Obituary of Frank B. Valdez

Frank B. Valdez, age 70, a resident of Chacon, New Mexico passed away on January 13, 2023 at UNM Hospital following an unexpected illness, surrounded by his loving family.  Frank was born on February 26, 1952 and was raised in Ocate, New Mexico.

Frank was preceded in death by his mother, Stella Armijo-Ramirez and sons:  Lorenzo Valdez and Carlos “Totter” Chavez, his Father-in-Law, Gavino Vigil “Gabby”, sister-in-laws:  Mela Valdez, and Mary Elizabeth Vigil “Liz”, brother-in-law:  Edward Fernandez.  Nieces and nephews:  Clarabelle Fernandez, Charles Vigil, Jessica Vigil and Andy Vigil.  Special friend:  Ben F. Sanchez and many other relatives and friends.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Lilly A. Valdez of the family home in Chacon, his sons:  Darrell Chavez, from Chacon, NM and Alfredo Valdez, wife and family from El Paso, Texas.  Daughter:  Francine Vigil and Grandsons: Raymond Valdez from Mora, Williams Valdez from Oklahoma City, OK., and Salvador Valdez.  Grandaughter:  Magaly Valdez and great grandchildren from Juarez, Mexico.  He is also survived by Mother-in-law:  Annie Vigil from Mora, NM and brother, Alberto Valdez and sister, Vitalia Valdez both from Arizona.  Brothers-in-law:  Jimmy Vigil (Frances), Floyd Vigil, Phillip Vigil (Carla), Gilbert Vigil (Roseann) and Albert Trujillo.  Sisters-in-law:  Shirley Fernandez, Cathy Mares (Eddie), Susan Vigil (Fernando), Beatrice Martinez (Sam), Special nephew:  Preston Martinez (which he helped raise) and his wife Amanda whom he loved.  Special Cousins:  Jody Armijo and Augustin Gallegos.  Special Friends:  Danny and Linda Trujillo from Cleveland, NM,  Isidro Archuleta from Encinal and many other special friends and relatives, among them, his half-brother Eldy Cruz, whom he got to know a few years before passing.

Frank is remembered not from where he worked or what title he had.  He will be remembered for being a wonderful, giving, generous human being whose empathy for humanity knew no bounds.  He will be remembered by all the people he helped, everyone he opened his doors to, as an Angel on earth, as I’m sure he is in Heaven.

Memorial Service for Frank will be held at the Cleveland Baptist Church in Cleveland, New Mexico on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2pm followed by a reception at the Mora Senior Center immediately following.  Cremation has taken place.