Dora Valdez

While still an infant, her parents moved to Delta, Colorado. She attended 1st through 8th grade at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Upon completing the 8th grade, she began and completed her High School years at Delta High School. During her senior year, she set sights on a shy guy named Tommy Valdez in pursuit of making him her date to their senior prom, and of course, in typical Dora fashion, she succeeded. This began a beautiful friendship that bloomed into a long-lasting marriage of 58 years. Dora and Tommy were married on November 26, 1966 in Delta, CO. Tommy gave Dora the wedding of her dreams, which consisted of 25 groomsmen and bridesmaids. However, the beautiful memories of that perfect day were tragically shattered when the photography studio caught fire upon the development of the pictures. Tommy was determined to give her those wedding photos, and so they renewed their vows 25 years later on November 26th, 1991, and again, with the same 25 groomsmen and bridesmaids, excluding two who had passed away prior. In place of those two stood Dora and Tommy’s two oldest children.

Tommy and Dora began their life together starting their family. Their first blessing from God was Manuel. Unfortunately, God needed him more and Manuel did not have a life here on earth. Although they faced fires, losses, and hurts, at the beginning of their journey together their love for one another helped drive them to never give up.  Soon after, they welcomed their one and only daughter Angela. Dora gave Angela the special middle name Rosemary. Rose after her mother-in-law and Mary after her mother combined to make Rosemary. Angela is married to Larry Lopez. Their second blessing was Steve, named after Dora’s deceased brother, who is married to Corrine. The last of her blessings was TJ who is named after Tommy. All of their blessings reside in Delta, Colorado.

Dora was blessed even more with 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Dora spent her free time in many clubs and organizations, such as the Emblem Club and T.O.P.S. She enjoyed playing bingo and traveling with Tommy exploring new places and casinos. Dora’s heart’s joy was being with her Viejo (this was her nickname for the love of her life), and if asked why she called Tom that, her response was, “Well because he is my old man.” Spending time with her family, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, having their homes full of laughter, and being able to sit back and admire what together they created meant everything to the two of them.

Dora was one of ten children; she was preceded in death by the oldest of her siblings, Steven. After his passing, she became the oldest of her siblings and took this role very seriously. Dora’s brother Gabriel was born third in line who too preceded her in death. Her sister Cruz was the fourth child born, Cruz resides in Grand Junction, Colorado. Her fifth sibling Larry resides in Delta, Colorado. Dora is also preceded in death by her sister Esther who was born sixth, and brother Eugene who was born seventh. Dora’s eighth sibling, her brother Joe, also known as Marvin is married to Joyce, and they reside in Phoenix, Arizona. Dora’s last two siblings are sisters Lugie who resides in Denver, Colorado, and Kathy who resides in Albuquerque New Mexico. She loved her brothers and sisters so much.

Dora enjoyed listening to various kinds of music and liked many singers, but her favorite artist was Conway Twitty. She would listen to his music while cleaning the house or doing her side hobbies of embroidery, sewing, and making dolls for the great-granddaughters. She loved to go to yard sales, and craft shows when she was not traveling to casinos or playing bingo. Dora enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved to participate in different events like Halloween and dress-up performances with all the clubs she was active in.

After a history of different jobs, Dora made a career working as a Delta County clerk and recorder. Dora was well known for her hard work and honesty. One time while at work she went to the bank to get change from large bills and when she returned to her desk and began to fill her drawer with her smaller bills, she realized that the teller had given her 100-dollar bills instead of one-dollar bills. Dora immediately took them back to the bank teller and informed her a mistake had been made. Not many had a heart quite like Dora. This career lasted 36 years and produced a community of friends. She retired from this job in 2015.

Dora was a very special lady to all who came in contact with her, she will be loved and remembered always. Her family will cherish her memory until we too are called home.

John 14: 2-3

There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.