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VALDEZ -- Elias Valdez, Mora, NM. Elias Valdez died unexpectedly of hypothermia in the Carson National Forest on November 19, 2006. He was born in Holman, NM on November 16, 1921 to Seraida Maestas Sanchez and Abel Valdez. Elias attended Presbyterian mission schools in Holman, Allison James in Santa Fe and Menual High School, graduating in 1939. He was a 1943 graduate of the University of New Mexico earning a BS-Chemistry and an MS-Organic Chemistry from the University of Iowa in 1951. Elias served the Army Air Force in the Canary Is. and North Africa 1943-45. His professional life specialized in the development of food colorings and flavors related to the extraction of spices, he worked for spice companies throughout the Midwest; often being called upon for special projects because of his scientific expertise and fluency in Spanish. His last job was with the Oscar Mayer Co. He retired in 1987 and moved back "home" to the Mora Valley settling on the family homestead. Elias was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Estela Baez Camargo Valdez in 1990; a brother, Benjamin Valdez; and sister, Adela Valdez Foster; and his parents. He is survived by his three children, Kenneth, Timothy (Julie Olsen), Robin (Keith Royal), Samuel Baez (Marianne); his sister, Jessie Valdez Humphrey; several grandchildren; devoted friend, Evangeline Maestas; and the extended Baez and Maestas families. Elias was a life long spiritual servant and officer in the Presbyterian Church (USA) with a strong involvement in mission work and social justice. Elias was a mentor to many; his generosity, intelligence, patience and sense of humor will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Elias Valdez Memorial Scholarship Fund to be established through the Development Office at Menual School, 301 Menual School Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107-9862; the Mora Presbyterian Church, Mora, NM, La Jicarita Cluster of Churches, or The New Mexico State Search and Rescue. Services will be held at the Menual School Auditorium, December 30, 2006 at 2 p.m. A very special thanks goes to the New Mexico State Police, Search and Rescue, the family and all who assisted from the Mora/Holman community.
        Published on: Mon December 25, 2006