Ryan Matthew Steward

Ryan Steward, age 21, died December 19, 2013, at his Albuquerque home following a life-long illness. He received his angel wings while in the loving arms of his mother, comforted by his father, brother, sister-in-law and his faithful companion dog, Duke, who was a gift to Ryan from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ryan is survived by his father and mother, Brad and Lori Steward; his brother and his brother's wife, Michael and Katelynn Steward of Albuquerque; his grandparents, Jim and Shirley Steward of Albuquerque and Donald Heise of Westminster, California; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Ryan was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ila Heise of Westminster, California. With Ryan's passing we are reminded that life is a precious and fragile gift and should be celebrated each day. Although he will be missed terribly every day, especially his bright eyes and beautiful smile, he will be forever in our hearts. For Ryan, the smallest gains were a triumph, and although Ryan never had sight and could never walk or talk, he positively impacted our family and many others who witnessed the strength and courage he exhibited as he faced exceptional challenges every day of his life. As we grieve the loss of our precious Ryan, we are comforted by our faith and the knowledge that he is now free from pain and suffering and in the loving arms of Christ. As a family we are grateful to the many caring medical professionals who have provided care and support to Ryan throughout his life. We are especially thankful for Ryan's long-time loving home nurses, Nettie and Bonnie. We have also been blessed by the UNMH Mariposa Pediatric Hospice Team, in particular, Cynthia, who provided compassionate care to Ryan and our family in the last part of Ryan's life. A service to celebrate Ryan's life will be held on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 5:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 10000 Spain Road NE, Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ryan's memory to Joni & Friends, a Christian disability organization; joniandfriends.org; PO BOX 3333, Agoura Hills, CA and/or New Mexico Make-A-Wish Foundation; newmexico.wish.org, 144 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Please indicate "Ryan Steward - Albuquerque" in the memo section of your check or on-line donation. newmexico.wish.org New Mexico Make-A-Wish Foundation 144 Louisiana Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87108 joniandfriends.org Joni and Friends P.O. Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376-3333 FRENCH – Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400