Jared Omar Nieto

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Jared Omar Nieto, our beloved son, brother, and friend, entered the gates of Heaven and went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He passed away in Riverside, California, at the age of 34.
Jared was born on September 3, 1990, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Debra Peña Morris and Juan Omar Nieto. A proud graduate of the Hobbs High School Class of 2009, Jared’s curiosity and ambition led him to attend the University of New Mexico, where he pursued his love for political science and journalism. From there, he embarked on a journey full of adventure and discovery, living in places such as Taos, New Mexico; Austin, Texas; and ultimately California, each city adding to the beautiful mosaic of his life and the many people he touched along the way.
Jared had a brilliant mind and a creative soul. From a young age, he was gifted in the arts, drawing, sketching, and writing with a natural talent that inspired those around him. He loved art in all its forms, from music to painting to acting. He was also an avid hockey fan and an enthusiastic reader. This year, Jared achieved a lifelong dream by publishing his first book, “Shards Against Humanity”, a project he poured his heart into and was immensely proud of.
A passionate lover of animals, Jared often said he preferred dogs and cats to people. He shared an especially close bond with a little poodle named Minnie, his faithful companion and best friend. Known for his wit, vibrant spirit, and one-of-a-kind personality, Jared's laugh was infectious, and his presence lit up any room he walked into. He never met a stranger and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Jared was preceded in death by his grandfathers Hilario B. Peña (“Lalo”) and Frank Nieto, his grandmother Delia Nieto, his uncle Larry Peña, and his cousins Thomas Peña and Justin Peña.
He is survived by his loving mother Debra Peña Morris of Hobbs, his father Juan Omar Nieto and wife Monica of Texas, his brother Bryan Nieto and wife Amanda of Virginia, and his sisters Cortney Morris of Hobbs. Kianna Brauque Nieto-Lopez of Texas, and Kyndra Brooke Mitchell of Texas He is also survived by his nephew Judah Jaxon Morris of Hobbs, his grandmother Paula Peña of Hobbs and many other beloved family members. Jared also leaves behind his cherished poodle Minnie, and a host of dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him deeply.
Jared’s legacy will live on through his writing, his art, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, intelligence, and radiant soul.