Raymond J. Valdez passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Alamosa, Colo., on Dec. 4, 1938, to Felix Valdez Sr. and Candelaria M. Chavez Valdez.
Raymond was a proud graduate of Colorado State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in 1960. He later received his law degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1973. With deep integrity, a sharp mind, and a strong commitment to fairness and service, Raymond practiced law for 42 years, most notably serving as the Town Attorney for La Jara throughout that time. He was widely recognized for his unmatched knowledge of probate and real estate law and his deep dedication to the San Luis Valley.
A man of strong faith, Raymond was deeply rooted in the Catholic Church, which served as a cornerstone of his life. A talented pianist, he also served as the church organist for many years.
In 1975, he married Darlena Ruybal, and together they shared 49 years of love, faith, and partnership. They raised four children- Salomon, Lucia, Domenic, and Johnathan—instilling in them the values of hard work, honesty, a devotion to family, and a strong connection to the region’s rich history and traditions.
Raymond spent his early years working on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard and honest labor and developed a deep appreciation for the vibrant farming and ranching heritage of southern Colorado. His love for the land and commitment to integrity followed him into his legal career, where he worked tirelessly to provide honest, sound legal guidance to his clients.
He was a gifted storyteller whose memory and command of family history were unmatched. He loved nothing more than gathering with his children and grandchildren around the dinner table, passing along stories of the sheep trail, the land, and the generations who came before.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Darlena Valdez; his children: Salomon Valdez and his wife Melissa Valdez, Lucia Valdez and her husband Michael Cipolla, Domenic Valdez, and Johnathan Valdez and his wife Kayla Valdez; and his cherished grandchildren: Miguel and Antonio (Salomon and Melissa’s children), Diego, Roman, and Christiano (Lucia and Michael’s children), and Antonio (Johnathan and Kayla’s son). He is also survived by his sister, Consuelo King, and her husband, Larry King; his brother, Joseph Valdez, and his wife, Mary Jane Valdez; and Catherine Valdez, wife of the late Felix Valdez Jr.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Candelaria and Felix Valdez Sr., and his younger brother, Felix Valdez Jr.
Raymond will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; a principled attorney; a steward of heritage and land; and a man of unwavering faith, for whom devotion to God was the foundation of all he did. His legacy lives on through the stories he told, the family he loved, the community he served, and the strength of his spiritual convictions.
Services Schedule:
A public viewing will be held on Friday, June 27, at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Capulin, followed by the Rosary at 7 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, June 28, with a viewing at 9 a.m. and Mass beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at the Capulin Cemetery, with a reception immediately afterward at the Knights of Columbus Hall in La Jara.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Raymond Valdez, please visit online the Romero Funeral Homes Sympathy Store.
