The beloved Patriarch of our family, Eli Jaramillo, 97 years old, of Roy, Utah passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026. He was born on June 17, 1929, in Ouray, Colorado to Santiago Jaramillo and Josefita Montoya. Dad was the 5th of 7 children. He grew up on a farm in Montrose, Colorado where he had many mischievous adventures with his brother Willie. He married Rose Archuleta on June 18, 1955, in Ogden, Utah.

He graduated from Montrose High School and went into the Army at age 21. He served in the Korean War 1951-1953. After coming home from Korea, he began working at Hill AFB where he spent 34 years, retiring in 1987.

Dad was a self-taught fiddle player. He also played the mandolin, bass and accordion. In his 20’s he was with a band called the cousins and they made one record. Many enjoyable and memorable holidays and weekends were spent at Dads house or Willie’s with dad playing the fiddle and Uncle Willie on his guitar.

Dad was a fisherman, hunter, musician, thrift shopper and general handyman. He and Uncle Willie learned how to use Ipads and laptops in their 80’s and were always buying and selling items on KSL.com to repair and resell. He loved tending to his yard, never allowing a dandelion to grow. He was known to wear cowboy belts from his thrift shopping with other men’s names on the belts or Carhart overalls with the name Dwain across the top. He had a quirky, unique sense of humor that will be missed by all. He was always quick to shake your hand and sit and talk for a while. He had many friends but as the years went by they all slowly passed away.

Eli is survived by his daughters Vangie Wolfe, Chris (Sam) Nation and Bridgette (Brady) Germer. Grandchildren – Donna, Brian, Krystal, Jake, Jared and McKayla. Great grandchildren – BrookLynn, ShayLee, Brayden, ReNee, Hugo and Cillian with one more on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife Rose A. Jaramillo, all of his brothers and sisters and his parents.

Dad enjoyed a rich, full life with his family and friends and we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited family members and friends who passed before him.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 8th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th Street, Ogden. A Celebration of Life will be held the following day, Thursday, July 9th, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Family and friends are invited to remain afterward for a reception in the Leavitt’s Atrium.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com.