Dora Valdez

Dora was born in Cortez, Colorado on October 24,1948. Her given name at birth was Mable Dora Valdez, however she always preferred to go by Dora. While still an infant her family moved to Delta, CO. She attended grades 1st through 8th at St. Michaels Catholic Church. Upon completing the 8th grade at St. Michaels, she began and completed her High School years at Delta High School. During her senior year she set her sights on a shy guy named Tommy Valdez in pursuit of making him her date to their senior prom, And of course in typical Dora fashion, she succeeded. This began a beautiful friendship that bloomed into a long lasting marriage of 58 years.

Dora and Tommy were married November 26, 1966, in Delta. Tommy gave Dora the wedding of her dreams which consisted of 25 sets of groomsmen and bridesmaids. However, the beautiful memories of that perfect day were tragically shattered when the photography studio caught fire upon the development of the pictures. Tommy was determined to give her those wedding photos and so they renewed those vows 25 years later November 26th, 1991, and again they had those same 25 groomsmen and bridesmaids excluding two who had passed on, in their place stood Dora and Tommy's two oldest children. Tommy and Dora began their life together by starting to grow their family. Their first blessing from God was Manuel. Unfortunately, God needed him more and Manuel did not get to have life here on earth. Although they faced fires and losses and hurt in the beginning of their journey together their love for one another was what drove them to never give up and they soon welcomed their one and only daughter Angela. Dora gave Angela the special middle name Rosemary. Rose after her mother-in-law and Mary after her mother combined to make Rosemary. Angela is married to Larry Lopez. Their second blessing was Steve, named after Dora's deceased brother married to Corrine.

The last of her blessings was TJ who is named after Tommy. All of their blessings reside in Delta. Dora was even more blessed with 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Dora spent her free time in many clubs and organizations, such as the Emblem club and T.O.P.S and she greatly enjoyed playing bingo or traveling with Tommy to explore new places and casinos. But Dora's heart's joy was being with Tommy and spending time with her family, her kids and great grandkids. Having their home full of family and being able to sit back and admire what together they created meant everything to them.

Dora was one of ten children, she is preceded in death by the oldest of her siblings Steven, after his passing she became the oldest of her siblings and she took this role very seriously. Doras brother Gabriel was born third in line who too preceded her in death. Her sister Cruz was the fourth child born, Cruz resides in Grand Junction, Colorado. Her fifth sibling Larry resides in Delta, Colorado. Dora is also preceded in death by her sister Esther who was born sixth, and brother Eugene who was born seventh.

Dora's eighth sibling, her brother Joe, also known as Marvin is married to Joyce and they reside in Phoenix Arizona. Dora's final two siblings are her sisters Lugie who resides in Denver, Colorado and

Kathy who resides in Albuquerque New Mexico. She loved her brothers and sisters so much.

Dora enjoyed listening to various kinds of music and liked many singers, but her favorite artist was Conway Twitty. She would listen to his music while cleaning the house or doing her side hobbies of embroidery, sewing, making dolls for the great granddaughters. She loved to go to yard sales and craft shows,when she was not traveling to casinos or playing bingo. Dora enjoyed life to the fullest, she loved to participate in the different events like Halloween and dress up performances with all of the clubs she was active in.

After a history of different jobs Dora made a career working as Delta County clerk and recorder. Dora was well known for her hard work and honesty. One time while working she went to the bank to get change from large bills and when she returned to her desk and began to fill her drawer with her smaller bills she realized that the teller had given her 100 dollar bills instead of one dollar bills. Dora immediately took those back to the bank teller and informed her a mistake was made. Not many had a heart quite like Dora. This career lasted 36 years and produced a community of friends. She retired from this job in 2015.

Dora was a very special lady to all who came in contact with her, she will be loved and remembered always. Her family will cherish her memory until we too are called home.

 John 14: 2-3

There is more than enough room in my fathers home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.