Celia C. Valdez

Celia C. Valdez, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 12, 2025, at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.

Celia was born to Candelario and Cruz (Acosta) Carrasco. She married Hector N. Valdez. Celia worked at Carlsbad Caverns National Park for 28 years, retiring as a park ranger. A devoted Catholic, Celia found great comfort in prayer and loved listening to daily Mass on television. Her favorite devotion was the Divine Mercy Chaplet. She was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court San Jose #2252. Celia brought immeasurable joy and warmth into the lives of those around her with her kind heart, radiant smile, and unwavering love. She was a gifted cook; no one ever left her home hungry. Her garden bloomed as beautifully as her generous spirit. She loved tending to her roses, vegetables, and fruit trees, as well as spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Celia was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Mario Valdez; great-granddaughter, Samira Godinez; sisters, Concepcion Onsurez and Cornelia Martinez; and brothers, Candelario Jr. and Conrad Carrasco.

Celia is survived by her beloved husband of 75 years, Hector N. Valdez; daughters: Olga Godinez, Faviola V. Florez, Jeanne Valdez, and Anna Valdez; grandchildren: Davy Godinez and wife Jamie, Rene Godinez and Cruz, Cathy Florez, Pamela Florez and Mike Gallegos, and Haylie Valdez; great-grandchildren: Michael, Gavin, Ava, Elucio, Dominic, Xiomara, Brianne, Brayden, Tayler, and Talen; four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Corina C. Urquidez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Celia’s legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM on Friday, June 20, 2025, at San Jose Catholic Church, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park in Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Pallbearers will be Davy Godinez, Michael Godinez, Gavin Godinez, Rene Godinez, Elucio Godinez, Michael Gallegos, Talen Gallegos, and Brayden Florez. Honorary pallbearer is Haylie Valdez.