Ernie Valdez born on October 11, 1953, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 23, 2023. He was the son of Salvador and Lupita “Lupe” Cruz Valdez and grew up in East Carbon City, Utah, as part of a large and loving family. He was a talented, high school athlete excelling in basketball playing alongside his lifelong friends. Ernie loved hunting and fishing with his father and brothers and would often come home from rabbit hunting with a deer. He carried on his love for hunting with his sons and spent many weekends in the mountains. Ernie was married to Tara Blevins and was blessed with three sons- Jesse, Julius and Reggie.
He later married Robyn Palacios and was blessed with two sons- Salvador and Anthony. Despite the end of their marriage, their connection and support for each other continued, which speaks to the strength and special nature of their relationship, which is a testament to the love and respect they had for one another. Ernie always loved returning to East Carbon to enjoy his mother’s cooking and spending time with family and friends. He never missed the annual East Carbon Daze event, and could often be found on his parents’ front porch. Ernie was an avid sports fan supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz, and the New York Yankees. He was grateful to have fulfilled his dream after attending a game at Yankee Stadium followed by a Yankee vs Boston game at Fenway Park with his sons.
Ernie dedicated 36 years of his life working for ITT, where he formed many lifelong friendships that became family to him. He had an incredibly strong bond with his siblings and was always there for them. Many weekends were spent traveling to visit nieces and nephews to celebrate any special events. He loved being around people and had a larger than life personality. Ernie had a knack for teasing his family and bringing smiles to their faces. He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be dearly missed.
Rosary Vigil will be held at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 7 p.m. Family and friends are welcome one hour prior to the vigil. Funeral services will also be held at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at the Valley View Cemetery in East Carbon.
Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Salvador and Lupe; infant brothers, Jesse and the good Ernest.
Survived by sons- Jesse (Kelly), Julius (Jessica), Reggie, Anthony, and Salvador. Grandchildren- Gianna, Deryk, Alyssa, Benson, Stockton, Julius Jr., Melanie, and Layla. Siblings- Lora Meraz (Fil Sr.), Darrell (Peggy), Ronald (Tammy), Denise Snyder (George), and Stephen (Robin).
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Ernie online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net