Matthew Ryan Burney, 20, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, April 3, 2023.
He was born on March 1, 2003 in Alliance to Steven and Idonna (Thompson) Burney. He graduated in 2021 from Alliance High School and was currently employed with UPS. Matthew enjoyed working at his grandpa’s ranch helping with haying, calving, branding and running all the equipment. He loved fishing and hunting with his dad, where he also learned to love wanting to drive semi’s and wanted practice for getting his CDL. He also greatly enjoyed learning how to cook. He watched and learned from his mom to make yummy meals. His love for his brother was irreplaceable. He was very protective of Caiden, but made sure to make him laugh and kept in constant contact with him. In high school he was involved with FFA, being an Altar Server at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Eagles Club. If anyone knew him they knew he had an infectious smile and jokester mentality. But he also had a care for his beloved Rocky dog and was truly his best companion and also survives him.
He is survived by his mother, Idonna Thompson-Ricketts and her husband Steve of Scottsbluff, his father, Steve Burney of Alliance, his brother, Caiden Burney of Scottsbluff, his grandparents, Denny Thompson and Shari and Louie Leisy of Alliance, his great-grandparents, Joyce Galyen of Alliance, Mackey and Joan Galyen of Spearfish, SD and Pat and Larry Nicodemus of Rapid City, SD. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Shane Thompson and Tim Mittan, Michelle and Vernon Benes, Shea and Lamar Reil, Shawn and Belinda Lawrence and Maria Burney along with numerous cousins and great-aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Carol Thompson, his grandfather, Martin Burney, his great-grandfather, Don Burney and his uncle, Eric Burney.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 1- 6 p.m. with the family being present from 1-3 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
A memorial for Matthew has been established and they may be sent in care of Consumers Cooperative Federal Credit Union, 217 Toluca Ave., P.O. Box 836, Alliance, NE 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.