Matthew Rees Peters

Matthew Rees Peters died late Saturday morning, May 18, 2013 at Phoenix Children's Hospital following an 8 month battle with cancer. He was 17. Matthew was born on Wednesday, October 25, 1995 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona to his parents, Michael Rees and Susie (Porter) Peters. Matthew was a junior at Gilbert High School and was well liked by everyone. He loved to play volleyball and was a member of Gilbert High School's Boys Varsity Volleyball Team. He was an excellent player and was a natural leader who brought out the best in the other members of his team. Due to his illness and subsequent treatments, Matthew was not able to play in the State Playoffs, nonetheless, he was a true inspiration to everyone who was there; both on the court and in the stands. During the third game of the playoffs, as Matthew was fighting for his life in the hospital, several hundred people from the stands were shouting "Win for Matthew"; which became the mantra for rest of the game. People loved this young man. Matthew was a member of the Crossroads Park Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gilbert, Arizona. He served as the 1st Assistant to the Bishop in his Priest Quorum. His influence and inspiration at church would bring many to tears as he continued so willingly and lovingly participate with his priesthood responsiblities. Matthew was an example of what a young man should be, was a great brother to his brother and sisters, and was a loving and obedient son to his parents. Matthew is survived by his parents, Mike and Susie Peters of Gilbert, Arizona; 3 siblings: Jenelle (Sakeri) Barba of Gilbert, Arizona, Elder Chad Peters who is serving in the Malaga Spain Mission of the LDS Church and Hannah Peters of Gilbert, Arizona. The visitation for Matthew will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the Gilbert Greenfield Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2740 S. Lindsay Road in Gilbert, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Stake Center where additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street in Mesa.