Chase Ryan Phoenix Savage

It is with profound sadness and endless love that we announce the passing of our beloved son, Chase Ryan Phoenix Savage, age 12.

Chase’s life began with unimaginable challenges after suffering injuries from shaken baby syndrome as an infant. Yet those challenges never defined who he was. Chase was a fighter, a teacher, and a source of joy whose life touched countless people. Through every obstacle, he showed a strength and resilience far beyond his years.

Though Chase was nonverbal, those who knew him best understood his language perfectly. His smiles, laughter, expressions, and bright eyes communicated more than words ever could. His joy was contagious, and his sweet spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Chase loved the things that brought him comfort and happiness. He adored Baby Shark from Super Simple Songs and enjoyed spending time with his tablet, watching his favorite videos. He loved his drum toy, his jungle toy, and playing with his treasured toys while lying on his belly. The simple things in life brought Chase some of his greatest joy.

One of Chase’s happiest places was the barn. He loved being around his horses and found peace, comfort, and excitement in their presence. Hippotherapy became much more than a therapy for Chase—it was a place where he could connect with the world around him in a special way. The barn, the horses, and the people who shared those moments with him brought countless smiles and treasured memories to his life.

Above all else, Chase was deeply loved by his family. His siblings adored him, and his family devoted their lives to ensuring he knew comfort, happiness, dignity, and unconditional love every single day.

Chase faced more medical challenges in his twelve years than most people face in a lifetime. Yet through it all, he taught those around him lessons about perseverance, courage, patience, and unconditional love. He reminded us to celebrate small victories, treasure simple moments, and find joy wherever we can find it.

This past week, Chase was supposed to embark on his long-awaited Make-A-Wish trip, a journey his family had eagerly anticipated. While he never made it to that destination, those who love him find comfort in imagining him now free from every limitation, pain, and struggle—running, exploring, laughing, and experiencing every adventure his heart could desire.

The hole left by Chase’s passing is immeasurable, but so is the love he leaves behind. His laughter, his determination, his bright spirit, and the countless memories he created will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every moment we were blessed to share with Chase. He showed us the meaning of strength, resilience, and unconditional love. His life was a gift, and his memory will live on in every song, every horse’s gentle nuzzle, every joyful laugh, and every act of love inspired by his remarkable spirit.

He is survived by his parents David and Brianne (Booth) Savage; siblings Aidan, Mackenzie and Katelyn Savage; aunts and uncles Andria Booth, Elizabeth Booth, Amy Corson (Shawn), Christopher Savage and John Tokar (Megan); numerous cousins; grandparents Nancy and Dale Booth, Dorothy & Philip Savage; great-grandparents Robert Hopton, Jean Boba, Sheldon Savage and Shirley Savage. He is preceded in death by great-grandparents Irene Hopton, Marie Lowell, Howard Lowell & Annette Savage

A Celebration of Chase’s Life will be held 12:00 pm, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Rittman United Methodist Church, 211 N. Metzger Ave., Rittman, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A Kid Again of Northern Ohio or the Haslinger Family Center For Pediatrics Care Fund. 

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.waitefuneralhome.com.