Luis Aveytua del Prado

Luis Aveytua del Prado, lovingly known as "Papi," passed away peacefully at home in West Valley City, Utah, on June 21, 2025. He was 91 years old.

Luis was born on January 29, 1934, in Mexico City, Mexico, to Celia del Prado and Enrique Aveytua. He was lovingly raised by his maternal grandmother, Petra Muñoz. Luis was the only son among five sisters, a role he cherished and carried with quiet strength.

Luis married Cary Morales in Mexico City on December 26, 1959, and together they had five cherished children: Yazmin, Midiam, Irving, Luis, and Isaac. They later divorced. He married Pamela Conley on July 7, 1983, in Salt Lake City, Utah. With this union, Luis gained three beloved stepdaughters: Catherine (Casey), Joey, and Ashley. Together, Luis and Pamela welcomed their son Ian Luis to the family. On June 1, 2002, Luis and Pamela were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, a sacred moment that reflected his deep faith and devotion.

Luis was a man of enduring values: hardworking, generous, kind, a gentleman, and always true to himself. While he became a proud citizen of the United States, he never stopped thinking of himself as wholly and passionately Mexican. He had a deep love for his culture, which showed in his lifelong fondness for spicy chiles, corn tortillas and ice cold diet coke - at nearly every meal.

Throughout his life, Luis held many jobs, but his favorite was his final position with Avis. He delighted in delivering rental cars to airports across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada, enjoying every opportunity for a day trip. He worked at Avis until the remarkable age of 89.

Luis had many passions. He loved all sports, but basketball was his favorite. He played in leagues and church teams back in Mexico and carried that love throughout his life. Luis loved jazz music and always wanted to listen to it wherever he was. He was a lifelong learner and avid reader, visiting libraries all along the Wasatch Front. From timeless classics to insightful non-fiction, Luis educated himself through books. His love for scripture was unmatched, particularly for the Doctrine and Covenants.

At 14, Luis was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ by an aunt who arranged for him to meet with the missionaries. The message they shared touched his heart deeply, leading to his baptism and a lifelong commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later served a mission for the Church and remained a faithful disciple of Christ, declaring the truthfulness of the gospel until the day he passed.

Luis is survived by his wife, Pamela, and his children: Yazmin Diaz of Clearfield, Utah; Luis M. Aveytua of Saratoga Springs, Utah; Isaac Aveytua of Mexico; Casey (Shane) Matheson of South Jordan, Utah; Joey (Richard) Brough of West Jordan, Utah; Ashley (Keith) Johnson of West Valley City, Utah; and Ian (Rachael) Aveytua of Marietta, Ohio. He had 26 grandchildren and many great grandchildren he loved dearly. Luis is preceded in death by his beloved children Irving Aveytua and Midiam Aveytua.

Luis will be missed and loved forever by his family.

Funeral services will be provided by Valley View Funeral Home, located at 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. A viewing will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Funeral services will follow at the Funeral Home beginning at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Valley View Memorial Park.