Matthew David Apodaca

Matthew David Apodaca, 22, of Tolleson, Arizona passed away December 27th, 2021 peacefully with family by his side. Matthew was born on December 5th, 1999 to Rodolfo Apodaca and Olga Magdaleno in Kansas City, Missouri where he spent all of his life until moving to Arizona earlier this year to be with his sister, Melannie.

Matthew was preceded in death by his father, Rodolfo "Rudy" Gonzales Apodaca III, niece Evelyn Rae, grandfather, Jorge Enrique Magdaleno and grandmother Linda Dudley. Survivors include Matthew's momma, Olga Cecilia Magdaleno-McClintic, step father, Nathan T Dudley, sister, Melannie Lira, brother in law, Alejandro Lira, two nieces, Isabella Marie and Adalyn Cecilia and his nephew, Leon Alejandro. Matthew also leaves behind his grandparents, David and Elvira Mendez, grandmother, Edna McClintic, as well as several aunts, uncles cousins and so many friends.

Matthew was full of energy and loved to do anything that included spending time with those he loved. When he was alone he enjoyed reading, writing stories, art work and napping. When he was with loved ones, he enjoyed being outdoors and taking pictures of everything. He enjoyed playing corn hole, darts, soccer and video games. As an adult, he still enjoyed having sleepovers with all of his friends, staying up all night playing games, laughing and of course, trying to find a plunger for whatever toilet Matthew clogged that time. No matter who he was with or where he was, his favorite thing to do was dance! He loved music and loved to put on a performance for whoever wanted to watch or join in. Matthew lit up the room anywhere he went. He was always happy, always smiling and so full of love that you could feel it the second he came near you, which was usually to either give you a bear hug, steal your snacks, or both. To know Matthew is to love Matthew. I think everyone that knew him could agree that we were blessed to have him in our lives. He will be deeply missed, but I know for sure he was welcomed into heaven by those that got there before him with open arms and I can't imagine the celebration they're having.

"When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to love with the love they left behind."