Jared Valdez was born May 29, 1993, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to his parents Leticia Guzman and Alex Ruben Valdez, Sr. He departed from this life to his eternal home on June 1, 2022, in Melbourne, Iowa.

Jared enjoyed being physically active, playing sports and working out at the gym. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends, playing board games, cards, or just simply being together and making people laugh. He really enjoyed amusement parks, riding rollercoasters, and exciting experiences like skydiving and ziplining. He also enjoyed trying new and adventurous foods. Jared graduated from Ulysses High School in 2012, and went on to obtain his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City, Kansas. He worked for Arvest Bank in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he held the position of Senior Teller, and received an award for the highest number of credit card sales in the region. He greatly enjoyed working at the bank, showing off his big smile, and making people feel welcome. Jared was part of a group that began GoodTree Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His faith in Jesus Christ as Savior was at the center of his life, and he loved to preach the gospel, give to the homeless, and pray with people.

Jared is survived by his mother, Leticia Guzman of Arkansas City, Kansas; sister, Ruby Hoover and husband Zach of Marshalltown, Iowa; brothers, Alex Ruben Valdez, Jr. of Tecolote, New Mexico, Jeremy Valdez of Arkansas City, Kansas, Robert Valdez and wife Sonia of El Reno, Oklahoma, Jonathan Valdez of Garden City, Kansas, and Michael Valdez of Ulysses, Kansas; aunt, Alice Valdez of Arkansas City, Kansas; and numerous family members and friends.  

Jared is preceded in death by his father, Alex Ruben Valdez, Sr.; grandparents, Jose Ausencio and Maria Efren Valdez, and Nasario and Josefina Guzman; uncles, Ted Valdez, Leroy Valdez and Benito Valdez; and numerous cousins.

Funeral service will be Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Oasis Church in Ulysses with Pastor Nasario Navarrette officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Visitation is Friday, June 10, 2022, from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM with a remembrance service beginning at 3:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the Jared Valdez Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.