Maria Venegas Valero

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Maria Venegas Valero, age 98, of Yettem, CA. She peacefully departed in her sleep on May 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, dedication, and a love for hard work and her blooming garden.

Maria was born on April 4, 1928, in Cuxpala, Zacatecas, Mexico to Rufino Venegas Lopez and Francisca Luna Arellano. She was one of 7 siblings and grew up in Cuxpala, where she met her beloved husband, Jose Valero. They were married in 1943 and, in the mid-1950s, immigrated to the United States with their three sons, Maurilio, Rito and Jose. They originally settled in Woodlake, CA, where they worked as farm laborers. In 1959, they moved to Yettem, CA, where together they built a successful catering business years later. Maria continued that business for many years after Jose’s passing in 1991. Their marriage spanned 48 years, rooted in love, partnership, and resilience. Remarkably, Maria carried on the catering business until 2020, working until she was 92 and only stopped because of the pandemic.

Maria was the epitome of a hard worker, approaching life with an indomitable spirit and a spunky personality. Time and again, she proved that no obstacle was too great to overcome. Her tireless work ethic was matched only by her green thumb. She found great joy in tending to her yard, nurturing her beloved flowers and trees.

Above all, Maria loved being surrounded by her family. Her home was a warm and welcoming place, often filled with laughter during celebrations, birthdays, and holidays. Some of her greatest joys came from the lively visits of her sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear family friends.

She is survived by her sons, Maurilio (Alicia) Valero, Rito (Graciela) Valero, and Jose (Julie) Valero; her cherished grandchildren, Christina, Alex, Angie, Joeciey, Rito Jr., Joey, Jen, Joseph, and Josh; 14 great-grandchildren, Hector, Caterina, Micaela, Vanessa, Briana, Kaylee, Adam, Kassandra, Daniel, Savannah, Kalista, Rocco, Jordan, and Augustine; two great-great-grandchildren Carmel and Ila; and a wide circle of loving extended family members who will forever miss her quick wit and loving smile.