Sotero A Valdez

Sotero A. Valdez (aka “Salty Dog”), age 59, a resident of El Llano, NM, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Sotero is preceded in death by his daughter, Erika Valdez, his father Felipe Valdez, mother Bernie Valdez and brother Gabriel Valdez

Sotero is survived by his son, Antonio Valdez and stepdaughter Julie Holt, godson Marcos Vigil Sr. and godfather Roman Martinez Sr. He leaves behind his siblings Rosie Marquez (John), Archie Valdez (Annabelle), Sandy Dixon (Howard), and Angela Vigil (Albert) and many other relatives and friends.

Sotero will be remembered for his great artistic talent and was an amazing, award-winning stone sculptor.  He is a US Army veteran. Sotero mastered the art of Karate and held a six-level black belt. He lived a simple life, had a love of life and was loyal and loving to his family and friends. Sotero loved the outdoors and hunting. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 10:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial which will be celebrated at 11:00 am also at Holy Cross Church. Interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.

Serving as pallbearers are Vincent Valdez, Alexis Valdez, Sergio Marquez, David Montoya, Jerry Valdez, Alonzo Trujillo, Johnny Valdez and Ivan Valdez. Honorary pallbearers are Albert Vigil, Jr., Marcos Vigil Sr., Phil Martinez, and Johnny Marquez Jr., and many Primos.

The family of Sotero Valdez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfuneral.com   (505) 747-7477