Feb. 4, 2002 ~ Feb. 20, 2026
Ethan Ryan, 24, of Littlefield, Texas, entered eternal life on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. He was born on February 4, 2002, in Littlefield, Texas to Michelle Renee Vargas.
Ethan was born and raised in Littlefield, Texas. He graduated from Littlefield High School with the class of 2020. Ethan formed a huge bond with his classmates. Ethan loved when there were family gatherings or celebrations. The countless laughs and memories made with Ethan will forever be treasured by his family. Ethan brought light, energy, and joy into the lives of those he encountered. If you knew Ethan, he did not prefer silence and wanted his surroundings to be full of sound from conversations, laughter, and music. Ethan was a music lover and one of his favorite artists to listen to was George Strait. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his boy cousins because they were rowdy and made him laugh. To them, they were just being boys, but to Ethan, they were building his portfolio of memories that he would cherish for a lifetime. A loud environment meant he was included in the life that was happening with and around him. Ethan was full of enthusiasm and spirit. Among some of his favorite things to do, Ethan loved going to pep rallies and basketball games. He was a proud supporter of the Littlefield Wildcats.
In addition to his enthusiastic spirit, Ethan was adventurous. Being pushed fast in his chair gave him a thrill and showed his fearless excitement. Swimming was another activity that Ethan enjoyed because he was able to feel free with little limitation. Ethan appreciated many things in life that are often overlooked. Furthermore, he found so much excitement and happiness in riding the school bus. His favorite part was riding in the back. Ethan loved the open road and ventures associated with all of the stops made while being on a school bus. If his eyes could tell the stories of all the sites he was able to see while being on the school bus or going on a family drive, everyone would start paying more attention to the life happening right in front of them.
Ethan had a joyful soul that gave peace to many hearts and touched countless lives. He treated everyone with kindness and without judgement. His attributes taught those around him the importance of compassion and acceptance of one another. Ethan was impressionable and picked up on how much compassion and love can impact a life because his mom, Michelle, made sure he received the most love and best care in all aspects of his life. Ethan's spirit was loving, vibrant, and his impact will be everlasting and will remain forever a memory in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Michelle Renee Vargas and Jessie Ortiz of Littlefield, Texas; his three sisters, Tricia Torres of Lubbock, Texas, Alyssa Torres of Littlefield, Texas and Jasmine Ortiz of Littlefield, Texas; his brother, Jessie Ortiz, Jr. of Littlefield, Texas; several cousins; his aunts and uncles, Carolina and Fernando Barrio of Littlefield, Texas, Richard and Elizabeth Cano of Odessa, Texas, Danny and Maryanne Vargas of Jacksonville, Florida, Faith Garcia of Earth, Texas, Gabrielle and Tino Garcia of Earth, Texas; uncle and aunt Johnny and Cruz Vargas of Littlefield, Texas; his grandmother, Savina Garcia of Earth, Texas, and his beloved dog, Bruno.
Ethan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Daniel and Beatrice Vargas; and his cousin, Patric Barrio.
A memorial Mass service for Ethan Ryan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Littlefield, Texas with Father Jeff Church officiating. Rosary service is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Grace Chapel within the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas.