Robert Valdez

This World has lost a Great Man.  Our Mother, Steffie welcomed our father into her loving arms, in the early hours of Sunday, May 7 2017.  It was a long awaited reunion.

Robert "Ofelio" Valdez was born in Holman, NM on May 23, 1940 to Jose B Valdez and Maria Amalia Leyba.  He married Steffie Saldivar on April 28, 1969 and they raised 8 children together.  This resulted in 27 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren.  Robert served in the US Army and retired from Kennecott Copper after 35 years of employment as a diesel mechanic.  In his own words, "I was born, I died, dun-dun".

Dad is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Steffie; both parents; brothers Lawrence, Roger(Priscilla), Timoteo; son, Michael(Lisa) Valdez;; grandson Chase Covington, great grandsons Lonnie (LJ)Montoya and Gavin.  He is survived by brothers Paul(Claudia), Eddie(Martha) and sisters Dorothy(Floyd deceased)Romero, Ida(Lawrence)Ortega and Eileen Valdez.  Also survived by his children Tony(Lora), Julie(Michael), Steven(Nancy), Robert, Valerie(Tony)Williamese, Tonya(Richard)McWhorter and Trista Byerly.
His surviving inlaws Chris "Cricket" (Kelly) Corsi, Louie(LeeAnn)Saldivar, Chris(Fernando)Flores, Carmen(Ralph)Northrup, Lupe(Robbin)Allgood;Theresa(Len)Nebeker; Jerry Saldivar as well as Beth(Ernie) and Juanita(Refugio) Saldivar who have continued to be a supportive and loving family to him(to all of us).

The family would like to give special thanks to granddaughters Aleasha, Isabell and Alyssa for caring for our dad in his final days and for bringing him much joy during this time.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 on Friday, May 12 at the Lady of Lourdes Church, 2864 S 9000 W, Magna, UT.  A viewing will be held the night prior, Thursday, May 11th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W 2700 S, Magna, UT, as well as one hour prior to the funeral at Lady of Lourdes Church.  Condolences can be shared at didericksenmemorial.com.