Aselia Sandoval went to our Savior in heaven on Thursday, February 12, 2026. At 99 years old, she was the last of her siblings and passed peacefully at her home. Up until the end, Aselia maintained her grace, kindness, and gratitude toward her children and grandchildren. She had a love for God, life, flowers, and food. Her strength centered in her heart, which she willingly shared with her family and friends.
Aselia was born on June 16, 1926, in Truchas, New Mexico to Jose Todesio Duran and Lucia Trujillo Duran. She married Valentin Sandoval in Velarde, New Mexico on December 30, 1939. They lived in several places before making Rock River, Wyoming their final home in October 1952 where he was employed by the U.P.R.R until retirement.
Aselia was a home maker and raised her eight children and was still able to work several jobs. She was custodian at the U.P.R.R. for several years and a housekeeper for a very dear friend. She was a cook at Mac’s Café, The Longhorn Café in Rock River and at the Virginian in Medicine Bow. Her last cooking job was at the Rock River School cafeteria. She was considered “The Best in the West” specializing in pies, bread, cinnamon rolls, and donuts. She received many tips and even cooked for Ray Clark (a famous singer) when he was in town who was friends with the owners of the Virginian.
Aselia is preceded in death by her husband Valentin Sandoval Sr., her son Ben Sandoval, infant children; Ramona and John, Larry Stibitz; special son-in-law, her grandchildren Tino Sandoval and Mel Sandoval Jr., Chris Sandoval and Leona Sandoval; special daughter-in-law, and her great-grandson Gustavo Sandoval.
She is survived by her children Mel Sandoval Sr., Mary Ann Stibitz, Enoch Sandoval (Mary), Ray Sandoval Sr. (Yvonne), Valentin Sandoval Jr., Delores Sandoval, Becky Peck (Mike), and many, many grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Aselia’s Celebration of Life will be held on her 100th birthday, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026, at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home in Laramie, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Aselia’s name to Eden Hospice of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Ohh how our family loved both Sally and Val. Such amazing people. Our lives are richer because we knew them, and were able to learn from them. Our love, Allory and Dawn Deiss