Ryan Lance Stenson left this world in a tragic accident at the age of 18 years, on Tuesday November 22, 2022, surrounded by multiple friends whom we are keeping in our thoughts and prayers. Ryan’s family and those whose lives he touched, will forever cherish the brief time they shared with him.
Ryan was born on July 1, 2004 to John and Heather (Hicks) Stenson and was a great joy to his older brother, Zach. They spent countless hours causing trouble, laughing, and making memories that Zach will always treasure.
Ryan had the most contagious smile and an adventurous spirit. He was never afraid to jump in feet first. Ryan cared deeply for people and was willing to share whatever he had to make their lives better. Ryan had a lot of passions in life such as baking and cooking, playing his guitar, writing songs, fishing with his mom and dad, learning everything that he could about World War Two, reading books, playing video games, learning about astronomy and feeding his soul with friends that made him laugh. Ryan loved to take care of people and never judged someone because of where they have walked in life.
At the time of Ryan’s death, he was excited about a new opportunity to be a part of a successful restaurant business and was scheduled to be on a flight to Texas two days after he died, for a three-week training along with his beloved friend Isreal. Ryan had a lot of plans for a beautiful future and God had different plans for him.
Ryan had a huge love for animals especially for his Gracie Rey, a puppy that provided the unconditional love that only dogs can.
Ryan leaves behind his mother, Heather Hicks Stenson, and father, John Stenson; his big brother, Zach; his grandparents, Lance and Michele Hicks, Dawn Judd, John and Diane Stenson; great grandmother, Jo Endicott; aunts, uncles and cousins, Amy (Tim) and Xander Rohrbach, Seth Hicks and Sairdee, Daniel & Trenton Hicks, Tammy (Samm) Cox and Shane, Reece, & Quinn, Kevin (Molly) Stenson and Cael & Jace, Kyle (Emily) Stenson and Mya, Kyler, & Colt, Krissy (Jamey) Fellows and Mason & Dylan, Todd (Xavier) Stenson, Michael Stenson (Abby) & Maddie, Lori (Derek) Reed; great aunt and uncles, Debbie Turk, Fred (Melissa) Turk, Carol Sullivan, Hal (Nyla) Hicks; and numerous extended cousins.
Ryan was preceded in death by great grandparents, William and Blythe (Clymer) Hicks, Jack and Frances Stenson, Fritz and Elsie Turk, Richard Endicott, Gordon Judd; great aunt, Sairdee Hicks; great uncles, Brett Hicks and Robert Sullivan; and cousin, Angel Rohrbach.
It was the biggest honor of our lives to be Ryan’s mother and father. We will be eternally grateful for the amazing 18 years that we got to celebrate Ryan. If only we could turn back time and make you realize that you were destined to do so much more than this short life gave you.
“It took an instant to lose you, and it will take our entire LIFETIME to grieve the loss of you, grief never ends because LOVE never ends. We will love you and ache for you until our very last breath.”- Angela Miller-
A public memorial service will be held for Ryan at 4pm on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at the Front Street Station, 800 E. Front Street in Butte. His family encourages that everyone come and share their stories of Ryan with us. A public committal service will be held at 1pm on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4700 Harrison Ave in Butte.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Pintler Pets, P.O. Box 1204, Anaconda, MT 59711, or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ryan.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
4pm
Thursday December 1, 2022
Front Street Station
800 East Front Street
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
4pm
Thursday December 1, 2022
Front Street Station
800 East Front Street
Butte, Montana 59701
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Anonymous says
We are sending our condolences.love you in your time of need
Amy McNellis Holodnick says
Our deepest condolences to the entire Stenson family. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Amy McNellis Holodnick & Family
Ron Kuecks says
Sincere sympathy to you for your loss. Ron and I send prayers and strength to you. Ron and Joyce Kuecks.
Julie Buckley says
With deep regret we share your sorrow at losing your precious Ryan. Peace to him in the loving arms of our loving God. as well as to his loved ones. Julie Buckley and Famiily
Nora Mazzolini says
We are so sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Craig and Nora Mazzolini
Tom Bray says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. In the midst of your pain and sorrow we lift your family up to God asking that he give peace, love and patience with each other during this difficult time.
The Bray Family
Betsy Pahut says
Stenson family our sincere sympathy, sending prayers for you all during this very difficult loss.
Cherish the beautiful memories of Ryan’s too short life. No words can ease your pain, just know your family and friends are here for you.
Jim and Kim Salmonsen says
Our hearts are hurting for Ryan’s family during this time of sorrow. Ryan is at peace in the arms of our Lord. Cherish memories of him, stories, laughter and tears. Hold each other tight and know there are so many people that care for your family.
J Hunt says
To the Stenson Families-our hearts are breaking for you all. May memories of happy times help you through your grief. Love and prayers. Jeff and Jodi Hunt
Mary Saverina Smith says
Im so sad about Ryan’s passing. We know he’s an angel in Heaven now. He comes from wonderful families. I am very close to the Stenson family and wish i could be with them at this time of grief. God bless and keep you. All my love and prayers! Mary
Paul & Carolyn Dillon says
Paul and I are so sad about Ryan’s sudden passing. Cherish all of the memories mentioned in his beautiful obituary. And, as others have said, we are here for you in whatever way we can assist you thru this time of grief and in the future.
Kasey Smith says
My heart is breaking for you. May God grant you his grace and peace during this time. Know we are praying for you all.
Tom & Nancy Wheeler says
Tom & Nancy Wheeler says
We are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers asking the Lord to being you ALL Comfort, Peace and Strength for each need you face during this most difficult time.
Our Most Sincere Sympathy!
Cherie Garlish says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Cherie and Dick Garlish
Gene and Tammy Jense says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Stenson family💔
Patsy Callahan says
Stenson Family our hearts go out to you all .
We are so sorry for your loss 💔
You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻
Pat and Patsy Callahan
Fiina Heinze says
Our thoughts and prayers go to all the Hicks family, love you all. Know that we are here for all of you Love the Freeman’s
Sherry Williamson says
I love you all so much! I pray for your hearts to heal in the memories of this amazing young man. I so remember his love of Gracie and his family!! I am honored to have met and somewhat know Ryan. I wish I could take your pain. God is there to help.
Ron Petritz says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Stenson family. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Nikki Brady says
Sending the whole family love and prayers. Such a tragic loss for all of you. Ryan was an amazing young man. May God Give you comfort in as you share your memories of Ryan and help you through this most difficult time. Much love RIP Ryan
Bill and Jackie Haller says
To the Stenson Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill and Jackie Haller
Susan Doran says
Sincere sympathy to all of the Stenson families, especially to John, Heather and Zack. We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Ryan. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Sending you healing prayers for strength and courage in the days ahead for you. God Bless you all… hugs. 🙏💔
Sincerely, Susan and Gary Doran & Family
Becky & John Hubley says
So sorry for all the heartache and pain you are going through. Keeping you and your family in our prayers!
connie bennett says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincer synpathy to astrengthll te family. Wishing you lots of love and peace, strehgth and healing.
Janeece August says
I don’t know you or your son, but my heart is broken for all of you. Sending you my condolences, love, and prayers for comfort and healing in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. Ryan sounds like he was an amazing soul. This tragedy has touched all of us in Butte and I know we will all continue to pray for your family. Rest easy with the Lord, Ryan. You will be forever missed.
Patsy Durham says
My heart breaks for your family.