Ramon I. Valenzuela

Ramon was born on October 30, 1935, in San Benito, Texas. Early in life, he learned the value of hard work and resilience. As a young boy, he was raised by different family members after his mother moved to California with his two sisters. Life was not easy, and Ramon often had to learn to take care of himself. He learned

to box for survival

in his younger years and spent time living on the streets. He faced so many trials— experiences that later shaped the life lessons he carried with him. Though he never graduated from high school, he learned from the school of life-these hardships forged a strength and determination that defined the rest of his life and built him for the Long-Haul!

Despite the harsh challenges of his early years, Ramon never gave up. At the age of 33, while cruising through Corpus Christi, Texas, in his baby-blue Thunderbird, he met the love of his life, Diana, who happened to be riding with friends in a navy-blue Mustang. Their story began that day, and they were married soon after on May 3, 1969.

Ramon started his own business delivering mobile homes and later found his place as a foreman. He was a handyman, carpenter, plumber, and electrician — truly a jack of all trades. If something was broken, he could fix it. If something needed building, he could create it. His hands built not only homes and projects, but also a life filled with provision, protection, and love for his family.

Ramon lived boldly and fully. He was never ashamed to profess his love for God and was known to stop and help strangers along the roadside, offering a listening ear and sharing his faith. His personal transformation meant everything to him, and he wanted others to know that change, healing, and redemption were always possible.

An avid outdoorsman, Ramon loved hunting, fishing, and grilling. He made unforgettable pork ribs and brisket, brought home fresh trout and red snapper for mom to fry and his children to enjoy. Family road trips in the custom van carried his loved ones across many states, creating memories rooted in adventure and togetherness. At home, he was the life of every birthday celebration, his wonderful sense of humor and sharp wisecracks bringing laughter to all who gathered. Beach trips were always thoughtfully planned complete with the travel trailer, boat, great food, and of course, cervezas.

During his life, Ramon experienced a profound spiritual renewal that transformed his heart and direction. Carrying deep remorse for parts of his past and having known seasons of depression and anxiety, he turned wholeheartedly to God and devoted himself fully to his faith. He read the Bible faithfully and became the man he always believed he could be. His commitment to Christ shaped the rest of his life as a husband, father, grandfather, and servant to others.

In his retirement years, he faithfully volunteered at the hospital, praying with and for the sick, offering comfort and hope to those in need. He also served as

a Eucharistic minister that he was a member of for over 50 years.

Ramon was a devoted and loving husband who cherished his wife deeply and desired nothing more than to be by her side. Their 56-year marriage was a testament to loyalty, faith, and enduring love.

As a father and grandfather, he led by example. He prayed fervently for his children and grandchildren and remained a steady, guiding presence in their lives. He modeled strength, conviction, humility, and unwavering faith.

Above all, Ramon will be remembered as a man who chose transformation, chose faith, chose family, and lived with conviction.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diana Valenzuela his children,

Marisella Valenzuela, Amy Mills-Crump, Raymond Valenzuela, Sandra Baker and Cindy Bailey.

Grandchildren, Alycia Rheannon Mills, Cullman Sinclair Mills, Karolina Surey Valenzuela Chapa, and Kolette Danielle Chapa, who carry forward his legacy of faith and love.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on February 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm on the same day. The funeral mass will take place at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in La Feria, TX, on February 20, 2026, at 10:00 am. The burial will follow at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park, located at 26873 N. White Ranch Road, La Feria, Texas, 78559, United States, at 11:00 am.