Quentin Rafael Ruiz

Quentin Rafael Ruiz “Q” “Quints” Q-Man” “Quentina” “Qbamba” “Quie”

Quentin was born August 14, 2003, in the Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley, ID to parents Shilo Smith and Rafael Ruiz. He is survived by his parents Shilo Smith, Rafael Ruiz; siblings Rhiannon (Cole) Peterson, Savannah (Destry) Peters, Kennadey Smith, Ethaniel Ruiz, Elijiah Ruiz; nephews and niece, Kase, Brigham, Mayla, Bentlee; as well as various extended family.

He was preceded in death by his abuelo (grandfather) Valentine Ruiz; uncle, Chuck Smith; and grandma, Penny Smith.

Quentin, being the first-born son and youngest to his three older sisters, was the happiest baby always sporting a big smile and seemed to have a bright energy from the moment he was born. He was often seen climbing the food storage shelves to the very top or leaping off of couches, beds, cribs, and really anything he had set his sights on. This led to two separate arm fractures before he was even old enough to attend school. Quentin’s older sisters loved packing him around, feeding him bottles, changing his diapers, and rocking him in their play cribs as if he was their own baby. He had a special love for spaghetti and would often exclaim “mmmm buuulicious I like it” while covering himself, the highchair, and the floor in marinara sauce and noodles.

When the two youngest boys were born the family had an even split of two trios, three girls followed by three boys. Quentin, Ethaniel, and Elijiah were inseparable and were often referred to as a single unit, “The Boys”. The boys loved running around in their boxers and cowboy boots catching frogs along the canal banks and living the farm life raising various types of animals. They loved tormenting their older sisters on a daily basis. Quentin always claiming innocence but being quick to place the blame on Elijiah. He was notorious for falling asleep on the long bus rides home from school. Most of the time he would get woken up at his stop by one of his siblings but on a couple of occasions he slept all the way to the bus garage only to be discovered by the bus driver at the end of the route. Quentin had the biggest heart from a very young age. Easily making friends wherever he would go. He was only 6 years old when the family decided to move across the river to Heyburn, ID. Here he participated in a variety of sports, 4-H projects, and even took 3rd in Mutton Bustin at the Minidoka fair. Quentin loved fair week. Showing his pigs and goats, running around all week with his siblings and friends, and filling up on all the fair food.

At age 14, Quentin, along with his family moved to Bear Lake, Michigan. He began schooling at Bear Lake schools where he attended from 2018-2021. During his years at Bear Lake, Quentin became close with many of his classmates and teammates. Quentin played football, basketball, and baseball for four years making him a three-sport athlete. This earned him dozens of awards and accolades, but more importantly, he made cherished memories with his friends and his brothers. Quentin had a special love for football and some of his best memories were playing on the same field as his two younger brothers. Even after Quentin graduated high school in May of 2021, he still wanted to be a part of the football team. This led to him being offered a position on the coaching staff. Quentin was an inspiration to those he played with and coached, earning the respect and love from the players and their parents.

After his time at Bear Lake, Quentin began his journey in the gym where he found a passion for maintaining health and fitness. This sparked Quentin’s aspirations of becoming a physical therapist. After some consideration, he decided to pursue an associate’s degree at Northwestern Michigan Community College where his mother teaches psychology. He was even able to take his mother’s class while completing his degree. When he wasn’t busy with coursework, Quentin remained dedicated to his health and spent a lot of his free time in the gym. He took pride in all his hard work and had earned every compliment he received. After two short years of dedication, Quentin graduated with his associate’s degree in science and arts on May 6, 2023. After completing his associates degree, Quentin transferred to Michigan State University in the fall of 2023 to pursue a degree in kinesiology. Quentin loved attending football games and being a part of the Spartan community. He owned a lot of school regalia and wore it proudly during his time at MSU. In December of 2025, Quentin graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. He then moved back home where he focused all his efforts on reaching peak physical and mental health, using fitness as a therapeutic escape.

His ability to remain committed and disciplined to each goal he set is the reason he was able to accomplish so much at such a young age. Quentin valued his time spent with family and friends and always made a big effort to show his support. He often watched sports with his dad, asked him questions about his childhood, and kept him company on long car rides. He enjoyed going horseback riding with his mom, exploring many different trails, and kayaking down the river. When he wasn’t at the gym or exploring the outdoors, he would be found playing video games with his brothers or cooking a high protein meal. Quentin wasn’t the type to stand on the sidelines, he was always living life to the fullest, laughing and dancing with his loved ones. He was known for his passion, love, honesty, forgiveness and positivity and will forever be remembered as a man with a smile so bright it lit up all those around him. Quentin made the most out of his time here with us and always made sure those around him were happy and healthy. He was a genuine soul and never gave up on the people he cared about most. He motivated those around him to be better, the spirit of a coach forever living on in his soul.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, located at 802 F. street, in Rupert, with Deacon Jose Medina as celebrant. A graveside service with urn placement will follow at the Paul Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hansen Mortuary of Rupert.