Amanda Carmela Loya

Obituary

Amanda Carmela Loya, 48, of West Jordan, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on January 12, 2026. Amanda was born in 1977 to Geneva and Carmelo Loya.

Amanda grew up in Southwestern Wyoming where the wide open spaces inspired her passions for the great outdoors, wildlife and landscape photography, fine arts, and literature. After graduating as Salutatorian from Evanston High School, she moved to the Salt Lake Valley to pursue her higher education and career. Her drafting and design skills were honed with her Bachelor’s degree and over 20 year career detailing and designing structural projects, including underground mines.

Her love of music, television, and film connected her to family, friends, and strangers. The pink cassette radio she sung along to as a child was replaced by live concerts throughout Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming.

Aspirational, thoughtful, and caring, she looked at the world for what it could be and helped others achieve their dreams, tackle their challenges, and enjoy life. She collected basic needs and school supplies for women and girls through Volunteers of America. She enjoyed crafting a special meal for family and friends, exploring local distillers and brewers, and breaking bread with loved ones.

Amanda is survived by her parents, Geneva and Carmelo, her brothers, Julian and David, as well as her puppy, Whiskey.

Celebrations of life will be held in the greater Salt Lake City area and Colorado with dates and locations TBD. Please see the "Service" section for updated details.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Volunteers of America, Utah Youth Resources Center in Amanda’s honor.

Timeline

Gallery

Memory wall

January 24, 2026

I met Amanda about 14 years ago. We always had the best time when we were together. She was such a kind person and loved her dogs like they were her kids.

She will truly be missed

Kelly Miller

January 22, 2026

I worked with Amanda many years ago at SME Steel. Always fun and funny, perpetually late for work and a fantastic person to call my friend. I regret that we lost touch for so many years and lament not being able to say goodbye. My most sincere condolences to her good family and Godspeed Amanda.

Dave Lemp

January 22, 2026

I met Amanda when my son was around 5-6 years old, now he's 22. We used to work together in R&S. We became very good friends. I remember all the movies, dining out, playing games, coffee, getting together with other friends, it was really fun time. Amanda also was like an auntie for my son, she sometime would watch him, play games with him, celebrate his birthdays, my son really liked her. She was an amazing person with a big heart. I was in shock when I got a message of her passing. She will always be in our memories and hearts. We will miss you, Amanda.

To the family - Please, except my sincere condolences!!!!

Irina A Lyman

January 22, 2026

I worked with Amanda for several years at Cementation. I loved her devotion to do what is right and not just the easiest. I built her a guitar but didn’t stay in touch with her to find out if she was still playing or if she did learn how to play it. But I am sure that her personality and dedication to everything she involved herself with made her successful in everything she did. You, my dear, will truly be missed.

Benjamin Scott

January 21, 2026

Amanda was a beautiful amazing woman who genuinely cared about everyone she met. She was so loving, kind and fun. She was always up for a fun adventure and loved gathering her friends together for a good time from Paint Nite to watching Thunder in Wendover. My heart breaks for myself, all of her friends but especially for the family that she loved so dearly! May the sorrow pass quickly and the memories last forever!

Gloria Morton

January 21, 2026

Amanda: it's been the greatest pleasure working with you for these past ten-odd years. You've kept me and everyone around you always on the right path - you always had an answer when we were lost, and usually saw the right / easiest way to do something when we were trying to find the way.

I guess I can stop volunteering to mow the lawn you didn't have.

We miss you already.

to your family: my deepest condolences. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Steve Winslett

January 20, 2026

To my dear sister, I miss you more than I could ever explain. We have so many memories together, from our crazy nights as young girls in our 20’s to having you by my side when my children were born. Our ups and downs were always together. I’ll forever be heartbroken! I know you’re probably saying “ don’t cry” let’s take a shoot of tequila. So I won’t cry anymore and just eat a sandwich ( our favorite poor people’s food) we ate countless sandwiches many times together. I love you sissy! I miss you.

Maria Franco

January 20, 2026

I always loved talking with Amanda around our office. One of the most genuine and kind humans I've ever had the pleasure of being around. Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends..

Heather Hoyer

January 20, 2026

Amanda,

Thank you for being the best neighbor! When we moved into Copper Hills Condominiums in 2018, you went out of your way to make my family feel welcomed. I’m really going to miss our chats on the porch about everything.
I still laugh when I think about the time I called the fire department because I thought our houses were on fire after you tried out your new smoker. I was in a panic, telling you to leave your place, only for you to calmly explain that you had just bought a smoker. That moment was priceless! I couldn’t stop laughing!

I’ll truly miss you, lady. Fly high, and we’ll see you on the other side.

Your neighbors,
Deborah, Doug, DeJon, and Kaleb

Deborah Garner

January 20, 2026

What can I say, Amanda we had many adventures. The many concerts, BBQ's and cookouts. Game and movie nights with friends. Convincing you to go camping along the Snake River in a tent to go rafting down the river. It took me forever to untangle the fishing reel you almost lost down the river. The arts and crafts we did. The painted wine and shot glasses are going to hold more meaning now. You were the glue that bound many in friendship. The world lost a gem of a person. You will be missed more than you know. Fly with angels my friend.

My deepest condolences to the Loya family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Colleen Gallagher

January 20, 2026

I had the opportunity to meet her just once at the Cementation office in Salt Lake City. She approached me to say hello because Ophet had encouraged her to connect with my friend Kay. From the moment we spoke, she radiated joy and warmth, making it feel like we had known each other for ages. Although our time together was brief, it created a lasting impression on my heart. It’s interesting how some people you’ve known for years can fade from memory, yet just 30 minutes with her felt so meaningful.

Ophet mentioned that she was a wonderful friend, and that has stuck with me. When I learned of her passing, it brought a wave of sadness. While I take comfort in knowing she has found peace, my heart aches for those who loved her and miss her dearly. She filled so many lives with light and love. Thank you, Amanda, for sharing your sparkle with the world. May it shine on wherever you are.

Kay Ramsay

January 19, 2026

I was able to convince Amanda to come camping with me back in May of 2022. We had a blast sitting around a campfire, just her and I. We talked and told stories for hours and laughed our asses off from some of the stories I told her about coming to America as an immigrant and not knowing how to use the toilet. We grilled pineapples, dressed it with Tajin and cheers each other like 2 kids ready for candy. We had a way of making each other laugh so hard that we could’ve passed out. Your pineapples are going to be so much sweeter than mine my friend. I love you and miss you so much. Until I see you again, keep rocking your country music and dance away!!

Ophet Sengchanh Oakes

Favorites

Service