Ariel Ayala Martinez, age 56, of Miles City was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, June 28, 2024.
Ariel was born on August 19, 1967, in Guaymas, Mexico to Eutimio Fuentes Martinez and Obeli Ayala Rios. He spent his childhood in Mexico, where he pursued his education that led him to complete 4 ½ years of college. He came within one class of earning a degree in computer engineering, but when the promise of a good job arose, he took it. He had a constant desire to improve his English skills and relocated in the pursuit of a better life in America.
Ariel initially settled in Nevada before eventually making Miles City his home in 2011. Throughout his years in Miles City, he made meaningful contributions to various local businesses, including The Sleep Inn, Simpson Honey Farms, 600 Café, and Stevenson & Sons, where he was a significant part of our work family at the funeral home. He was always known for his unwavering work ethic and meticulous attention to detail, there was never a blade of grass out of place, trees were always trimmed neat, he could shine a car up like no other. Everything always had its place and an order of how it’s done. His dedication left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path, approaching every task with precision and care.
Beyond Ariels professional endeavors, he was known for his warmth and generosity. He found joy in helping others and forged deep friendships wherever he went. His lifestyle was very simple, he ate healthy, and found relief in lifting weights, even after a long hard day of work.
In his final weeks Ariel found solace in the home of his second family, Todd & Terri Stevenson, who took him in and provided him with unwavering support and love.
Given only one week to live, three at most, Ariels strong will and determination allowed him to persevere for 13 weeks with only 10% heart function. I think it’s true when they say “tender loving care” can go a long, long way.
His last few days were spent in the compassionate care of the hospice team in the hospice room at Residential Living – Holy Rosary. He was cared for by the best in their profession and it is with deep appreciation we thank each and every one of you that kept him comfortable, fed, and mobile.
Ariel’s life journey reached a poignant moment when he was baptized on June 14, 2024, by Pastor Dan Lutz at the home of the Stevenson’s. His belief in Christ restored new Faith in him that eternity will be far better than we can imagine.
He will always be fondly remembered for the genuine smile on his face and the twinkle of kindness in his eyes.
Ariel is survived by his family in Mexico, a multitude of friends in Montana– too numerous to mention, a treasured & constant friend Leslie Janshen—who made his last weeks on this earth memorable and bright, and his very dear friends Sergio (Lixi Calis) Neuvo.
A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. A graveside committal will be held at 11 a.m. at Custer County Cemetery, Miles City, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Should friend’s desire, a memorial can be made in Ariel’s name to Holy Rosary Hospice of Miles City.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Rebecca Lynam says
Oh my spicy little friend. You will be missed ❤️
Kendra Walker says
Ariel – we will miss you dearly! Loved working with you at the cafe! Aniya loved seeing you around the house when you were working on the yards for Gloria! Love you !
Obely Ayala Rios says
Mi querido hijo te extraño mucho y te extrañare toda la vida. Dios te tenga en tu santo reino.
Tu mamà obely ❤️
Victoria Meza says
Que pena mi paisano !! Familia muy querida de Guaymas son, sé que estarás bien , mis oraciones con la familia , mucho cariño para ellos
Gary T & Trish Brunson says
Trish and I only briefly got to know him in our visits to Miles City but enjoyed the conversations we had. Ariel always had a kind spirit about him even through his physical struggles. We rejoiced with him and others when he confessed Jesus as his Lord and savior. One of our last conversations with him was about seeing him in heavan one day. We do know that we will. He was at peace as he faced the end of his early life. The Lord is gracious.
Patricia J Brunson says
So thankful to visit with him on his last days. We shared our breakfast one morning. He said to me on each visit that we had that He would see me. He knew that he was going to Heaven. I replied that I would see him in Heaven He was at peace.
Jesús Ponce says
Primo Ariel, buscaste autosuficiencia, independencia, lo lograste !!, es la aspiración de todo ser humano, que muy pocos alcanzan, hay que reconocer las virtudes humanas . Descansa en paz! Me quito el sombrero!!!, eso es ser un guerrero por la superación en la tierra. Jesús Ponce
Sonia Martinez says
Ariel, you were the first brother I had, just a year and eight months older than me, but when I arrived you were there with me. Every time I needed help for anything while learning on my own, you supported me. Even at night when I was afraid to go to the bathroom because my imagination betrayed me, you never hesitated to accompany me, just to make me feel safe. We grew up together until we asked our parents for a new brother, and they granted it to us. The second youngest brother arrived, so there were three of us to have fun or argue, like all brothers.
You were a soul to be shared, that’s what you did, not bother anyone with your feelings or your sorrows, only good wishes, actions pleasing to others, kindness, playing with your nephews. You were a citizen of the world; the energy was to be shared it spread until your last breath. I know it was your wish to stay in Miles, City, so I imagine you found peace there. The only thing I regret is not having been able to talk to you again, I respected your desire for solitude, although a part of me was thinking about how you would feel and I wanted you to check in with someone, anyone so I could just know how you were doing.
My memories will always be the same: the protective older brother who always cared about others before himself. We have always loved you and we will continue to love you even if you have gone ahead on the trip, yes to heaven with our dad. Have a good trip until we meet again.
Your sister Sonia
Ariel tu fuiste el primer hermano que tuve, apenas un año ocho meses mayor a mí, pero cuando llegué tu ahí estabas conmigo. Cada vez que necesité ayuda para cualquier cosa mientras aprendía sola, me apoyaste. Incluso en la noche cuando tenía miedo de ir al baño porque mi imaginación me traicionaba, nunca dudaste en acompañarme, solo para que me sintiera segura. Crecimos juntos hasta que pedimos un nuevo hermano a nuestros padres y nos lo cumplieron. Llegó el segundo hermano menor, entonces fuimos tres para divertirnos o discutir, como todos los hermanos.
Eras un alma para ser compartida, eso hiciste, no molestar a nadie con tu sentir o tus penas, sólo buenos deseos, acciones gratas a otros, amabilidad, jugar con los sobrinos. Eras un ciudadano del mundo, la energía debía compartirse se esparció hasta tu último aliento. Se que fue tu deseo quedarte en Miles, City, así que imagino que ahí encontraste paz. Lo único que lamento es no haber podido volver a conversar contigo, respeté tu deseo de soledad, aunque una parte de mí pensaba en el cómo te encontrarías y deseaba que te reportaras con alguien, con quien fuera para solo saber cómo estabas.
Mis recuerdos siempre serán los mismos: el hermano mayor protector que siempre se preocupaba por los otros antes de sí mismo. Siempre te hemos querido y te seguiremos queriendo, sólo te has adelantado en el viaje, si al cielo con nuestro papá. Buen viaje hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar.
Tu hermana Sonia
Lynn Lunde says
Ariel was a quiet, unassuming man, kind and hard-working. The world needs more people like him! He will be missed. Hugs to his family and friends.
Louise de Montigny says
I am so sorry and surprised to see that Ariel has passed away. He was a lovely, kind man that always had a smile and a visit when he saw you. My sincere condolences to his family in Mexico and his friend Sergio, and many thanks to the Stevensons for giving him comfort and care. Peace to you all.
Guadalupe Tamayo says
Siempre te recordaré primo
Descansa en Paz
Yeni says
Sr. Ariel
May God receive him in his arms, and may his soul rest in peace.
Raylynn Sleight says
Ariel was the nicest man and such a hard worker. He was a very kind neighbor and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.
Michele Ferrere says
Love and hugs from the Franzen-Davis family. ❤️
Sonia Martínez says
Eternal gratitude to all of Ariel’s friends who comforted and cared for him in his last days on this plane on Miles City, Montana. Her hearts are worth gold. Thanks to the Stevenson family for everything.
Sonia says
Your
Gerardo Martinez says
Grácias por querer y cuidar a Ariel