Aurelio "Willie" Vallejos

Aurelio "Willie" Vallejos
On Thursday, January 9, 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona, the sun set on our father’s 81 year journey of life as we know it. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Aurelio was born August 14, 1938 in Quemado, New Mexico to Isabel & Emelia Vallejos. He was a proud St. Johns Redskins athlete and fan. While in high school he lettered in football and wrestling and graduated from St. Johns High School in 1958.

He married the love of his life Della on August 12, 1967. After moving to St. Johns, Aurelio began working for Apache County Road Maintenance. He enjoyed spending time with his family, loved the outdoors, daily walks and tinkering in his shed and yard. He looked forward to Friday nights and St. Johns Redskins football, basketball and baseball games; loved watching the Arizona Diamondbacks, Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals.

Aurelio is survived by his wife of 53 years, Della Vallejos, where they made their home in St. Johns; daughters; Peggy (Robert) Turnbough, Apache Junction; Ramona Vallejos and Sophie Villagomez, St. Johns; grandchildren, Asiano (Monica) Vallejos, Natasha Turnbough, Robert (Michael) Turnbough, Mariela Rodriguez (Josh), 7 great grandchildren, 1 great, great granddaughter, brothers, Daniel H. Vallejos, Esquepula “Pula” (Debbie) Vallejos, Pat (Becky) Vallejos, Ernie Gonzales, sisters, Mary “Stefina” Garcia, MaryAnn Griego, Priscilla (Ken) Johnson, and Eulatia “Lottie” (Gordon) Rines.

Aurelio was preceded in death by his parents, Isabel & Emelia Vallejos, brothers, Herman, Carlos (Guero), sister, Antonia and grandson, Christian Rodriguez.

Rosary will be held Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. Johns, with a Funeral Mass following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the Funeral Mass at the St. Johns Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow at Barth Hall. Rev. Joe Blonski will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Aurelio’s life.

Flowers may be sent to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 203 E Commercial Street, St. Johns, Arizona 85936.

The Vallejos family express their gratitude and appreciate all the support during this difficult time!