Jayben Derick Santiago

Jayben Derick Santiago touched the hearts of many during his short time on this earth. Born on a warm summer day at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sadly, on February 26th, the world lost a shining star as Jayben passed away at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

In his brief but impactful life, Jayben found joy in the simple things - from swinging, playing with wubby (pacifier) & boppy (pillow), staying wide awake and getting his hair done every day in the NICU. Jayben enjoyed watching the Dancing Veggies.

Jayben will be dearly missed by his loving family, including his mother Mandy Arneecher-Carrillo, father Benito Santiago, his sister “Jo Jo” Jaylin Gomez who rarely left Jayben’s side, his brothers Malicoy Arneecher, Elijiah Arneecher, Izaak Carrillo, Antonio Santiago, and Daneil Santiago, his maternal grandmother Terri Bauer-Midgett,  maternal Great Grandfather, Jim Bauer, his maternal grandfather, Kenny Arneecher, his paternal grandmother Virjinia Zepahua, and grandfather Guadalupe Santiago,  along with a host of other family members. 

Jayben was preceded in death by his Maternal Great-Great Grandmother, Hazel Bates-Crossley (2017), Great Grandmother Imogene Bauer (2015), and Uncle Derick Arneecher (2009), Great Grandfather Kenneth C. Arneecher, (2014), Step-Great Grandmother Sue Arneecher (2022), Great Grandmother Anna Arneecher (2023), and Great Aunt Kim Arneecher (2020), and paternal Great Grandmother Victoria Escudero. Although Jayben's time with us was short, the memories of his joyful moments will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-6 PM, Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel located at 711 S. Main Street, Grove, OK. A Funeral Service to honor and celebrate Jayben's life will be held at 11 AM, Monday, March 4th at Grace Harbor Church located at 16 W. 11th Street, Grove, OK with Pastor Marty Hughes officiating. Jayben will be laid to rest in the Butler Cemetery. 

Rest in peace, sweet Jayben - your bright spirit will continue to shine in our memories forever.

The family would like to recognize two special NICU nurses; Stephanie Watkins and Heather Curlee, for their outstanding care, kindness, and compassion that they provided Jayben. What a blessing to have Tias like you girls.