Luis Valdez

Luis E. Valdez, 87, passed away on June 6, 2024, with his loving family at his bedside.  Luis was born on February 24,1937, in Alison, Colorado, to Solomon and Benita Valdez. He is preceded in death by his wife, Edna; parents, Solomon and Benita Valdez; sisters, Phyllis Gomez and Virginia Gallegos; brothers, Solomon Jr., Don, and Bernardo Valdez; granddaughter, Shayna Valdez; and son-in-law, James Smith.

Luis grew up and lived in Colorado until 1955 when he moved to Espanola, New Mexico, where he met the love of his life, Edna June Martinez, and was married to her for almost 60 years. He worked in Los Alamos for the telephone company for 30 years before retiring. But retirement didn’t suit him, so he went to work for the State of New Mexico as a Radiological Safety Technician and supported the New Mexico State Police with search and rescue efforts and retired after 10 years of service. Growing up in Colorado, Luis loved the mountains and became extremely skilled as a hunter and fisherman. He shared his love of the outdoors with his children, grandchildren, and extended family who enjoyed years of hunting and camping trips with him. Luis was also a skilled handyman, always willing to help others with home projects and repairs; he could build or fix anything. Luis enjoyed many hobbies including gold panning and prospecting, coin collecting, white water rafting, hosting backyard cookouts, and taking long drives with Edna.

Luis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and his family adored him. He is survived by his children, Peggy (Steve) Gonzales, Nettie Smith, George (Yvette) Valdez, and Lynn (William) Varoz; grandchildren, Candyce (Conrad) Valencia, Ashley (Tim) Gensure, Lindsey (Andrew) Gaspar, Nicholette Smith, Miranda (Tim) Vigil, Kamille Varoz, and Kristin, Brianna, Valerie, and George Valdez Jr.; great grandchildren, Cedryc and Ceryne Valencia, Nyree Padilla and EzMae Martinez, Aubrey and Lincoln Gaspar, and Tessa and Madison Vigil.

The family of Luis Valdez would like to thank the healthcare professionals who provided outstanding care and compassion for him including Thomas Galliher, Raphael Koskei, Florence Roybal, Jennika Martinez, Cynthia Robbins, Jonathan LaRue, Celena Garcia, and many others; Julie and Tim and the staff of the Aspen Ridge Lodge Retirement Facility; and Enchanted Sky Hospice.

A Wake Service will be held at Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel in Espanola, NM, at 6:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. a Mass will be held at Holy Family Church in Chimayo, NM.

The family of Luis Valdez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. 505-747-7477. www.devargasfh.com