Raphael Valdez Ruiz

Raphael Valdez Ruiz, 42, of Topeka, passed away on January 9, 2022.

He was born in Topeka, Kansas on May 30, 1979, the son of Michael and Irene (Valdez) Ruiz.  He was a 1997 graduate of Highland Park High School.

Raphael worked as a Warehouse Associate for Walmart.

He loved music, especially his favorite band 311, and enjoyed painting.  He was an avid KU Fan and a soccer fan of the Chelsea Football Club.

Raphael married Chairity Walden in Las Vegas on March 11, 2018.  She survives.  He is also survived by a step-son Matthew Walter, his father Michael Ruiz of Topeka, his grandfather Lee Valdez of Topeka, and two brothers, Michael Lee Valdez of Topeka and Angelo Michael Ruiz (Michele Berendsen) of Lawrence.  He was preceded in death by his mother Irene Ruiz on May 20, 2017.

Raphael will lie in state on Sunday, January 16^th, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.  Due to COVID 19 and his father’s health the family asks that when you come to visit that you wear a mask and limit the amount of time spent with the family.  Cremation will follow.  A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.