Amelia "Millie" Ann Tye

Millie, affectionately known by her grandchildren and great grandchildren as "Honey", was born on October 9th, 1924 in Bakersfield, California to Rose Urea and Alfonso Valenzuela. She was a life-long resident with a rich family heritage and was unselfishly dedicated to her family. Millie came from humble beginnings and exemplified the many who have been characterized as our "Greatest Generation".

Millie met and married Eugene J. Tye, known as "Tye", in 1948 and together they raised a loving family. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage before his passing in 2005, and laid the foundation for a closely knit, caring family for generations to come.

Millie was a wonderful cook who enjoyed baking persimmon cookies, a much anticipated treat for her family. After Tyes' passing, she lived a strong and independent life until her very last days, and was never more than a few minutes away from her loving and attentive daughter Helen and her immediate family. Prior to her passing, Millie enjoyed the closeness of her family and their constant company.

Millie was preceded in death by her mother Rose Urea Melendez, father Alfonso Valenzuela, brother, Albert Valenzuela, sister, Stella Colunga, beloved Son, Stephen Santibanez; and devoted husband, Eugene J. Tye. She is survived by her sisters; Ramona Escalera; Mary Calvillo; Julia Beltran and brothers; John Valenzuela, Robert and Danny Melendez. She is also survived by her loving daughters, Cecilia Bermudez and son-in-law, Felix of Garden Grove, CA; Helen Gatson and son-in-law, Rick of Bakersfield, CA; and her loving sons, Michael Tye of the S.F. Bay Area; Gene Tye and daughter-in-law Diane of Glastonbury, CT; Kenneth Tye of Fallon, Nevada. Grandchildren include; Stephen Bermudez and wife Debbie; James Bermudez and wife Stephanie; Elisa Grubb and husband John; Angela Lira and husband Robert; Jennifer Champ and husband Oren; Katie Tye; Heather Phelps and husband Tyler; Sarah Gatson; J.P., Evan, Lindsey, Jesse and Amanda Tye. Having lived a long and bountiful life, Millie actively enjoyed fifteen great-grandchildren. Also deserving special mention are Millie's beloved in-laws from her marriage with Tye which include; brothers-in-law; J.R. and Jerry Tye of Muskogee, OK, sisters-in law; Ann Roe of Muskogee, OK, and Norma Joe Cutler of Arlington, Texas.

A heartfelt "thank you" goes to the dedicated staff of San Joaquin Community Hospital; Gilrose and Cynthia with Gentiva Hospice for their support, care, and genuine compassion.

"Mom, you will be greatly missed; your strength, wisdom, humor, warmth, kindness and gentle spirit will be remembered forever."