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BORN
1979
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
David Rioja Obituary
Venice, Utah
David Oscar Rioja, of Venice, a beloved son and grandson, brother, uncle and nephew, friend of many, and always the champion of the underdog, departed this life the 22nd day of November, 2015, in Venice, the victim of a gun shot. He was born 28th day of January, 1979 in Landstuhl , Germany to Oscar Gonzalo Rioja and Cleo Colleen Utley. He grew up in Germany, California, Nevada, and Utah.
David married Rose Herring in 2001. They later divorced. He next married Nickie Erickson. They later divorced. He married the love of his life, Michelle Jones in 2006. He was widowed the 19th of May, 2008, and has sorely missed her.
David is the father of Riot Rioja, son of Sherri McMillan of Mesquite, NV. He loved Nikita McMillan, like a daughter. He is "Daddy" to Harper Sheppick, the daughter of Heather Sheppick; he was step-father of Matt Erickson and Brady Jones.
David found real joy working for several years in home health care and hospice, until his back got too bad to lift the patients. He was an amazingly talented artist, specializing in water color and tattoo. He has worked as a tattoo artist in Salt Lake Valley, Utah Valley, Saint George and Richfield.
David is survived by his mom and dad, Colleen and Ted Madden, Venice; grandparents: Scott and Cleo Utley, Venice; and siblings: Scott (Wendy) Parsons, Monroe; Michael (Sarah) Parsons, Gunnison; Amy (Karry) Gladden, New Baden, IL; David (Kristy) Madden, Seattle, WA; Paul (Michelle) Madden, West Valley; Jennie Rioja Fullmer, Venice; Michael Madden, Phoenix, AZ; Matthew (CarrieAnn) Madden, West Valley; Daniel Rioja, Venice; Malinda (Fabian) Loso, Payson; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.
Preceded in death by his father; grandparents: Raul and Amalia Rioja; Charles and Merna Madden.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. in the Venice Ward Chapel where friends may call from 10:30 am to 12:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Venice Cemetery.
I seek for peace, I care not where 'tis found,
on this rude scene, in briars or brambles dress't,
if peace dwells here, 'tis consecrated ground
and owns the power to give my bosom rest.
Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Rioja
2 Entries
Riot McMillan
October 26, 2024
I miss you everyday dad and I haven't taken deep thought of you until recently. it really hurts everyday knowing that ill never truly get to know you face to face. but ill miss you everyday until I die. not a single thought of you strays from my life. I love you so much dad
Brian Wright
November 27, 2015
David I love you so much! Thank you for being in my life. I learned so much from you. I know you are with me and not gone. Thank you for everything.
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