Gilbert Leroy "Valdy" Valdez

Gilbert Leroy "Valdy" Valdez, 80, departed on his journey home, January 16, 2020. Gilbert was born June 14, 1939 in Walsenburg, Colorado to Mucio & Genoveva (Lucero) Valdez.

Gilbert was born in Walsenburg, Colorado. He moved into the Arkansas Valley in his late teens. Gilbert loved to golf, bowl, and played softball for many years. He loved to take his son Randy to play catch when he was young. He worked for many years at Rhoades grocery, and then at the hospital where he met his love Mary Guerrero. They spent many happy years together and she faithfully cared for Gilbert as he grew older. Gilbert will be fiercely missed by his little doggy Sam. We will always remember Gilbert for the great man he was, his love for sports, his crazy jokes, and how much he loved and cared for everyone.

Gilbert leaves his loving wife of 24 years, Mary Guerrero Valdez, sister-in-law Vicky Guerrero, children Valerie and Ron Martinez, and Randy Valdez, grandchildren Lauren Valdez, Alex Martinez, Caitlyn and Hank Chambers, and Raegan and Miles Iovinella, great-grandchildren Jamysun, Landen, Joeylin, and Loegan McDonald, Paxtyn and Cohen Chambers, and Tobias and Evie Iovinella, sisters Josie Martinez Villegas, Emma Valdez Trujillo, and Viola Valdez Medina and numerous other family members and friends. Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lolo Martinez, Jenny, Theresa, Mary, Mickey, Bonnie, Eddie and Bojo Martinez, and Louise Valdez Aleman.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m., both services will be at Our lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Henry Wertin officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home and Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.