Ryker Havens celebrated for deep faith and loving heart

Ryker Havens received his healing, but not in the way his family was praying he would be healed.

Ryker passed away on February 12, one day after his 11th birthday, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. Ryker was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in the summer of 2023 and was given two to three months to live. After undergoing treatment at St Jude's in Memphis, Ryker returned to Branson, traveling to Memphis once per month for follow-up visits. Late last summer Ryker's family was given devastating news.

"They said there was nothing more they could do for him - to take him home and make him comfortable," explained Teresa Havens, Ryker's grandmother.

That's just what his family did. Ryker's father, entertainer Chance Havens, was his son's full-time caretaker, along with help from Ryker's grandparents, Elton and Teresa. They took care of his physical needs, as well as his spiritual needs.

One of Ryker's favorite things was attending church, arriving 30 minutes early so he could make the rounds and hug everyone prior to the beginning of service. Ryker and his family had a strong faith and trusted God for his healing.

"We lost our precious Ryker this morning," said Teresa in a February 12 Facebook post. "I knew he would be healed, but we wanted him on this side of heaven."

Friends, family and community members flocked to Ryker's beloved Friendly Baptist Church for a Celebration of Life for the young boy on February 14, as they honored the young man with a deep faith, loving heart and sweet spirit.

"When I first met Ryker, it was at church," said Branson resident Valerie Seitz, who attended church with Ryker and his family. "He found out I had cancer and came and introduced himself and told me he was my brother in cancer. He soon wanted to go forward and join the church and be baptized, and his brothers and sisters in cancer went with him. He then told me I was his sister in Christ, as well. He was wise beyond his years and cared for others more than self. My motto through cancer was 'Either way, I win,' and though Ryker's outcome isn't what we prayed for, he won. He's seated with Jesus in heavenly places, and no one deserves it more." 

Brian Seitz, State Representative for District 156, added, "Ryker was a charming, sensitive and empathetic young man who enjoyed life. He and my wife, Valerie, bonded over their mutual cancer struggle, and he was always quick with a hug and a smile. He and I loved to talk about superheroes. His favorite, when he spoke to me, was the Miles Morales Spider Man. Ryker had a strong profession of faith in Jesus Christ."

Seitz also offered some words of comfort for Ryker's family and all who loved him.

Said Seitz, "Matthew 19:14 states 'But Jesus said, suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Ryker's family wishes to thank the community and our Branson Globe readers for their prayers, encouragement and cards sent to Ryker.  

"He lived 17 months longer than he should have, because of all the prayers, cards, etc.," noted Ryker's grandmother, Teresa. "Thank you all."