Vickie Sharon Valdez

Vickie S. Valdez, December 21, 1955 - October 16, 2009 Vickie Valdez, age 53, went home with Jesus on October 16, 2009 following a long faith-filled battle with cancer. She was born in Brooklyn NY. She went to school at Oregon State University and graduated with a Masters Degree. She started a family in the town of Independence OR and in 1996 moved to Kennewick WA, after being widowed in 1995. Vickie's passion in life was advocating for all minorities and youth. She was a high school teacher at Pasco High in Pasco, WA and is credited as being one of the only teachers who was able to reach students on the level and magnitude that she did. She loved her students so much she finished out the 2008-2009 school year against doctors orders. She will be remembered by those who knew her as a Strong, Humorous, Intelligent, Giving, and Hard-Working Loving Person. Vickie is survived by her mother Juanita; her brother Jeri, 3 children, Breeanna Valdez, Xola Mercado, and Bear Valdez; 1 grandchild, Luna Mercado. She is preceded in death by her father Vito, her husband Cipriano; grandmother Josephine; and grandpa Walter. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Assembly of God Church in Independence, followed by a potluck. Arrangements by Keizer Funeral Chapel.