Matthew R. Rayl

Matthew Roger Rayl was a man with an enormous heart who was taken from us too soon.

Born November 10th, 1990, Matt stole everyone’s hearts from his first breath with his blonde hair, big blue eyes, and playful innocence and continued to captivate all that loved him for eternity after he took his last ride on July 6th, 2023. He was genuinely one of the good ones, who was full of spunk, adventure, and love. If you were lucky enough to truly know Matt you knew how generous, passionate, and sensitive he was. He cared so deeply about his family and friends, being faithful and gentle in the most special way. Matt was proud of where he came from and the things he did and always strived to do more for the people that he loved. He was kind and patient and possessed such an understanding of all those he knew. Matt was sentimental and heartfelt. He was wise beyond his years and a blessing to all who knew him.

Matt lived his life to its fullest doing the things he was the most passionate about. He enjoyed a round of golf and a ride on his bike. Matt was a devoted Eagles fan and always made sure his sneaker game was on point. Matt kept everyone on their toes…he was fearless, fun, clever, and intelligent. He lived in everything he did and felt everything to his core fearlessly.

Two years ago Matt found his greatest joy and purpose when he became a father to the light of his life, Cash Matthew Rayl. Matt adored Cash and took pride in sharing many adventures with his son. Matt was the best father a little boy could ever ask for, he made the most of every minute they had together, never taking for granted the little things like playing in the snow, a day in the sun or just spending time together watching golf, lacrosse, or football. Matt loved his son with all his heart and will be loving and protecting him fiercely from above.

Matt intensely felt the loss of those that left before him and will now be reunited and welcomed with arms wide open by them all, including Grandpa Snapp, Grandma & Grandpa DuBrava, Uncle George, Thornton, and brothers Josh & Zach as well as other close friends.

Matt is survived at home by his son, best friend, and greatest legacy Cash Matthew Rayl as well as his soulmate and wife, Ashley. Cash and Ashley’s lives forever changed. He leaves behind his parents and biggest fans, Susan & Mike DuBrava; his sister and greatest supporter Kristin & Ben Hanggi. His niece Kaelynn and nephews Gideon and Caleb who will forever feel a void left by the loss of their uncle. Also surviving are his Grandma Nellie Snapp, Aunt Dorene Hill, Uncle Glenn Snapp (Mary), Uncle Rick DuBrava, Uncle Steve DuBrava, and the cousin crew of Amanda (Shoey), Russ (Jessica), Mackenzie (Ian), Mary Elizabeth, Allee, Hailey, Nate, Talan, Pat, Anthony, Brantlee, Alicia (Marshall) Morehouse, Travis, Leslie, Kyle, and Paul DuBrava, Mike and Amy Eldred who will treasure all the special times they had together. Matt’s grandparents Beth and Bob Brownlee and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Kansas and beyond. In-laws Amy Cobb & Fred Brandon, Brother-In-Law Hunter Brandon, Grandparent-In-Laws Sandy and Ken Cobb all who adored him and have a special place in their hearts for him. Matt had many close friends…Clayton, Joe, Matty P, and Justin to name a few that he held close but if you knew Matt you knew he was a friend to everyone and all the people that were in his life had a special place in his heart.

So many words have been left unspoken and so many plans left undone….say those words, take that ride, hit that mud, play that round of golf, and fly that flag as Matt proudly did on his Jeep…all with Matt in your heart.

Celebration of Life will be held July 30, at Dryden Lake, details to follow.