Santiago Salas

He is survived by his loving wife of 5 years, Natalie Salas; their loyal dog, Artie; his mother, Patricia Gutierrez Lituma of Garland, Texas; and his father, Julio Salas of Lima, Peru. He is also survived by his in-laws Jere and Nancy Mills of College Station, Texas; Steven and Leslie Mills of Spring, Texas; Greg and Laura Mills of Alexandria, Virginia; Laura and Scott Simon of San Antonio, Texas; along with 5 nieces and nephews who loved 'Uncle Santi' beyond measure. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous cherished friends.

Santi was born on November 26, 1988 in Lima, Peru to Patricia Gutierrez Lituma and Julio Salas. He attended Colegio Peruano Britanico in Lima until he moved to the U.S. in 2000 where he then attended Mesquite ISD through high school. Santi received his B.S. degree from The University of North Texas in May 2014. After graduation and up until his diagnosis, Santi worked for Mr. Cooper Mortgage Company in Coppell, Texas where colleagues turned into friends as he was respected and admired by so many.

Santi was diagnosed with Gastric Cancer in May 2019. The way Santi faced his cancer battle with constant strength, determination, dignity, and fight was an inspiration to others and always will be. Santi spent the last 15 months of his life traveling with his wife, Natalie, spending weekends with family, making memories with friends, attending sports games with his best buddies, “and truly living life to the fullest.”

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ajani with MD Anderson Houston, Dr. Verma with UTSW Dallas, and both of their medical teams for their caring professionalism and kindness. They would also like to thank the staff from Good Shepard Hospice for their love and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you bring a new soccer ball or new pair of soccer cleats to the Memorial Service. Please inscribe the soccer ball with 'Santi Strong' and the bottom of the cleats with 'Santi Strong' by using a Sharpie marker. The childrens' ages are 6 years old- 18 years old. These items will then be collected and donated to the local Boys and Girls Club of America in honor of Santiago. Soccer was Santi's true passion and by these donations, his memory will live on through the children at Santi's favorite spot...the soccer field.

**If you would like to donate a soccer ball or cleats but cannot physically be at the service, you may purchase a soccer ball or cleats (from Amazon for example) and send to the Salas residence. They will then write ‘Santi Strong’ on the item for you and take to the Memorial. Please contact Laura Simon if you would like to do this. [email protected]

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersonclaytongonzalez.com for the Salas family.