Loyola Valdez

April 3, 1927 – February 16, 2025

Loyola (Lucero) Valdez, born on April 3, 1927, in Ledoux, NM, passed away on February 16, 2025, in Cheyenne, WY. She was the second-youngest of four children to Eduardo and Eugenia Lucero, yet the last surviving member of the Lucero siblings—outliving her beloved husband, Vialquin, by six years. From her mother, Eugenia, Loyola inherited a strong commitment to her family, both immediate and extended, and she proudly carried the Lucero family name throughout her life, being a source for family history.

A graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Cheyenne, Loyola married Vialquin on November 20, 1948, and together they built a remarkable 70-year union. One of the ways they nurtured their bond was through nightly prayer; each evening at 7 p.m., they tuned in to EWTN for the Rosary, firmly believing it was a live broadcast—despite it being the same service every night. This shared devotion was an important part of their faith and bond.

Loyola spent over two decades working as a florist and bridal consultant at the House of Flowers/Bridal Shoppe before eventually retiring to care for her three granddaughters. This choice reflected her deep commitment to family, as she wished them to grow up under the loving guidance of their grandparents.

Known for her good head for numbers, Loyola’s life was also marked by strong convictions and an independent spirit. Whenever someone questioned her beliefs, she’d flash a determined look and say, “Let me tell you something…,” a signature phrase that conveyed just how firmly she stood by what she knew. Alongside her involvement in the VFW, she served as an Election Judge for 20 years. As a member of the Latin American Federation, Loyola enjoyed socializing with friends while advocating for greater educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. She also instilled this same passion in her daughters, encouraging them to pursue learning however they could.

She is survived by her four daughters: Mary Paiz (Sam), Lorraine Salazar (Bob), Debbie Valdez-Ortiz, and Valerie Roybal (Fred); her five grandchildren: Sarah (Phil) Schabron, Anthony (Edie) Paiz, Carly (Nick) Cosand, Briana (Jamis) Lopez, and Amber Roybal; and three great-grandchildren: Brynlee and Brielle Schabron, and Ezequiel Paiz. Loyola was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Vialquin Valdez, her son-in-law, George Ortiz, her parents Eduardo and Eugenia Lucero, Gregorio (Ed), Manual (Pat) Lucero and Cessie Gonzalez.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, followed by interment at Olivet Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph’s Food Pantry or the Vialquin A. Valdez Memorial Scholarship through the HOPE organization.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Betty Fanning, whose care and compassion before Loyola moved to Life Care made her like a daughter, and to the Sandoval family, who were always there to lend a helping hand while she was at Life Care. A heartfelt appreciation also goes to the staff of Life Care of Cheyenne, whose dedicated care and kindness provided comfort to Loyola.