Ryan Jeffrey Willett

An alumnus of Hillcrest High School and Northern Illinois University, Ryan dedicated over 20 years of his life to education, coaching, and mentorship. As a special needs educator, he worked tirelessly to help his students develop essential life skills to prepare them for adulthood.

Throughout a distinguished coaching career, he produced several state and national champions across multiple sports and organizations. His impact spanned the Dolton Bears, Robbins Eagles, Renegade Wrestling (which he co-founded alongside his sister, Leah), Warehouse Athletics, dixmoor vikings, mean streets, Chicago braves and Renegade Baseball. Most recently, he served as a coach at Buckeye Union High School, where he guided student-athletes across baseball, tennis, football, and girls' wrestling. His passion and commitment empowered countless young people, many of whom can regularly be seen competing on national platforms today.

Driven by a shared heart for service, Ryan and his wife, Lizz, established a non-profit organization to carry on their beloved holiday tradition of feeding those experiencing homelessness, expanding their efforts to offer additional support services for individuals in need.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ruben Frazier; his brothers, Ruben and Dion; his grandparents, Robert and Cliffie Payne; and his grandchild, Melani Kai.

His memory will be cherished forever by his loving family:

Wife: Louise Lizz Willett

Mother: Rosalind Willett

Children: Maurice, Corey, Ryan, Kaliyah, Isaiah, Marzhane, and Ryleigh

Grandchildren: Sanaa, Omari, Milan, Ryan, Mason, Rylen, Marz, Lloyal, Rashaun, Zaylynn, and Nia

Siblings: Theresa (Brian), Yvette (Johnny), Marvin (Lolita), and Leah (Terry)

Special Family: Bonus Mom Marie Griffin (affectionately known as "Nana"), and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Throughout a distinguished coaching career, he produced several state and national champions across multiple sports and organizations. His impact spanned the Dolton Bears, Robbins Eagles, Renegade Wrestling (which he co-founded alongside his sister, Leah), Warehouse Athletics, Dixmoor Vikings, Mean Streets, Chicago Braves, and Renegade Baseball—which he founded. Most recently, he served as a coach at Buckeye Union High School, where he guided student-athletes across baseball, tennis, football, and girls' wrestling. His passion and commitment empowered countless young people, many of whom can regularly be seen competing on national platforms today.

Driven by a shared heart for service, Ryan and his wife, Lizz, established the non-profit organization Ruthie's Cliff. Through this organization, they expanded their efforts to offer support services for individuals in need and carried on their beloved tradition of feeding those experiencing homelessness on Christmas mornings.

A Viewing & Visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, Arizona 85338, on July 30, 2026, beginning at 4:00 pm. Followed by a Wake held at Grace Fellowship Church 6500 S. Miller Road Buckeye, AZ 85326, with a service taken place at 12:30 pm, by Darryl Morrison.

In Lieu of flowers.

Please donate to https://ruthiescliff.org/home/