Mateo Francisco Rodriguez, five-months old, of Gering, Nebraska, was embraced in Jesus’s arms, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, when he tragically passed away unexpectedly at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at WestWay Christian Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor John Mulholland officiating. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff. Memorials may be made in care of the family and floral orders may be sent to Reverence Funeral Parlor. The service will be live-streamed and recorded to Mateo’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Mateo was born on June 15, 2023, in Scottsbluff to his loving parents, Ricardo Rodriguez Jr. and Jasmine Stands. He was joyfully welcomed by his three older siblings.
The most unique trait of Mateo was that he was always smiling. Throughout the short few months of his life, he was the happiest baby. He was never known to cry unless he was eager for a meal. Mateo was a healthy, growing boy with a big appetite.
Mateo had already developed a very bold and determined personality. He was sitting up sooner than expected and was also alert and aware of his surroundings. Mateo recently celebrated his first Halloween as a cute, little curious skunk who excitedly enjoyed all the sights and sounds of the night out trick or treating.
He loved his brothers and sister who also adored him. His best friend was his younger cousin, Giovanni. Together they would practice tummy time and babble back and forth in conversation with each other. Mateo’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those dearest to him.
Survivors include his parents, Ricardo and Jasmine; siblings, Parker, Caleb, and Luna; paternal grandparents, Ricardo and Nichole (Robinson) Rodriguez; maternal grandparents, Jason and Elisha Marlin; great-grandparents, Alicia and Isabel Rodriguez, Mattie Robinson, and Gene and Maria Naye; aunts and uncles, Casey Robinson, Mercedes (Jesus) Colin, Gabby Rodriguez, Alize Stands, Kaidyn (James Garcia) Stands, Ella Marlin, Amaya Marlin, Kacey (Mark) Vanwinkle, and Dominic Marlin; along with multiple cousins and numerous extended family members.
Mateo was preceded in death by his uncle and aunt, Luca and Char Marlin; great-aunts and great-uncles, Martin and Lolo Rodriguez, Wendy Newberry, Kim Nichols, and James Miller; great-great grandparents, Francisco and Aurora Amaya; and cousin, Steven Blanco Jr.