Juanita Valadez

Juanita Valadez, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and matriarch, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the age of 93, surrounded by the loving family she devoted her life to caring for.

In her final hours, the home around her was filled with the sounds she cherished most, stories being shared between generations, children laughing in nearby rooms, babies being held and comforted, and the familiar warmth of family gathered closely together. It was a peaceful and beautiful ending to a life rooted in devotion, sacrifice, faith, and unconditional love.

With her passing, Juanita reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Antonio Valadez Jr.; daughter, Rachel Valadez; daughter-in-law, Carla Valadez; grandson, Brandon Easter; great-grandson, Aiden Valadez; brother Jesse Ramirez, and sister Fernandita Mata.

She is survived by her brother, Max Ramirez; her eleven children, Margie Varela (Servando), Jim Valadez, Antonio Valadez III (Rona), Adela Flores (Carlos), Isaura Valadez, Edward Valadez (Terry), David Valadez, Josephine Easter (Michael), Frank Valadez (Bertha), Jeannie Valadez, and Ruben Valadez (Luis); as well as nineteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and ten great-great grandchildren.

Juanita was born on November 17, 1932, to Jesus and Margarita Ramirez. After the loss of her mother at a young age, she was raised by Marcial and Melquiades R. Mendez, and gained experiences that helped shape her strength, resilience, and independence that would define her throughout her life.

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As a young woman, Juanita helped Marcial and Melquiades in their small grocery store in New Braunfels. It was there that her life’s journey truly began when her high school friend, Isaura Valadez, introduced her to Isaura’s brother, Antonio Valadez. Together Antonio and Juanita built a life together, centered around faith, family, hard work, and perseverance.

Antonio and Juanita eventually settled in Austin, Texas, where they raised their large and loving family. Their home was rarely quiet, but it was always full of life, laughter, food, faith, and love.

Raising twelve children with limited resources was not easy, yet Juanita carried the responsibility with strength and determination. She had a remarkable ability to stretch what little they had and made sure her family never went without. Meals somehow fed everyone at the table. Clothes were kept clean. Children were cared for. The home remained safe and welcoming. She made certain her children stayed in school and understood the value of responsibility, pride, and perseverance, even during times when it would have been easier to give up.

To those who knew her best, it is still difficult to understand how she managed it all.

The answer was her faith.

Juanita’s faith in God guided every part of her life. It gave her strength during hardship, humility during struggle, and gratitude during times of joy. Her faith grounded her family and became the foundation upon which generations were raised.

Throughout the years, Juanita worked tirelessly to help support her household. She took on ironing jobs, prepared sandwiches, and became especially well known for her tamales, which many family members still remember as the very best. What began as cooking for her family eventually became a tradition of making and selling tamales alongside her daughters for many years. It was not simply work; it was love passed through recipes, hands, conversation, and tradition.

As her children grew older and began families of their own, Juanita once again became the center of daily family life. She lovingly cared for as many as five grandchildren at a time while their parents worked, creating a home so warm and comforting that many of the children never wanted to leave when they were picked up. Her home became a gathering place, a refuge, and a second home for multiple generations of the Valadez family.

Juanita possessed a quiet wisdom that could not be taught in schools. She taught through example, through endurance, through consistency, through sacrifice, and through love. She showed her family what resilience looked like. She taught pride without arrogance, correction without cruelty, and faith without judgment.

Most importantly, she taught her family how to care for one another, always.

Her life was not measured by wealth or recognition, but by the people she nurtured, the family she held together, and the generations who stand here today because of her sacrifices.

Juanita leaves behind a beautiful family who will continue carrying forward her name, her values, her traditions, and her spirit.

She cannot be replaced.

But those who loved her will continue doing their very best to honor the life she built and the example she set.

Rest peacefully, Juanita. Your work here is complete. Your family will carry you forward. You have earned your rest, but you will be missed dearly every single day.

“Honor her for all her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” - Proverbs 31:31

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church of Austin

1206 E 9th Street

Austin, Texas 78702