Joey Cardona Valadez

A Life Filled with Character, Curiosity & Joy Born on December 29, 1994, in Denver, Colorado, Joey Cardona Valadez entered this world as the first son in our family and grew into a young boy whose contagious smile could light up a room. From the very beginning, Joey carried a natural sense of curiosity, imagination, and leadership.

As a child, he found joy in all the things that made childhood magical–Pok6mon, SpiderMan, Superman, Batman, cars, WWE, football, and, of course, anything that gave him an opportunity to compete.

As children, Joey and his siblings shared a childhood filled with laughter, imagination, and countless memories. Halloween was always a special tradition, spent alongside their cousins Bridget, Miriam, Xochitl, Erick, Kelly, and David who lived just across the street. Together, they would meet up and set off into the neighborhood for a night of trick-or-treating. One year, Joey and his sister couldn’t decide what they wanted to be and found themselves drawn to the Power Rangers–while his sister changed her mind from pink to yellow, as only an indecisive kid could.

Joey had a way of making even the smallest moments memorable. His contagious smile, playful personality, and sense of humor followed him throughout his life. One family story that still brings a smile is the time he reached for what he thought was salt to season his scrambled eggs, only to discover he had grabbed the sugar instead. When his father pointed it out, Joey laughed.

As Joey grew older, his imagination found new worlds to explore. Video games became one of his favorite ways to challenge himself, and he quickly became the kind of player who was determined to win. He and his sister spent countless moments playing Mortal Kombat, where Joey seemed almost impossible to defeat. Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Ermac were among his favorite fighters, and he seemed to know every combination and move by heart. Mario Kart on the Nintendo DS brought out that same competitive spirit. No matter how many times his sister tried, Joey always seemed to find a way to win. Looking back, those games weren't just about winning–they were part of the language the two siblings shared, filled with teasing, laughter, and memories that would stay with them long after the games were turned off.

Eventually, Joey’s interests expanded into the world of computer gaming. After being introduced to World of Warcraft by his stepfather, Daniel, he became deeply immersed in its vast world. It was more than a game to Joey–it became a place where his imagination could run freely. It was also the beginning of an imaginary world he would later share with his sister, where Joey became the mighty Lich King and she became a Holy Paladin, forever creating new stories, challenges, and battles between them.

As he grew into adulthood, Joey became quieter and more reserved, but beneath his hard exterior was a deeply intelligent, creative, kind, and wonderfully quirky person. His sarcastic humor, playful spirit, and ability to find amusement in almost anything

remained a part of who he was.

People He Loved

Joey shared a special bond with his mother, Heather. As her first child and first son, the two grew alongside one another–she learning motherhood with him, and Joey growing beneath her love and guidance. Their bond remained one of the most meaningful relationships in his life. From the everyday moments they shared to memories like their trip together to New Orleans as a child. Their connection was one that could be felt in the photographs and memories they left behind. Joey also shared a meaningful bond with his father, Cecilio. He loved spending time alongside his dad, especially around his father's project cars. Whether he was simply tagging along or watching his dad work, those moments became part of the memories they shared–a son beside his father, learning, observing, and enjoying something they could appreciate together.

His stepfather, Daniel “Dan” Root, introduced Joey to World of Warcraft and many other video games when he was young. That introduction became the beginning of a passion that would remain with Joey throughout his life and eventually become part of the imaginary world he shared with his sister.

His stepmother, Kimberly Soria, held a special place in Joey's heart as well. One of the most recent memories she carries is the beautiful Mother's Day card Joey wrote for her in 2026. His words touched her so deeply that she became emotional reading them–a simple but meaningful expression of the love and appreciation he had for her.

A Brother, a Son, an Uncle, a Friend.

For his sister Salma, Joey was more than an older brother. He was someone she looked up to throughout her life and someone who helped shape her sense of humor, her love of music, and many of her interests. Even as they grew older and began living their own lives, they always knew where to find one another. They would text each other silly things, joke like siblings, and return to the imaginary world they has created together through World of Warcraft. Joey became the mighty Lich King, while his sister became a powerful Holy Paladin.

They were forever rivals, creating an endless saga of battles, powers, victories, and ridiculous stories. Joey would tease her about her “strong muscles,” imagine the powers she would have, and then remind her that he would eventually arrive with his Lich King sword. Even their late cat, Arturo, became part of their stories. It was a world that never needed an ending.

Joey shared a special bond with his siblings, Ethan, Adam, and Aubrey, and their shared interests gave them many ways to connect. As they grew older, they found common ground through gaming and the things they enjoyed together. When Joey became passionate about 3D printing, he would create little dragon figurines, sharing his creativity and excitement with those around him. Among the memories his siblings hold dear is a simple day spent making pizza together from scratch. What began as an ordinary activity became a memory filled with laughter, creativity, and time spent together–and, most importantly, they ended up making a pizza they genuinely loved. It was one of those simple moments that became special simply because they were together. Joey was also blessed to meet his only nephew Ezelias. He met him for the first time on his first birthday, and he loved watching him grow through the pictures and milestones shared with him. Joey would look at the pictures and tell his sister, “Look, it's a little you,” often accompanied by his favorite Goku and baby Goku GIFs.

Those Who Will Carry His Memory

Joey's memory will forever live on in the hearts of his parents, Grandparents, siblings, stepfamily, extended family, cousins, godfather, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is lovingly remembered by:

Mother, Heather Root, Father, Cecilio Cardona Ruiz; Siblings: Salma Cardona Valadez, Ethan Root, Aubrey Root and Adam Root; Stepmother, Kimberly Soria Stepfather, Daniel “Dan” Root - Extended Family - Teresa Valadez Guzman, Abel Valadez, Carlota Ruiz Garcia, Valtazar Cardona, Enriqueta Valadez Guzman, Miriam Castillo, Bridget Valadez, Erick Castillo, Alejandro “Alex” Castillo, Araceli Valadez Guzman, Kelly Valadez, David Valadez, Alberto Valadez Guzman, Brian Valadez, and his beloved longtime friend, Alexis Morrison.

Joey leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind stories that will continue to be told, laughter that will continue to echo, music that will bring him to mind, creations that will remain behind, and pieces of himself carried forward by the people who loved him.

The armor is laid down. The earthly journey is complete. May our Lord and Savior receive Joey into His everlasting arms, where his weary soul may finally rest beneath the eternal light of God's grace. May Heaven embrace him with peace that surpasses all understanding, and may God's love carry him gently

into eternity.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Joey.