E'Lyanha Nevaeh Valenzuela

E'Lyanha Nevaeh Valenzuela, "Fat Girl", a radiant spirit whose creativity and warmth touched the lives of so many, passed away on January 5, 2026, in her beloved Tucson, Arizona. Born on July 22, 2007, she was a daughter, a friend, cousin, niece and an artist who brightened the world with her gentle soul and boundless imagination.

E'Lyanha was a vibrant presence who lit up any room she entered, known for her loving nature and forgiving heart. With an old soul, she continually inspired those around her with her positivity and unwavering kindness. She was someone who wore her heart on her sleeve, free-spirited and openly affectionate, creating a welcoming atmosphere wherever she went. Her artistic talents flourished from a young age, and she took great pride in expressing herself through her art. One of her proudest accomplishments was sculpting an extraordinary art piece of an octopus, which was proudly displayed at the Stevens Gallery of Salpointe Catholic High School. The school recognized her talent by offering to purchase her piece, a testament to her exceptional skills.

E'Lyanha attended St. John's Catholic School and was a 2025 graduate of Salpointe Catholic High School. She was eagerly looking forward to beginning her journey at Northern Arizona University this year. Her dedication to education was matched only by her passions outside of the classroom. She cherished drawing, painting with watercolors, collecting vinyl records and CDs, and indulging in the thrill of thrift shopping for vintage treasures. These interests reflected not just her love for beauty but also her unique taste that endeared her to friends and family alike.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted mother, Banesa SantaMaria, along with her stepfather, Braulio G. Gonzalez; tias, Erika (Adam), Jeanette, Martha, Patty and Jessica; cousins, Selena, Mikester, Arabella, Rosa, Gaby, Freddy, Abryanna, Brittany, Jakob, Geovanie, Riley, Remedi, Adam, Isaiah, Juan Carlos, Scarlett, Keilah, Pudgy, Heavenly, and Jazmyn and Eziah; also Cristy (Rene), Nathan, Lari, Leila, Alaia, Ana, and Christina; nina, Stephanie Richardson (Jason); nino, Sisco Peralta; besties, Deli, Nalla, Cody, Keianna, Michael, Cedes; Roskruge family, softball and baseball family, Salpointe family and St. John's family.  E'Lyanha’s loving legacy will remain forever etched in the hearts of all who knew her including her family, friends, and mentors whose lives she enriched with her warmth and creativity. She was preceded in death by her nana, Cache and her tata, Ernie Valenzuela and her first love, Mickey Ortiz. 

A visitation will be held in her honor on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5 PM to 9 PM at Martinez Funeral Chapels in Tucson, followed by a Rosary at 7 PM. A Mass to celebrate her life will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Augustine Cathedral Catholic Church followed by a burial at South Lawn Cemetery. This gathering will provide an opportunity for all who loved her to come together, share memories, and find solace in each other’s company as they remember the remarkable girl who embodied such love and creativity.

E'Lyanha Nevaeh Valenzuela,"Fat Girl", will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as her spirit continues to inspire those whose lives she touched with her art, her kindness, and her enduring love.