Toni Valenzuela

If you knew our Little Momma, you knew what it felt like to be welcomed without question. Her door was always open, her table always had room for one more, and her heart never seemed to reach its limit. She had an extraordinary gift for making every person feel they belonged. Whether you were family by birth, family by marriage, or family simply because she chose to love you, you were embraced with the same warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion.

She was the quiet strength behind her family, the gentle voice that brought comfort during life's storms, and the steady presence who reminded us—often without speaking—that love is best expressed through simple acts of service, generosity, humility, and grace. She taught us that a meal could heal, that listening was an act of love, that forgiveness was a gift, and that family was something we nurtured every day.

With hearts overflowing with both sorrow and gratitude, our family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and treasured friend. Known lovingly as Toni, Mamma Bear, and, to countless others, simply as Little Momma, she danced her way into the loving arms of her beloved Simon and into eternal rest on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the age of eighty-seven.

Born on March 30, 1939, in Fort Worth, Texas, Toni lived a life rooted in faith, unconditional love, kindness, respect, humility, and quiet strength. She was the devoted wife of Simon Valenzuela, with whom she shared sixty beautiful years of marriage. Together they built far more than a home—they created a place of refuge where people found acceptance, laughter, comfort, and belonging. Their greatest legacy was never measured by material possessions, but by the values they lived every day: faith, resilience, compassion, generosity, joy, and an unwavering commitment to family.

To her children, she was simply Momma Bear—our first teacher, our fiercest protector, our greatest advocate, our safe place, and the heart that held us together. She taught us not through lectures, but through the quiet example of her own life. She showed us that true strength is gentle, generosity expects nothing in return, and the greatest measure of a life is found in how deeply we love others.

Her greatest joy was always her family. She delighted in every gathering, every birthday, every holiday, every backyard barbecue, every child's accomplishment, and every opportunity to bring those she loved together. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew that in Little Momma they would always find encouragement, laughter, a warm embrace, and unconditional love. Long after the meals have been shared and the celebrations have ended, the traditions she created and the memories she gave us will continue to bind our family together for generations.

Little Momma's love reached far beyond her own family. She was a cherished sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and loyal friend. She noticed those who felt alone, welcomed strangers without hesitation, celebrated the successes of others, and quietly gave of herself without ever seeking recognition. She reminded us that changing someone's life rarely requires grand gestures—only a genuine heart willing to love.

Although dementia slowly changed many parts of her life during the past nine years, it never diminished the love she had already woven into the hearts of those around her. The disease could never erase the laughter she inspired, the wisdom she shared, or the countless moments of tenderness she gave so freely. Those gifts remain untouched and continue to blossom in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

She is survived by her daughters, Juliana Salazar and former son-in-law Perry Salazar; her sons, Andrew Valenzuela and former daughter-in-law Doreen Valenzuela, Netty and Ted Hull, and Joey and Teresa Valenzuela; her daughters of the heart, Gloria Hancock and Sean, Andrea Knox, and Christy Martinez; her sister, Dora Carlquest; her brothers, Joe Esparza and Ed Esparza; her in-laws, Eva Villalovos, Joe and Rosealee Valenzuela, Tina Valenzuela, and Elenor Ward; along with twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, one, great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives she enriched with her love.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her beloved husband, Simeon "Simon" Valenzuela; her sons, Simon Valenzuela and Ricardo Valenzuela; and her precious daughter, Nicole "Mushy" Valenzuela.

While our hearts ache with the loss of her physical presence, we find peace in knowing she has been joyfully reunited with those she loved so dearly. We can only imagine the celebration as she stepped into Heaven and once again found herself in Simon's loving embrace. We take comfort in God's promise that love never ends, and we rejoice knowing that the woman who spent her life caring for others now rests in perfect peace.

Her life was a blessing.Her love was our greatest gift.Her memory is our treasure.She is loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and will remain forever in our hearts. A life measured not by years, but by the lives she touched. A heart that always made room for one more. A love that will continue to guide our family for generations. Until we meet again, our precious Little Momma. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather as we celebrate the beautiful life and enduring legacy of Antonia "Toni" Valenzuela. Service and Remembrance: Date: Thursday, August 6th, Closed Casket Service Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Keith and Keith Funeral Home Address: 902 West Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902

Catholic Mass: Date: Friday, August 7th, 2026 Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Location: St. Joseph Church Address: 212 N. 4th St., Yakima, WA 98902

Graveside Service: Date: Friday, August 7th, 2026 Time: Immediately following Mass. Location: Calvary Cemetery Address: 1405 S. 24th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902

Following the burial service, all are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship, remembrance, and shared stories as we honor the woman whose greatest joy was bringing people together.

Date: Friday, August 7th, 2026 Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Hall Address: 1701 S. 3rd Ave, Yakima, WA 98902

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites you to honor Toni's memory by sharing an act of kindness, opening your heart to someone in need, or simply gathering with those you love—because that is how she lived every day.

Thank you for celebrating her remarkable life with us and for carrying forward the love, compassion, and generosity that defined our beloved Little Momma.