Rose Valdes Huerta

Born in Tampa, Rose was a lifelong resident of the city she called home. She graduated from Jefferson High School and devoted much of her life to raising her family. Later, she worked with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, where her kindness and strong work ethic were appreciated by colleagues and the community alike.

Rose had a deep love for family and a warm, generous spirit. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved—sharing meals, stories, and laughter around the kitchen table. She found joy in cooking and baking for others, catching up with her friends, spending time with her beloved siblings, and cherishing the company of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed shopping and always had a flair for finding something special.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emigdio and Catalina Valdes, and her siblings, Salvador, Dolores, and Sergio.

Rose was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Tony R. Huerta. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Gilda Huerta Hartke; granddaughter Kathleen Rose Hartke, her husband Daniel Stachurski, and great-granddaughter Myra Rose Stachurski; her beloved son, Anthony Huerta, and his wife Maria V. Huerta; grandsons Tony Huerta (Tanya) and Samuel Huerta (Shelby), along with great-granddaughter Nina Rose; and granddaughter Victoria Rose Huerta.

Rose lived a full and vibrant life rooted in love, laughter, and faith. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to her heart.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 10am on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church located at 12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33618. A reception will be held afterwards in the St. Paul Family Center, adjacent to the church. Graveside service will follow, for family only, at Centro Asturiano Memorial Park Cemetery at 5400 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tampa.