Graviel "Abel" Epimenio Valdez Obituary (1932

Graviel “Abel” Epimenio Valdez, age 93, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at home surrounded by his loved ones in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on March 24, 1932, to Matiana Marquez and Toribio Valdez. Abel was married to his cherished wife , Nary Valdez, on June 23, 1952 in New Mexico. Abel’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He was known for his quiet strength, his gentle yet mischievous smile that lit up every room he entered, and the way he made everyone feel at home. When he spoke with you, you had his full attention, and you always left feeling that you mattered. He lived with kindness at the center of everything he did, teaching by example that the true measure of life is not in what you own, but in the love you give and the memories you leave behind. He had a gift for storytelling — the kind where you weren’t quite sure if a word of it was true, but no one cared, because the punchline was always worth the ride. Abel loved to cook, often filling the house with the smell of something delicious. For years, he sold his famous tamales throughout the community, and to this day, people still search for a tamale that could match his. Every season, he roasted green chile in his backyard — not for profit, but for the joy of gathering loved ones together, turning simple afternoons into lasting memories. If music was playing at a gathering, you could bet Abel was moving and grooving, grabbing your hand to join him. And he never turned down a good shot of brandy shared with family and friends. He was the life of the party, no matter where he went, and his warmth, humor, and generosity left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him. He lived a long and beautiful life, and he never met a stranger — only a future friend. As the saying goes, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Abel left his family with countless memories to sustain them until they see him again. He is survived by his children Vickie (Chere) Martinez, Kenneth (Kelly) Valdez, Nary (Mario) Quintana, Lori Contreras, and Kevin (Sherri) Valdez; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild — all of whom will miss him immensely until they see him again. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nary Valdez; his son, Allan Valdez; his son-in-law, Jose Contreras; and his great-granddaughter, Nicolette Lozano. A remembrance ceremony will be held in his honor at Neil O’Donnell funeral home. Tuesday, August 19th from 6-8 PM where you are welcome to offer your condolences to the family and share a memory of Abel.