Makenzie

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 in 2011 with a devastating disorder, MPAN, and battled it through her middle teen years and into adulthood. Even with everything this sweet girl went through in her life, she was still able to see only the good in her life and in people. Makenzie never had a “bad day”, and she was always her family’s shining light when they got home at the end of each day. When her family asked how her day was, she would always smile and reply with, “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 she wanted to go with her wherever she went. 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, as she was easy-going, went with the flow, and enjoyed every second of life.

Makenzie enjoyed listening to and singing along with George Strait and other country songs, especially “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 Bi-Ski at Ski Apache’s Adaptive Sports. Makenzie wasn’t afraid of anything and lived her life to the fullest, and her Mom and Dad made sure, 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 and brightened any room she entered, and always left a lasting impression on those who she met. Makenzie touched the hearts of so many, and, because of her and her journey, her 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 join in her journey; her parents and siblings feel that they are better people because of her, and she is, without a doubt, one of the best things that could have ever happened to them and they wouldn’t have wanted their lives with her to be any other way. Makenzie will be loved, missed, and in our hearts, now and forever!