Herman Valdez

Herman Valdez
8/21/1928-11/3/2023

Faith, Family and his Honor were how 95 year old Herman Valdez lived his life.  He is survived by his wife of 66  1/2 years, Loretta, his children Herman Valdez, Irene Valdez, Dolores (James) Brooks, Gloria (Tim) Smith and Joseph Valdez, his eight grandchildren Bernadette, Jacob, Jason, Jamie, Joshua, Nicolas, Dominic and Michael, and seven great-grand children Joshua, Charlotte, Francis, Katilena , Deluvina, Thomas and Artemis. 

Herman is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Bernabe and Olivama Valdez, brothers, Ben (Lorraine) Valdez and Jose Adelido Valdez, sisters, Mela Montoya (Eppi), Eutimia Archuleta (Frank), Marie Lujan (Damian) Angie Corlis (Zeke) and Betty Valdez, brother-in-law Epifanio “Eppie”Salazar nephews, Rudy Archuleta and Casey (Essie) Montoya. 

He is survived by his sister, Susie Salazar, brothers, Eluid Valdez (Irene), Horace Valdez (Dora), sister-in-law Candie Valdez, Phillip Valdez (Joanna) and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.    

You would find Herman taking his early morning walk through the orchard, with his two dogs Ginger and Twister.  The cool air, the beautiful northern New Mexico sky, the warmth of the sun, the fresh intoxicating smells of the orchard, the sound of the gentle roar of the river, as he took each step feeling the rich soil beneath him.  Looking around and evaluating the many stages of growth of the fruit, Herman would silently move his lips ever so softly in prayer.  God has blessed us!  He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly.  He loved his sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and friends.  He prayed for all his loved ones. He was proud of his integrity and work ethic for he worked very hard all of his life. His orchard was the baby that never grew up, always needing attention and rewarding him with the most delicious fruits and vegetables.  He and Loretta owned Herman Valdez Fruit Stand in Velarde, New Mexico.  People came from near and far, to buy Herman’s produce. Herman was proud to have worked 33 years at The Zia Company/Johnson Controls in Los Alamos in Prefabrication and Modification. He belonged to the International Operating Engineers Union.  It was an honor for Herman to have served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952.  After retiring from The Zia Company and the orchard, Herman and his wife Loretta moved to Albuquerque. He spent his days praying, looking forward to calling and receiving phone calls from his loved ones until he got the call from Our Lord.  He died peacefully surrounded by his family, in prayer and thanksgiving. 

The family would like to thank all the nursing staff, especially Gina, Bianca, Johnny, Jamie and Rudy and Nathan John from Legacy Home Care and High Desert Hospice especially Carla for their thoughtful and loving care and support for Herman. 

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made in memory of Herman Valdez to the

St Felix Pantry in Rio Rancho.