Ernest E. Valdez, 93

San Luis resident Ernest E. Valdez, 93, passed away March 9, 2017 at the San Luis Care Center with his loving family by his side. Ernest was welcomed into the world on September 9, 1923 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the beloved son of Eloy Valdez and Celia Olivas Valdez. Ernest was united in marriage to Alice Payne on July 21, 1947 in San Luis, Colorado, the two shared a long and happy union until his passing. He worked as a farmer for many years and had a passion for growing his bolita beans and taking care of his animals. Ernest was a kind, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who loved to spend any and all time he could with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife Alice Valdez of San Luis, CO; daughters Louise (Fred) DeHerrera of Colorado Springs, CO; Norma Jean Valdez of San Luis, CO; Ernestine Valdez of San Luis, CO; son Arnold (Maria) Valdez of San Luis, CO; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and one brother Rudy (Jane) Rufran of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents Eloy and Celia Valdez, son Sam Valdez, brothers Joe and Gaspar Valdez, sisters Belinda, Bertha, Mary, Ida, Patsy and Cleo.

A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the Romero Funeral Chapel in San Luis. Another Vigil Service will be held on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church in San Luis. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM also at Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the San Luis Cemetery. Viewing and visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-5 PM at the Romero Funeral Chapel in San Luis. The arrangements have been placed in the care of Romero Funeral Home of San Luis.