Surrounded by his family, PHILLIP R. VALDEZ, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, entered our Lord’s presence on Friday, August 21, 2026, after years of courageously battling chronic health issues. In his final days, he was embraced by the very things that defined his life: family, friends, prayers, and love. For this reason, his family takes comfort in knowing that he lives on in their hearts. He will always be remembered for putting family first—above all else. He adored his wife, Christine, whom he lovingly called “Mi Chu”, until her passing, and devoted himself wholeheartedly to his daughter and her family. While he had many roles throughout his life, the roles that meant the most to him were being a loving and devoted husband and father. But the one he cherished most, the one that made his eyes light up, was being “Papu”. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends, his love knew no bounds.

Born Phillip R. Valdez on November 05, 1949, to Emilio and Rita Quintana Valdez. Phillip was the oldest of six children. He graduated from Santa Fe High School, where he met the love of his life, Christine Ortega. Phillip and Christine were married on May 11, 1968, in Santa Fe, where they built their life together. Phillip earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the College of Santa Fe and worked for the State of New Mexico until his retirement. In 2004, they relocated to Las Cruces, NM, where they deepened their circle of lifelong friends and continued to live fully and beautifully. Together, they created a life rich in love, laughter, and faith until her passing in December 2011. Phillip treasured every moment spent with his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his love of the outdoors, the Friday happy hours with his beloved wife, his Harley, and his chopper. A man of deep faith, Phillip was a Hermano de la Santa Confradilla de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno en La Morada de Nuestra Señora de los Santos Dolores del Alto, in Abiquiu, NM, and a steadfast pillar of faith who passed that same devotion on to his family.

Phillip’s sense of humor was an endearing gift and could bring a smile to anyone’s face, even in the most difficult times. Before becoming ill, he found joy in the simple pleasures: riding his Harley, playing golf, fishing, hunting, and recounting stories about the bass, deer, or elk that “got away.” But nothing brought him more joy than being his grandchildren’s biggest fan. He loved sitting on the sidelines, cheering them on at soccer games, and traveling near and far to their tournaments—distance never mattered when it came to the ones he loved.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Christine, and his parents, Emilio and Rita Valdez. He is survived by his loving daughter (primary caregiver), Monica, and her husband, Alfredo Montoya; grandchildren Andrew, Marisol, Carlos, and Paloma; and great-grandson Giovani. He is also survived by sisters Lucille (George) Tafoya and Roberta (Fred) Velarde; brothers Arthur (Christina Villegas) Valdez, Maximiliano “Max” (Evelyn) Valdez, and Tom (Doris) Valdez; sister-in-law Diana (Dominic) DeSantis; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

In the last few years of his life, Phillip was blessed with caregivers, alongside his daughter, who would soon become an extension of the family he loved: Mary Lara, Tina/Erlinda Lara, and Gabe Lara, for whom his family will be forever grateful. With immense heartfelt gratitude and appreciation, Phillip’s family would like to thank the staff and Father George Szal, S.M., at Mesilla Valley Hospice and La Posada Assisted Living Facility for their professional, compassionate, and loving care and support for Phillip and his family during the last year of his life.

Cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Baca’s Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road where family and friends will gather at 12 Noon with The Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 1 PM followed by the Liturgy of the Word.

A rosary for Phillip will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Santa Fe, NM. Following the rosary, the Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM celebrated by Father Jose Vigil.

Inurnment of cremains will follow at San Isidro Mission Church Cemetery in Tesuque, NM.

The urn bearer will be his daughter, Monica.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Phillip’s name be made to La Posada – Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family