Matthew Lee Ybarra

Was an Arizona Native, born in Glendale, Arizona, on February 07, 1991.

Matthew’s life was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a friend, but to each person who loved him, he was so much more. He was someone who left an impression simply by being himself, and his absence will be felt in countless ways, both big and small.

He is survived by his only son, Liam Risen, his older brother, Michael Ybarra, his two little sisters; Michelle Dunbar and Danielle Ormerod, his little brother Jacob Ybarra, his father Guillermo “Willie” Ybarra, and his wife Carol Ybarra, brother in laws, Michael Ormerod, and Alano “Tony” Dunbar, his many nieces and nephews, his Grandfather Guillermo, and his one true love Shirley Sue Risen.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Angela Davis, his brother Joshua Ybarra, and his Grandma Judy Ybarra.

Matthew had such a passion for life. He loved music, writing, gaming, sitting at a lake fishing, and spending time with his family, whether that be here, in Arizona, or in Wichita, Kansas. He found happiness in the moments that brought people together—the conversations, the laughter, the shared experiences, and the memories that become treasured long after the moment has passed.

Matty was compassionate, empathetic, loving, generous, joyous, and kind. He cared deeply for the people in his life and had a heart that made room for others. He could find joy in the simple things, and those who shared those moments with him will forever have pieces of him woven into their own memories.

For his family, some of the hardest days ahead will be the ordinary ones—the days when there is a story to tell, a song to hear, a familiar place to visit, or a moment when they instinctively wish they could pick up the phone and share it with him. Yet those moments will also be reminders of the love that will always remain.

His son, Liam, will carry forward a part of Matthew that can never be lost. Through Liam, through his family, through his nieces and nephews, and through all those who loved him, Matthew’s presence will continue to touch lives. The love he gave will continue to be passed from one generation to the next.

Matthew understood that remembering someone is one of the greatest ways we can continue to honor them. He would want his family and friends to continue to follow in which he preached when one is presented with the loss of a loved one in which he said,

“Just remember, if you don’t talk about them, they pass away twice.” Keep his memory alive by speaking his name often, sharing your memories, telling his stories, laughing about the good times, sharing his favorite bands, and songs, and loving him.

So, speak his name.

Talk about Matthew. Tell the stories that make you laugh. Share the memories that bring tears to your eyes. Play the music he loved. Remember the places he enjoyed and the people he held close. Tell Liam about his father. Remind his nieces and nephews of their uncle. Let the people who come after him know who Matty was and how deeply he was loved.

Because a life is never measured only by the years someone was given. It is measured by the love they left behind, the lives they touched, and the memories that continue to live on.

Matthew may no longer be here in the way we wish he could be, but he will always be here in the stories we tell, the memories we cherish, the laughter we share, and the love we carry.

He was loved.

He is missed.

And he will never be forgotten.

Until we meet again, rock on, Matty.