Jeffrey Wayne Vallia, 65, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2026, surrounded by his wife and his sons.
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Jeff was a proud Texan. He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower. Jeff loved all things Dallas Cowboys, riding his Harley Davidson, trains, and constructing models.
Jeff and his wife Amy enjoyed trips into the mountains – walking the boardwalk of Brighton’s Silver Lake, relaxing at Sundance’s Bear Claw Cabin, and dining in the Yurt at Solitude. When staying home, Jeff grilled a perfect steak every time. As his boys were growing up Jeff coached little league baseball, youth football league, and assisted with Boy Scouts. Saturday morning pancake breakfasts were a tradition, as was a game of who could name the artist when a new song came onto the radio. Jeff loved his sons fiercely and was a proud, proud father.
In addition to his wife Amy, Jeff is survived by his three sons: Justin (Kim), Jeremy (Ashley), and Eric; grandchildren Colton, Paisley, Ethan, Layla, and Nora; and sister Laura Bowman (Keith).
Jeff was preceded in death by his mother Margaret Windisch Rolniak, his infant daughter Alexis, and his rescue dog Speedy.
The Vallia family expresses deep gratitude to the caregivers and medical team who walked next to Jeff and Amy during his brutal journey with Lewy Body Dementia. Caregivers Owen, Anna, Virginia, Brooklyn, and Lisa helped fill Jeff’s days with varied activities – trips to the zoo, the aquarium and Thanksgiving Point, eating fresh fruit sundaes at the orchard, touring Mrs Cavanaugh’s chocolate factory, picking tulips, visits to the barbershop and the nail salon, so many lunches, walks, and car rides into the mountains complete with customized playlists. The care and compassion shown to Jeff created a safe environment that helped him really LIVE. Medical professionals Christopher Taylor and Jessica Karren provided much-needed support. Jeff’s family will be forever thankful to this exceptional health care team who met every day-to- day challenge with more and more love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Lilburn, GA 30047) or to the Humane Society of Utah (4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107).
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
