Emily Becker (Peterson) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, after a courageous six-year battle with breast cancer.

Born on July 12, 1974, in Humboldt County, Emily spent her entire life in the place she loved most. She attended Cutten Elementary, Winship Junior High, and graduated from Eureka High School in 1992. During high school, she excelled at volleyball but chose to devote her junior and senior years entirely to showing her beloved horse, Cricket. Given to her at the age of eight, Cricket became Emily’s lifelong best friend and partner. Together they competed throughout Humboldt County, ultimately winning the California State Horsemen’s Association (CSHA) statewide championship in 1992 — a title no other Humboldt County rider has achieved.

After high school, Emily attended Humboldt State University, where she earned her degree in Natural Resources Interpretation in 1997. Following graduation, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a California State Park Ranger after completing training at the California Police Academy in Asilomar. Emily was proud to serve as a Park Ranger at Humboldt Redwoods State Park, a place that held her heart. She was known for her engaging campfire programs, guided hikes, and dedication to running Cuneo Creek Horse Camp. She also led the Mounted Assistance Unit, blending her love of horses with her commitment to public service.

Emily’s compassion extended to all animals — she rescued countless dogs, cats, and even horses throughout her life. She had a generous spirit, never missing a loved one’s birthday and often gifting roses from her own garden.

In December 2007, Emily met the love of her life, Kristofer Becker. Together, they built a beautiful family, welcoming their children, Tabitha and Isaac, who became the center of her world. Emily devoted herself to motherhood, cheering on her kids at every activity, planning family adventures, and creating lasting memories through their many travels and camping trips. She loved cooking for her family and was, by all accounts, one of the best around.

Emily will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, her devotion to family and animals, and her deep love of nature and the redwoods that surrounded her home.

Emily is survived by her husband, Kris Becker, and their two children, Tabitha and Isaac Becker; her mother Robin Haynes and stepfather Chris Haynes; her father Jay Peterson; her sisters Erin Peterson and Cyndi Fischer; her brother Jamey Fischer; her parents-in-law Gerrie and Hannes Becker; her sister-in-law Sonja Becker; her brother-in-law Erik Becker; and many beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Emily’s life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations in Emily’s memory may be made to a favorite animal rescue, Hospice of Humboldt, or a California State Park that holds special meaning.