Aiyana Inez DePew

Aiyana Inez DePew, age 27, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026. Though her time with us was far too short, Aiyana filled her years with love, courage, adventure, laughter, and a deep devotion to the people who meant the most to her. 

A Life of Adventure 

Aiyana was born on May 7, 1999, in Burley, Idaho, to Francisco Rios and Cynthia Arteaga. She grew up in Paul, Idaho, and graduated from Minico High School in 2017. From an early age, Aiyana embraced new experiences and welcomed every change of scenery. Her adventurous spirit carried her from Idaho to Arizona, back to Idaho, then to Oregon, and finally to Arkansas. Wherever she lived, she brought her warmth, energy, and joyful presence with her. 

A Love Story 

Aiyana’s life took a beautiful and meaningful turn when she met her future husband and best friend, Terry. Their story began at a local restaurant in Burley, Idaho, where Terry, working nearby on a construction project, noticed Aiyana and her sister. From their very first date, Terry and Aiyana shared a connection that quickly became inseparable. In those early days, they built their life together wherever the road led, from hotels to the homes of family members. What mattered most was simply being together. They filled their days with hiking, painting, enjoying nature, sharing dinners, and finding happiness in life’s everyday moments. When Terry’s Idaho project ended, he had the opportunity to “steal her away” for their next adventure. True to her fearless nature, Aiyana embraced the chance to build a new life with the person she loved.

 Family, Motherhood, and Home 

Their next chapter brought them to Portland, Oregon, where Aiyana felt completely at home among the trees and rain. It was there that Aiyana and Terry began growing their family and welcomed their first son, Jasper Lee. Motherhood became one of Aiyana’s greatest joys and most cherished roles. She poured her heart into being a mother, caregiver, teacher, entrepreneur, and partner. The young woman who could light up any gathering became an extraordinary mother whose love, patience, and devotion shaped the heart of her family. Another unforgettable adventure came when Terry proposed to Aiyana in Santorini, Greece, during a sunset wine tour. It was a beautiful moment for two best friends whose lives had become one remarkable journey. Work later brought Aiyana and Terry to Conway, Arkansas, where they were married on May 2, 2026. During their bachelor and bachelorette celebrations in Scottsdale, Arizona, Aiyana discovered they were expecting their second child. They were overjoyed to learn that their family was growing again and later welcomed Sage James.

 Living and Loving Fully

 Aiyana approached family life with enthusiasm, creativity, and love. She found joy in cooking, playing with Jasper, taking nightly bike rides, and sharing countless everyday adventures with Terry. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a true best friend. Together, they lived fully, dreamed boldly, and loved deeply. Aiyana will be remembered for her adventurous heart, her courage to take chances, her love of nature, and the radiant joy she brought to her family and friends. Her greatest legacy lives on in the love she shared, the family she built, and the beautiful memories that will continue to inspire everyone who knew her. 

Forever Loved

 Aiyana is lovingly survived by her husband, Terry James DePew; her children, Jasper Lee DePew and Sage James DePew; her parents, Francisco and Robyn Rios, and Cynthia Arteaga; her in-laws, Gary and Traci Lee DePew; her siblings, Nicole León, Jesus Daniel Llamas, Brayden Rios, Franky Rios, and Dallas Aiden Arteaga; her grandparents, Danny and Lupe Quiroz, and Jerry and Connie Satterwhite; and her niece, Camila Rose León. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Ozzi “Goose,” along with many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Edubina Diaz “Ama”; her grandfather, Henry Rios; her aunt, Whitney Murphy; her great-grandmothers, Guadalupe Pena and Magarita Hernandez Quiroz; and her great-grandfathers, Jesus Pena and Guadalupe Quiroz. 

Celebration of Life 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Minidoka County Fairgrounds in the McGregor Building, located at 85 East Baseline Road in Rupert, Idaho.

 A future Celebration of Life will also be held in Phoenix, Arizona.

 “She lived fully, dreamed boldly, and loved deeply.”