Felipe A. Valdez, age 74,
a resident of El Llano passed away suddenly on Friday, February 6, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felipe and Ursusina Valdez; brothers, Pablo and Ramon Valdez; son Gabriel Valdez; grandsons, Kenny and Aaron Valdez. Our Felipe was always ready to help everyone. He gave all his love from the bottom of his heart. He expressed his advice freely and it was well accepted. He was a highly regarded community member as well as a member of La Cofrada de Nuestro Padre Jesus. Felipe enjoyed hunting with his sons and grandsons. He also loved fishing, tending to his garden, and was always telling jokes. Felipe was an exceptional barber and construction worker. When he and his wife found themselves with spare time, they enjoyed going to the casino. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Bernie Valdez; daughters, Rosie Marquez and husband John; son, Archie Valdez and wife Annabelle; daughter, Sandy Dixon and husband Howard, all of El Llano, daughter, Angela Vigil and husband Albert of Chimayo; son, Sotero Valdez of El Llano; granddaughter, Victoria, who was like a daughter, and her husband Paul Apodaca of El Llano; 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; brother, Esquipula Valdez and wife Grace of Nambe. A rosary was recited on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada. A second rosary was recited on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Burial followed at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Johnny Marquez Jr., Gabriel, Vincent and Chris Valdez; Albert Vigil and Paul Apodaca. Honorary pallbearers will be Sergio Marquez, Marcos Vigil, Antonio Valdez, his 23 God children, 19 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. The family of Felipe A. Valdez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com