Marilyn Valadez

Marilyn Lee Valadez, age 81, beloved wife, mother and artist was called to her eternal resting place on December 28, 2022. She was born on December 19, 1941 in Louisville, Kentucky and raised by Mattie Joe Oelze. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Tomas Gallegos Valadez Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Valadez and Patricia Valadez; her son-in-laws, Kirk Muncrief and Sean Sorlie, respectively; and her beloved furry canine companion, Scooby. Marilyn lived a colorful life and shared many stories of growing up in Owensboro, KY. She recounted tales of living on a farm and the excitement of moving into town and all the modern amenities that came with it. Being a child growing up in the 40s meant there was a lot of freedom afforded her and many adventures to be had. These experiences would help feed her adventurous nature as she got older. In her early twenties she met a handsome young military man with a promising career in the Army. His name was Tomas Valadez and on January 4th, 1964, they married. His military assignments took them overseas to live in Germany and then back to the US where they lived in North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas and New Mexico. Marilyn was a devoted military wife focused on maintaining the household, managing all of the finances, balancing a job of her own and raising their oldest daughter (Cheryl) while Tomas was deployed for two tours to Vietnam during the Vietnam War. She would repeat this again when Tomas was assigned to serve in Panama and during the multiple training and field maneuvers he was required to participate in that took him away from home. Marilyn gave birth to another daughter (Patricia) while she and Tomas were stationed in Fort Campbell, KY. Raising two daughters that were almost 11 years apart might have proven challenging for some, but not for Marilyn, who loved her children dearly. Shortly after Patricia was born, Tomas received another assignment and Marilyn moved the family to Las Cruces, NM, where they would eventually retire. Marilyn loved New Mexico and lived in Las Cruces for 44 years until the time of her passing. She appreciated the beauty of the desert landscape, the sunshine filled days, and the home she and Tomas made together. Marilyn had many hobbies that kept her active and creative. She enjoyed aerobics classes and spent many years attending Jazzercise multiple times each week. She was an artist at heart and began making her own handmade greeting cards and trading those with her card making friends. Lucky family members and friends frequently received her one of a kind creations in the mail. The love incorporated into her handmade greetings was evident in the meticulous care she took in coloring, cutting and layering every component until she had created the perfect art piece for her intended recipient. Each finished card was worthy of framing. Never one to sit still, Marilyn had many other interests that kept her busy such as playing cards, taking art classes, watching movies and reading books, but none made her happier than taking the family skiing. She learned how to ski in her 40s and quickly became addicted to the combination of speed and freedom the sport brought with it. There was nothing more exhilarating than feeling the swish of snow underfoot as her skis quickly cut a trail through the fresh fallen powder. Twice a year, Marilyn planned ski trips to Colorado where she and Tomas spent time skiing with their daughters. They woke in the mornings while it was still dark outside and Marilyn would cook a hearty breakfast, so they could greet the sunrise on the slopes in Purgatory. Everyone skied until the mountain closed and then the family would pile into the car for the short ride back to Durango, exhausted and happy. Then they would wake the next morning and do it all again. The time spent together skiing over the years was cherished and made for many lasting memories. Smart, funny and a compelling story teller, Marilyn loved to laugh. The times spent sitting around the kitchen table sharing tales of cat bites, childhood neighbors that lived near their farm, and a couple of unusual imaginary friends are stories that her daughters will forever fondly hold in their hearts. Marilyn was reunited with Tomas and laid to rest in the Santa Fe National Cemetery on January 12, 2023 in a private graveside service. She is greatly missed and her daughters lovingly think of her everyday recalling many memories of trips taken, stories told, and laughs shared.