any coming from the overflow location.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a fully tax deductibledonation to the Anna Ruby Joy Peterson Let Your Light So Shine Fund, an Oregon Community Foundation Fund which will support scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their dreams.  

https://oregoncf.org/annarubyjoy

Memories of Anna are being shared at https://annas-memory-tree.4ever.family/

The service will also be broadcast on zoom for those unable to attend:

https://zoom.us/j/99850314952?pwd=NTl0a1N0cFI0YWtYZ2hIVmFzM0xlZz09