Benedicto Valdez

Benedicto Valdez, 92, of Vadito passed away on May 12, 2014.

He was Valedictorian of his high school graduating class. He is the oldest living member of the family. For many years he was a Lector and Eucharist Minister and attended catholic school in Penasco with the Sisters. He worked for many years as a clerk for Alex Owen at Owens Store and for the Forest Service. He also hauled lumber from Vadito to Tucumcari and was a store clerk for Polidor Trujillo.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother whom raised him, Bonifacia Martinez Barela, parents, Juan De Jesus and Fedelina Valdez, sisters, Orcelia and Estefanita Martinez and grandson, D.J. Valdez.

He is survived by his wife, Alcarita Valdez, sons and daughters, Orlinda Trujillo (Andrew), Johnny Valdez (Carolyn), Ivan Valdez, Oralia Martinez (Roger), Leroy Valdez (Georgia), Albert and Danny Valdez, brothers, Bernardo and Octaviano Valdez (Adelina), sisters, Andreita Romero (Ernesto) and Irene Valdez (Casey Chacon), 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.

Rosary was recited on May 15, 2014 at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Penasco. Funeral mass was held on May 16, 2014, Both were held at San Antonio de Padua Church with interment following at the Vadito Cemetery.