River was a senior at Massaponax High School, where he was a three-year member of the marching band. He was a counselor at the Spotsylvania County environmental camp. River loved to play Frisbee golf.

Survivors include his father, James Ruth; mother Jessica Ciccocioppo; brother Skylar; sister Destiny; paternal grandparents Harry and Michelle Ruth; maternal grandmother Melanie Dixon; foster parents Kevin and Peggy Fuller; paternal aunt Becky Partin and husband Alan; paternal uncle Michael Ruth and wife Aundrea; maternal aunt Shannon Dixon; maternal uncle Sean Dixon; and numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at Spotswood Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Memorial Park.

A reception will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church All Saints Hall at Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church Thrift Shop, 8951 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, Va. 22553.