Makenzie Elisabeth Rybarski received her beautiful blue angel wings and went Home to be with God on February 13, 2021, while surrounded by the love of her parents, sister, and brother. Makenzie was born on June 22, 1995, in Austin, Texas, and was the oldest of three children born to Chris and Laurel Rybarski.
Makenzie graduated from Liberty Hill High School in 2013, then attended the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired from 2014-2017.
Makenzie was diagnosed at the age of 15 with a devastating and rare disorder called MPAN, after having suffered symptoms since the age of 12, and battled the crushing effects of the disorder until her passing. Even as her disorder progressed and her days became harder, this sweet girl was still only able to see the good in her life. Makenzie never had a “bad day”, and she was always her family’s shining light when they got home each day. Whenever her family asked how her day was, she would always smile and reply, “Great, as always!”
Makenzie was a “Daddy’s girl” from day one and they always shared a very special bond. Makenzie was her Mom’s “wing-woman” and they went almost everywhere together. Makenzie was a big sister, first and foremost; Makenzie loved and idolized her siblings, and they doted over her and loved her in return.
Makenzie loved getting out and about; it never mattered to her where she was going, so long as she went. Makenzie was a great companion because she was easy-going and enjoyed life.
Makenzie enjoyed listening to and singing country music songs. Her favorite artist was George Strait and she knew the words to almost all of his songs, with her favorite being “Baby Blue”.
Makenzie delighted in going to the beach and snow skiing, both of which are family favorite vacations. When at the beach, Makenzie enjoyed riding the waves in an inner tube — the bigger the waves, the harder the laughs. When snow skiing, she was always thrilled to be able to ski with her family, with the help of the instructors and a Bi-Ski at Ski Apache Adaptive Sports. Makenzie wasn’t afraid of anything and lived her life to the fullest; and her Mom and Dad ensured, to the best of their ability, that she was able to do just that.
Makenzie was an avid Texas Stars hockey fan and relished going to the games with her family. She thrived on the atmosphere of the arena and was always excited to give her Dad the traditional “high-five” when the Stars scored.
Makenzie was happy, positive, forgiving, never met a stranger, and loved truly and unconditionally. She had a contagious personality, brightened any room she entered, and always left a lasting impression on anyone she met. Makenzie touched the hearts of so many; moreover, because of her, the Rybarski family was able to meet and bring into their lives many wonderful and warm-hearted individuals. Makenzie’s family is thankful and honored that God entrusted her to them to care for and experience her journey together. They wouldn’t have wanted their lives to be any other way and believe they are better people because of her. Makenzie is, without a doubt, one of the best things that ever happened to them. Makenzie will be loved, missed, and in our hearts, now and forever! “So here’s to you and whoever holds our baby blue tonight…”
Makenzie continues to be loved and cherished by her parents, Chris and Laurel Rybarski, little sister Kendall, and little brother Lane, as well as many other family members, including: grandparents Steve and Joy Rybarski, Elizabeth Lee, and Freeman (Mitch) and Gale Mitchell; uncles and aunts Kevin and Sarah Rybarski, Robert and Kris Mitchell, and Wayne and Barbara Mitchell; cousins, Tye Rybarski, Daniel Rybarski, Garrett and Sarah Mitchell, Caden Mitchell, Kendra Mitchell, Dawson Mitchell, Walker Mitchell and Reese Mitchell; and long-time caregivers, Mary Mapel, Angelica Williams, and Vanessa DeAbreu.
Makenzie was preceded in death by her uncle David Mitchell, great-grandmother, Billie Marie Jasinski, and many other relatives, who were all at Heaven’s Gate to greet her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 28th, at 3:00pm at Fellowship Church, 3600 Ranch Rd 1869, Liberty Hill, Texas, with Steve Shaver officiating. The service will be live-streamed, beginning at 2:45pm, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fellowshiplh or YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUFiYmJIhRAdE4DIMImWrkw.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ski Apache Adaptive Sports, to allow others like Makenzie to experience the joy and freedom of snow skiing. Any such donation will go toward the purchase of a Bi-Ski and other adaptive equipment. The donation link is: www.skiapacheadaptivesports.com/Makenzie.
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