Ryan Varela

Ryan Joseph Varela, age 29, died on April 2, 2016 in Marble Falls, Texas. He was born in Austin and lived much of his life in Pflugerville where he attended Pflugerville High School. He was the second child of Helen Ranee Varela and Christopher Joseph Varela.

Ryan loved everything outdoors, sports, and camping. Growing up he excelled in baseball and BMX bicycle racing. He also had a passion for music. Always the prankster, he had a wonderful sense of humor and was very compassionate and sensitive. He loved to laugh and play with his nieces and nephews, and towards the end had finally connected with his amazing two year old daughter, Rachel.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, G.W. Higginbotham, who was an inspiration and father-like figure throughout Ryan’s life. Also great-grandmothers Pauline Higginbotham of Luling, TX and Rosetta Sheffield of Bertram, TX.

He is survived by Helen Ranee Varela, his mother, and her husband John D. Hietala of Austin, TX. Christopher Joseph Varela, his father, of Marble Falls, TX. His beautiful daughter, Rachel May Smith of Marble Falls, TX. His grandmothers Betty Olin of Kerrville, TX and Joyce McCormick of Bertram, TX. His brother Randy Varela with wife Heather and their children, Rylan, Hadlee, Rowan, Harper, and Hazel. His brother Daven T. Hietala. His uncle G.W. Higginbotham Jr. of Kerrville, TX, and his aunt and uncle Teresa and David Avery of Bertram, TX. Plus numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins who all loved him very much.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 9th, 2016 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North IH35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization at www.theherofoundation.org.