Ernest Valdez Jr.

Lifelong La Jara resident, Ernest (Ernie) Valdez Jr., 92, passed away on November 23rd, 2020. He was a man of deep faith and a strong work ethic. He will be remembered as a rancher, farmer, veteran, and more importantly as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and a genuine friend to many. He loved his family and friends.

Ernie was one of twelve children born to Ernest Valdez and Benina (Chavez) Valdez on October 10th, 1928 in Capulin, Colorado (Lone Pine Tree Ranch). He was blessed with a Catholic faith and was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish. A humble man, Ernie dedicated his young life to helping on the family farm and ranch and graduated from La Jara High School. At age 22 he served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951-1952. He was honorably discharged in June of 1952 and safely returned to his family farm. He helped grow the family farm and ranch, the V Bar Ranch, into a successful business with his brother; that was known for quality wool, sheep, cattle and barley. On November 15, 1975, he married the love of his life, Doloretta (Dollie) Gallegos and celebrated 45 years of marriage this year. Ernie and Dollie raised four successful children together while dedicating their lives to their vocations and passions. During his career, he was chair of the Conejos County Conservation District and a member of the Conejos Farm Service Agency. He was also a three-year consecutive winner of the Wool Growers Association Carl Osborn Memorial Trophy. Ernie had a tremendous love of the mountains and where he felt the closest to God and was a true cowboy. Particularly in the summer, you could find Ernie in the mountains with his family and friends living his fullest life. He loved to travel and go on adventures with his wife and family. He never ceased to amaze with his sharp mind, wisdom, quick wit, and incredible zest for life. He was the light that brightened the lives of many and it was an honor to have known him. 

He is survived by his lovely wife, Doloretta (Dollie) of La Jara, sons, Daniel Valdez of Rio Rancho, NM, Donald Valdez of La Jara, Tim (Nicole) Valdez of Colorado Springs, CO and daughter, Larissa (Juan) Lopez of Durango, CO. Grandchildren Gabriel & Alyssa Valdez, Elena Lopez, Austyn & Prestyn Arends. Siblings Lucy Quandt (Pueblo, CO), Margaret Lopez (Eliu, Phoenix, AZ), Eleanor Mang (Albuquerque, NM), Benjamin Valdez (Bernadette, Phoenix, AZ), Alfonso Valdez (Helen, La Jara), Inez Madril (Goodyear, AZ), Richard Valdez (Sonda, Miami, FL), and numerous family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sr. and Benina Valdez (Chavez) and four siblings, Herman Valdez, Della Esquibel, Frank Valdez, and Edwardo Valdez.

Cremation was chosen and services will be held at a later date. The family thanks you for your love, prayers, and support. Donations can be made to the SLV Health (SLVH) Foundation in his honor. For more information visit www.sanluisvalleyhealth.org/foundation/.