Matthew James Lewis-Ruiz

Matthew James Lewis-Ruiz, 40, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Coffey County Hospital in Burlington.

He was born May 29, 1983 in Emporia, Kansas the son of Manuel Ruiz, Jr. and Janet Lynn Lewis. Matthew attended Burlington Schools and later Free State High School in Lawrence.

He would later go on to earn his GED.

Matthew was in a serious car accident in 2001 which changed the arch of his life in countless ways. Matthew did his best to remain positive moving forward with the challenge of living in a wheelchair. He was often heard using the phrase “Never Give Up” Matt was known as Ninja to many of his friends.

Matt loved fishing and being with his brother, Scott. Spending time with his Grandpa Lewis, Uncle Bill and his numerous friends was also a favorite pastime for Matt.

In 2010 he moved to Lebo and began attending classes at Flint Hills Vo. Tech.

Matthew will live on in the hearts and memories of his mother, Janet Lewis of Lebo; a daughter, Ayana Gutierrez of Lawrence; a son Miles Mosher of Lawrence; a sister, Heidi Silverman and husband Isaac of Olathe; a brother, Scott Hinton and wife Meagan of Juneau, Alaska; his maternal grandmother, Marjorie Lewis of Lebo; a niece, Mabel Hinton; nephews, Isaac Silverman of Kenosha, WI and Arlo Hinton of Juneau, Alaska; numerous extended family and a community of supportive friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Ruiz Jr.; his maternal grandfather, James C. Lewis; his aunt Janice Allen. He was also preceded in death by an uncle, David Lewis.

Matthew will be cremated and the family will be holding a celebration of his life. Memorial contributions may be made to Life Fund for his Children and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home and Crematory, P.O. Box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.