In Loving Memory of Elias Acevedo Arteaga

December 20, 1939 – March 3, 2025

If Heaven has wide open fields, ocean waves, and mourning doves singing in the morning, then Elias Acevedo Arteaga is right where he belongs. On March 3, 2025, at the age of 85, Elias set out on his greatest adventure yet, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and a camera roll (and probably a few developed rolls of film) full of selfies before selfies were even a thing.

Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Elias was a man of the land—he loved the feel of rich soil, the thrill of the hunt, and the freedom of wide open spaces. He spent 33 years in Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a landscaper, shaping the earth with his own two hands. Later, he moved to Pasco, Washington, where he worked at CHC La Clínica. But no matter where he was, if there were fruit fields nearby, you could bet he'd be there on his days off, picking fruit just for the pure joy of it.

In 1962, Elias married Flora Soto, and together they had five children, four daughters and one son. Though his son, Jorge Luis Arteaga Soto, tragically passed away at just three years old, Elias made it his mission to show his daughters the world. From nature hikes to beach outings, road trips to spontaneous adventures, he filled their lives with experiences that made them love and appreciate the world as much as he did.

He embraced U.S. culture the moment he set foot in California, jamming out to the Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, ABBA, Michael Jackson, Electric Light Orchestra, and Boz Scaggs—and if you knew Elias, you know he wasn't just listening. He was singing along—probably on a karaoke mic. As of late, however, his karaoke nights were filled with the soulful ballads of Javier Solís and the powerful rancheras of Vicente Fernández. Whether he was belting out a heartfelt bolero or a dramatic mariachi song, he sang with everything he had—just like he lived.

A Man of Many Adventures (and Even More Selfies)

Elias was a hunter, a traveler, a beach lover, and the original king of selfies—long before they were cool. His daughters swear he has more selfies than all of them combined, dating back to the 70s. Whether he was posing mid-air after jumping off a high rock or dramatically pointing at something in the distance, he made sure every picture was a masterpiece (or at least looked like it was taken effortlessly).

He loved visiting his family in California and Mexico, always making time for those he cared about. He also had a deep love for dogs—they were loyal, free-spirited, and full of energy, just like him. And if you ever heard him pause mid-conversation to listen, it was probably to appreciate the sound of mourning doves singing, a sound that brought him peace.

Before he passed, he made one request to his daughters: spread his ashes in the ocean wherever they traveled, so he could always be free. And they will honor that wish—so don't be surprised if Elias ends up on more journeys, carried by the tides to places he always dreamed of.

He is survived by:

His four daughters, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who will forever tell stories of their dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa's wild adventures, quick wit, and legendary selfies:

• Rosie E. Arteaga, her children Nancy Garcia (Olivo), Monique Garcia (who preceded him in death), and Peter Valdivia. Rosie's grandchildren (Elias's great-grandchildren): Adriel Olivo, Evan Olivo, Emilio Olivo, Rey Treviño, (who preceded him in death), Julianna Aranda, Joey Aranda, and Adream Valdivia.

• Betty Arteaga (Cruz), her children Jorge Avalos, Roman Alexander Magaña, and Michael Cruz. Betty's grandchildren (Elias's great-grandchildren): Analia Avalos, Donny and Joslyn Magaña, and Makyla and Malia Cruz.

• Mary Arteaga, her children Cherrisse Cerda, Marco Cerda, Eric Cerda and Gabby Sanchez. Mary's grandchildren (Elias's great-grandchildren): Malcolm and Julian Cerda, Zerayah and Zalehkai Dau.

• Angela Arteaga (Espinoza), her children Italia Espinoza (Castro), Felicia Arteaga (Garcia), Jaden Espinoza, Jordan Espinoza, Maya Espinoza (Applebee), and Jesse Espinoza III. Angela's grandchildren (Elias's great-grandchildren): Ayden and Bria Garcia, Rosie, Camila and Flor Castro, Auggie and Everlee Espinoza, and Jackson and Amelia Applebee.

Waiting for him on the other side are:

His mother, Maria Acevedo, his beloved son, Jorge Luis Arteaga Soto, his granddaughter, Monique Garcia, and his great-grandson, Rey Treviño.

Elias lived life boldly and unapologetically—a man who worked hard, loved hard, and never missed a chance to sing a song, crack a joke (whether it landed or not), or take another selfie. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now off on one final road trip—this time, with no destination, no GPS, and no rush to get there.

Viewing will be held at (location) on (date and time), and A celebration of life will be held at [location] on [date/time], where we'll share stories, laughter, and maybe even some karaoke in honor of Elias.

Apa, descanse. Rest easy, Dad. Your laughter, love, and adventurous spirit will always be with us.