U'Riel Andreas Aranza

U'Riel (Buddy) Andreas Aranza, 23, of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away on August 10, 2026, in Corning, AR.

U'Riel was born on January 3, 2003, to Vicente Aranza-Ortega and Jennifer Lynn Montgomery Ortega in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

At 23 years old, Buddy beautifully embodied the very best of both worlds of his heritage. He carried a deep love for his family, a fierce loyalty to his friends, and a vibrant spirit that lit up every room. He found his greatest joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life-whether he was lost in a video game, laughing with those he cared about, or spending time with his faithful dog, Snowball.

In our grief, we hold onto the profound Mexican tradition that those we love never truly leave us; their spirits remain woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Buddy brought two cultures together in his warmth, his laughter, and his love. We will honor his Mexican American roots by keeping his memory alive, celebrating the incredible man he became, and carrying him in our hearts forever.

Buddy is survived by his parents, Jennifer Montgomery and Vicente Aranza-Ortega; stepmother, Michele Ortega; siblings, Vicente Aranza and Sheila (Devon) Klein; grandmother, Anna Marie Ortega; step grandparents, Rickie and Donna Rice; his highschool sweetheart, Shelby Lutes and many cousins and other family members that will miss him dearly.

Buddy was preceded in death by grandmother, Edith Evelyn Montgomery, grandfathers, Clifford Milbert Montgomery and Bartelo Aranza; and uncle Bobby Montgomery.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 10:30am-1:00pm at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff, MO.

Funeral services will follow beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will take place at Ash Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services to aid in the cost of services.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of U'Riel "Buddy" Andreas Aranza. Online condolences can be made to www.cwrfcs.com