Mary Ann Valdez

Mary Ann Gatica Valdez (68), a beloved wife and mother, passed from this life on August 11, 2023.

Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023 followed by a Rosary Service at 6:00 p.m. at Englunds Chapel in Slaton. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Slaton.  Interment will follow at Englewood Cemetery in Slaton. Arrangements are under the direction of Englunds Funeral Service of Slaton.

She was born on October 20, 1954 to Pedro and Pauline Gatica in Slaton, Tx. Mary Ann grew up attending Slaton schools and graduated in 1973. She went on to attend West Texas State shortly where she met her future husband, Concepcion Valdez Jr. They married in 1975 in Slaton, TX at Our Lady of Guadalupe and recently celebrated 48 years of marriage.

They made a life in their Slaton home where they lived on 4th street for 37 years. Mary Ann had a beautiful heart and many benefited from her loving and caring spirit. Over the years, she not only devoted her time to her family as a stay-at-home mom, she also gave her time to her church where she served as a member of the Women’s Club and Guadalupanas. Although she had three daughters, she opened her home when she felt she was needed, and she became a mom to many more.

She made her home a place where children were always welcome and one they never wanted to leave. She always agreed to host sleepovers and often cooked delicious lunches at request. She was known for being the best at spoiling kids.

Out of all the roles she played, being a grandmother was her favorite. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she made sure they knew how much she loved them.

She is preceded in death by her father, Pedro Gatica; her mother, Pauline Gatica; her sister, Teresa Hernandez, and her brothers; Jesse (Sugar Bear) Gatica (Lubbock) and Jaime Gatica.

She is survived by her husband, Concepcion Valdez Jr.; three daughters, Elisa [Edward] Rocha of Midland, Evelyn Valdez and Annette [Raymond] Garcia; three daughters she took in as her own, Ester Valdez (Midland), Jessica Silvas, and Michelle Contreras (Lubbock); two brothers, Joe [Vianey] Gatica and John [Irma] Gatica and two sisters-in-law, Angeli Gatica (Lubbock) and Dorothy Simental; fifteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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