Matias David Gaona

Matias David Gaona was born into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Though his time on Earth was brief, Matias brought with him a quiet joy and filled the hearts of his family with love and anticipation. He was deeply loved by his parents, Edgar David and Emily Ruth (Peterson) Gaona, and his siblings Todriyana, Isabella, Amelia, and Joseph, who were all eager to welcome him into their lives. His arrival was also celebrated by his maternal grandparents, Darrell and Leslie Peterson, and paternal grandparents, Arturo and Alejandra Gaona, as well as his aunts and uncles: Lizbeth (Elijah) Carter, Iveth (Robbie) Hoskinson, Rachel (Chris) Knafel, Arturo Gaona Jr. (fiancé Suzie Petrossi), and Kyle (Jessica) Peterson. Matias now joins his infant sister in the arms of Jesus, Lilliana Gaona, who preceded him in passing in November of 2023. We find comfort in believing they are together in a place of perfect peace, held in God’s eternal embrace.

In his short life, Matias was surrounded by warmth, love, and hope. His presence left a lasting imprint on our hearts, and his memory will forever be a source of quiet strength and comfort.

Matias was laid to rest during a private family service at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart. To honor his life and the hope he brought, a Celebration of Life will be held beginning at 5pm on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Lifeline Youth Ministries, 2721 Prairie St, Elkhart, IN 46517, where his family will gather to share words of faith, healing, and remembrance.

Cruz Family Funeral Home of Osceola has been entrusted with his care.

Though we held him in our arms for only a moment, we will carry him in our hearts for a lifetime. To light a virtual candle or share a message of comfort with the Gaona family please follow the links on the Guestbook tab above.

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