Lance Corporal Gabriel Manuel Ruiz Valles of the United States Marine Corps, age 19, died on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Menifee, California in Riverside County.

He was born on February 18, 2005, in Liberal, Kansas, to Salvador Ruiz Flores and Claudia Erika (Valles) Ruiz.

Lance Corporal Ruiz graduated from high school in Liberal, Kansas in 2022 and joined the United States Marine Corps.

He loved spending time with his family and his Marine brothers and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his parents, Salvador and Erika Ruiz of Liberal, Kansas,

Five brothers, Nathaniel Armendariz and his wife, Cassandra of Liberal, Kansas, Marco Espinoza of San Diego, California, Jacob Espinoza of Liberal, Kansas, Salvador Ruiz, Jr. of Liberal, Kansas, and Daniel Ruiz of Liberal, Kansas,

Sister, Emily Ruiz Valles of Liberal, Kansas,

Grandmother, Maria de la Luz Flores,

Grandmother, Maria Romero of Liberal, Kansas,

Grandfather, Andy Romero of Wichita, Kansas,

Four nephews, Logan, Aiden, Tidas, and Ares,

Niece, Mia.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Salvador Ruiz.

Visitation will be 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and

1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Fellowship Baptist, 310 W. Pancake, Liberal, Kansas with Pastor Tyler Prater presiding.

An interment will follow at Restlawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Fellowship Baptist Church in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com