Jesus Arturo Melendrez

Jesus Arturo Melendrez

On behalf of my family, I would like to begin by thanking everyone for their condolences and support during this difficult time. Also, for all the prayers, countless phone calls, texts messages, flowers, food, and visits. It has been so comforting to know Jesus is so loved and had such a huge impact on everyone he knew or met. 

My name is Tiffany, Jesus’s mother and best friend. As you know, he was my little Rebel. He was fearless. He always cared what people thought about him. There were times where it would get challenging with him and his brothers, but it taught me to be a good mother.  

He loved spending time with his family and hanging out with his friends. He especially loved going to his Grandma Sanchez’s house. We won’t forget, when he said, “she makes the best quesadillas and fried eggs.”  

He loved cruising around town with his Uncle Aaron and riding his bike up and down the streets of Ogden. This kid had such a huge heart for anything he did, especially when it came to being outside. When he was in 5th or 6th grade, he told me he had a dream about going to Ohio State and getting drafted for the NFL. He loved football so much it became a dream for him.

One of the last times I saw him, as I was giving him a ride, I’ll  never forget how excited he was when he got to play the new PS5 or as you all know the PlayStation 5. If there was a videogame involved, Jesus was on it. Wherever and whomever he was with, nothing stopped him. He would even take his TV with him everywhere he went just so he could play his PlayStation 4.

Jesus was an amazing kid all around. He had such a bright and funny personality. He made people crack up laughing because of the stupid stuff he said. He was the life of the party. Every time he walked into a room either trouble started or you knew it was going to be a party. He cared deeply about everyone he came in contact with and knew.

Jesus had a lot of passion and such a lively soul for his age. He lived for his music and listening to everything and anything that hit deep.

Surviving is his mother, Tiffany Ann Sorensen (Franky Bravo); father, Efren Melendrez. Four brothers, Izaiah, Francisco, Fabian, Kaden; sisters, Destinee and soon to be Nevaeh Bravo, unborn sibling from his dad; grandparents, Cary Sorensen, Dina Shepherd, Olga Quezada; great-grandparents, David and Linda Sorensen; aunts, Nikkie, Maggie, Anna, and Wendy; uncles, Aaron (Tawni), Gaven, Homer, Ivan, Angel, and Omar(Jeanette); and several other great-aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Orlinda O. Sanchez; great-grandfather, Mike Valdez; his grandfather, Victor Tolano Melendrez;  his grandmother, Marisela Pantoja; his great-great grandfather, Arturo Ray Sanchez, whom he was named after. 

On an ending note, the family offers peace and love to the three friends who tried to save Jesus.

A huge thank you to the Weber County search and rescue, Utah Highway Patrol, and Weber County Sheriffs. Without everyone’s help, I wouldn't have brought my son home. May God bless all of you for your love, support, and donations during this difficult time. 

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 514 24th Street. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.

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