Glenda R Valencia

19, 1944, to Rose (Jaramillo) Lara and Ben (Benerito) Lara in Gillette Wyo. She was the oldest

of 12 children and spent her childhood caring for her brothers and sisters while her parents

worked. Glenda worked at the Goings Hotel in Gillette ( a family tradition). She met the love of

her life, Leo Valencia while working at the hotel. They married on June 30, 1960. This union

produced three children, Victor, Xandria, and Rayna. They were married for 55 years until Leo’s

death in 2016.

While Leo worked in the construction industry in Gillette Glenda enjoyed working at Kentucky

Fried Chicken/ Big Don’s. They bought a house in Gillette and later became owner-operators of

their construction company. They dissolved the business and Leo became a full-time union

crane operator and traveled extensively working for numerous construction companies

throughout the U.S. He later settled in California in 1985 and Glenda became a stay-at-home

wife.

Glenda was a loving mother, dotting grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family (including

her extended family) became the center of her life. She was determined to keep her family

together and was known for her strong will and tenacity. She had a passion for cooking

Mexican food along with homemade tortillas. Because of her love for cooking, most holidays

were spent at her home. The tradition ended when she went blind. She loved to play Mexican

music and loved to dance.

After Leo’s retirement, they traveled visiting family members throughout the country, while

listening to Willy’s Roadhouse on XM radio along the way. They were always present for

holidays, births, and weddings, and as a comfort to family members in their time of need.

Upon Leo’s death, Glenda moved into Blue Mountain Senior Villa where she made many friends

in the six years she lived there.

Glenda believed that work was very important and proud that her children continued as union

construction members of the International Union of Operating Engineers along with the Union of

Teamsters. Glenda died peacefully in her son’s home on Labor Day with her daughter Rayna by

her side.

Glenda is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and nine brothers and sisters. She is

survived by her brother Benny Lara, sister Vicki (Kerry) Barker, her son Victor (Cindy)Valencia,

her daughters Xandria Mohr, and Rayna (Heidi) Valencia, her granddaughter Brandi Valencia,

grandson’s Donnie Mohr, and Vance (Daniel) Valencia, her great-grandchildren Gia, Cody,

Ethan, and Victoria and sister-in-law Darlene DeBrita.

Glenda Valencia will be laid to rest alongside her husband Leo at Montecito Memorial Park.

Viewing: Saturday, September 23, 2023 ~ 8:00am - 10:00am at Montecito Valley View Chapel.

Chapel Service: Saturday, September 23, 2023 ~ 10:00am - 11:00am at Montecito Valley View Chapel.

Committal: Saturday, September 23, 2023 ~ 11:30am Montecito Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Valencia family.