William "Willie" B. Valdez

September 19, 1927 - March 1, 2012

Mr. William Benjamin (Willie) Valdez, 84, of Rocky Ford died on Thursday, March 1st, 2012 suddenly at Penrose Main Medical Center, Colorado Springs, CO. William was born in Wagon Mound, NM on September 19, 1927, the son of the late Isaias and Dolores Maria (Romero) Valdez. He attended schools in Wagon Mound, NM. He married Gavina (Magdaleno) Valdez on Nov. 19, 1948 in Rocky Ford, CO. She survives. He served in the U.S. Army in WW II. He worked for the Sugar Factory, David Nava Farms, City of Rocky Ford, Rocky Ford High School, Pueblo Army Depot and various other places. He was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church Rocky Ford, CO 81067. He enjoyed fishing, working puzzles, having garage sales, reading, arts and crafts and mingling with the his friends. But he especially enjoyed spending time with his family and attending the grandkids activities. He was devoted to his faith and the catholic church. He is survived by his wife; Gavina of the home; Daughter Rosita Cordova of Rocky Ford, CO; Son Paul (Debbie) Valdez of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Jennie (Mike Dixon) Valdez of Fort Collins, CO; Daughter Christina (Jack Morehouse) Valdez of Fort Collins, CO; Daughter Jesusita "Susie" (Don) Vaughn of Fort Collins, CO; Son Martin (Cindy) Valdez of Rocky Ford, CO; Brother Albert (Elizabeth) Valdez of Albuquerque, NM; Sister Joann (Ernie) Moreno of Wagon Mound, NM. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Diane (Greg) Plunkett, Krista Valdez, Julie Valdez, Paula Valdez, PJ Valdez, Ashlee Valdez, Noah Fridley, Nikki (Jason) Jones, Doneka Valdez, Martin Valdez, Jr., Michael Valdez, Jami Vaughn, Kalie Vaughn, Glenda (Oscar) Perez, Tracey Cordova and Joe Cordova; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law: Eloisa Valdez of Pueblo; brother-in-laws: Henry Magdaleno of Rocky Ford, Ruben Magdaleno (Stella) of Rocky Ford, and Ernie Magdaleno (Jane) of Fort Collins, CO and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: son: Joseph; infant daughter: Christine; brother: Arthur Valdez; sister: Nina Charles; brother-in-law: Paul Magdaleno; sister-in-law: Jean Magdaleno. A Rosary Service will be recited at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 5, 2012 at the St. Peters Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Peters Catholic Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 6th, with Fr. Paul Ekeh officiating. A Visitation will be on Monday from 11 AM until 4 PM at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Inurnment will be private at a later time in Hillcrest Cemetery Rocky Ford, CO. CASKETBEARERS: Joe "Gijo" Cordova, III, PJ Valdez, Martin Valdez, Jr., Noah Fridley, Michael Valdez, Nathan Cordova, Dominic Torrez HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Jordan Plunkett, Joshua Cordova, Anthony Salazar, Greg Garcia, Jr., Isiah Garcia, Willie B. Valdez, Bailey Perez, Albert Valdez, Jr., Richard Valdez & John Valdez Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.