Our most precious Tatum Noelle passed away Saturday December 22, 2018. Sweet Tate, or TaterTot as we called her, was born December 14, 2011 to Brian and Katie Peterson. She is the youngest of five with 3 older brothers and an older sister. She loved to be around people and music. Although she couldn’t speak in words, she could let us know when she was happy. She loved the breeze on her cheeks and the grass on her toes. Our family loved to sit out in the yard in the summer evenings and enjoy the beautiful weather. Tate was happiest with her family. She was able to go camping and fishing, to concerts and plays, football, soccer and basketball games, boating and on picnics, on walks and 5ks, to church and primary, to family reunions and on road trips. Tate was a huge part of our family and always along for the ride. We all loved to sit by her and to hold her little hand and she would squeeze back. Singing time in Primary was a favorite and the other kids and teachers in her class were always loving, helpful to her. Tate was in first grade at Orchard Hills Elementary and always came home from school so animated. She loved to be in class with the other kids and be a part of the chaos of school and recess. We are so grateful to her teachers, aides, therapists, bus drivers and all those who loved her at school and helped her participate. Her life was full of joy and happiness.

Tatum was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome in her first days of life. She had daily seizures and was mostly blind. We had the privilege to love her through it all and push her in her wheelchair through her days. She always had the best seat and the warmest blankets. Her dad made sure to always warm her toes with her rice bag and would always be the first one up with her in the early mornings. Those were special times for them both. Her mom loved their quiet days together and they were best snuggle buddies and went on lots of shopping trips and outings. Tate’s brothers and sister were especially attentive to her needs and always willing to help care for her every day.

We knew Tate’s life would be shorter. We didn’t know it would be so soon and we miss her terribly. She spent her last week in the hospital, first at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and then at Primary Children’s. So many people came to visit her and called to check on her. We are forever grateful for the loving staff at both hospitals who helped her and us through these hard days. In the end, Tate’s little lungs just couldn’t recover, and she let us know she was tired. Tate passed away in the arms of her loving parents. We will never forget that last opportunity to hold her and kiss her and love her. Our hearts are broken and there is, and always will be, a huge empty space in our lives.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Payson 18th Ward, 482 West 1400 South, Payson. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Payson City Cemetery.