Juan G. Valdez

Juan G. Valdez, 64, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2004 in his longtime home in Moses Lake, Wash.

Born on July 16, 1939 in Garza Gonzalez, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Alfredo and Matilda Valdez, Juan was raised in Garza Gonzalez. As he grew up, and as a farmworker, he worked alongside his brothers throughout Texas, Arizona, California and Washington.

In 1958, outside of a Fresno theater, he met Maria, and four years later, they were married.

Juan first came to Moses Lake in 1955 and it became his permanent home in 1962. He worked for Basin Produce, until he was hired at the U&I Sugar Factory. His favorite achievement at U&I Sugar was when he worked a straight 32-hour shift, as a winter storm left the plant with a shortage of workers.

Despite a series of physical setbacks, Juan always provided for his family and children. He attended most of their school activities, showing his love and support for his children.

His hobbies included working in his garden and with his cars. In later years, he enjoyed visiting with his brothers and friends every morning at Burger King.

In 1982, Juan's proudest moment came when he became a U.S. citizen, granting him the right to vote.

Juan loved his wife of 42 years, his children, grandchildren and his home.

He is survived by: his wife, Maria; children, Juan Valdez, Jr. and Laurie of Salem, Ore., Amalia Valdez of Moses Lake, Jaime Valdez and Kaylyn of Monroe, Wash. and Javier Valdez of Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren, Rafael, Juan Carlos, Juan Gabriel, Davi, Jaime, Roberto, Amanda, Juan Earl Jacob and Kaycee; siblings, Elida Ledesma of Fresno, Calif., Miguel Valdez of Mcallen, Texas, Luis Valdez and Raul Valdez, both of Moses Lake, Maria Hernandez and Arnulfo Valdez, both of Texas, and Nicanor Valdez of Bend, Ore.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo and Matilda Valdez, and brother, Alfredo Valdez, Jr.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 18, 2004 in Benson's Chapel at the cemetery. Interment will follow in Pioneer Memorial Gardens in Moses Lake.

Family and friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 17 at Benson's Chapel.