Dates
Maria De Carmen Valles (Martinez) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at Shannon Hospital in San Angelo, on October 30, 2026.
Maria was born on January 31, 1963, in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico. She spent most of her childhood in Sanderson, where she attended Terrell County ISD from kindergarten through high school, graduating from Sanderson High School in 1982. Maria was incredibly proud of her Sanderson roots and carried that hometown pride with her throughout her life. In fact, some might say she served as San Angelo's unofficial ambassador for Sanderson. She had an extraordinary memory and could share just about anything you wanted to know about the history and families of her beloved hometown. If you wanted to know how someone was related to someone else in Sanderson, Maria was the person to call.
Maria's life was marked by both extraordinary experiences and an extraordinary capacity to care for others. At just two years old, she survived the devastating Sanderson Flood of June 11, 1965. During the disaster, as floodwaters rose to approximately ten feet and pushed her family's home off its foundation, Maria held tightly to her sister Lile as they clung to the rooftop of their home. Maria always credited a local man known as "Juan El Perro" with saving their lives that day. This experience would become an important part of her life's story and, in many ways, helped shape her lifelong appreciation for those who serve others in times of need.
Maria was also a natural photographer and family historian. She lovingly documented countless family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments, accumulating thousands of photographs of her family and extended families. She understood the importance of preserving memories and making sure family history was never forgotten. Through her photographs and remarkable recollection of people and events, she leaves behind a treasured collection of memories that will be cherished for generations.
Above all, Maria was a people person. She genuinely loved meeting people, visiting, and getting to know everyone around her. She had a special gift for remembering names and faces, even if she had met someone only once. Maria knew no strangers. Whether you had known her for years or had just crossed paths with her, she had a way of making you feel remembered and welcomed.
Caring for others was not simply Maria's profession; it was her calling. She devoted much of her adult life to public service and helping those in need. She volunteered with the American Red Cross in San Angelo, responding to local emergencies, helping raise more than $62,000 for disaster relief efforts, assisting with CPR and First Aid training, and providing interviews for Spanish-language media outlets. Volunteering with the Red Cross was especially meaningful to Maria. She was inspired to serve after witnessing the many Red Cross volunteers who came to the aid of the Sanderson community during the devastating 1965 flood, the very disaster she had survived as a young child. In many ways, Maria's volunteer work was her way of giving back to an organization that had once helped her own community.
Maria also found great purpose in her work as a Certified Nurse Aide. She truly loved caring for people and had a special place in her heart for elderly patients and individuals with special needs. Her last full-time position was at Shannon Hospital, where she absolutely loved working and caring for patients. She was dedicated, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile. She was the kind of employee who picked up extra shifts and answered the call whenever the hospital was short-staffed. Her compassion and willingness to help others extended well beyond her regular work hours. Throughout her life, she also worked as a private caregiver for elderly individuals and those with special needs.
Over the years, Maria held a number of other positions, including at the Terrell County Public Library, Sears Retail Store, Buddy's Fertilizer Plant, Ethicon, Howard College Bookstore, and Mosaic. No matter where she worked, Maria's ability to connect with people and her willingness to help others remained a constant.
Family was at the center of Maria's world. Although she never had children of her own, she wholeheartedly embraced the role of a second mother to her nephew, Jose Rivera, and her niece, Selena (Rivera) Corbin. She was an integral part of their lives and remained deeply involved in the lives of their children as well. Her love for her family extended far beyond immediate relatives. She treasured her extended family and friendships and made a point of staying connected with the people she loved.
One of Maria's most recognizable traditions was remembering birthdays. She took birthdays very seriously and was always sure to call or send a card to let family and friends know she was thinking of them. It was one of the many ways she showed people how much they mattered. Her thoughtfulness, kindness, and humility left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Maria was also a longtime and devoted Elvis Presley fan. She loved collecting Elvis memorabilia and listening to his music, which could often be heard playing around her. One of her longtime dreams came true in 2016 when she had the opportunity to visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, in Memphis, Tennessee. It was a special experience she treasured.
Maria's life was one of resilience, service, compassion, family, and friendship. From surviving one of the most devastating events in Sanderson's history to spending her adult life caring for others, she lived with a generous heart and a genuine love for people. She never forgot where she came from, never forgot the people she met, and never missed an opportunity to let someone know they were remembered and loved.
Maria will be remembered for her remarkable memory, her hometown pride, her generous spirit, her dedication to helping others, and, most of all, the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the countless memories she created and the lives she touched will continue to live on.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel Marquez Valles, Sr., and Celia Mendez Valles, of Sanderson, Texas; and her siblings, Guillermina Mendez of Piedras Negras, Mexico; Manuel Valles, Jr., of San Antonio; Antonio Mendez of Odessa; and Carlos Valles, Sr., of Odessa.
Maria is survived by her devoted husband of 29 years, Juan Torres Martinez, of Miles; and her siblings, Lile Rivera of San Angelo; Benito Valles of San Antonio; Ignacio Valles of Lubbock; Martin Campos of San Antonio; and Sergio Mendez of Midland.
She also leaves behind numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Memorial Contributions:
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Maria Valles' memory consider making a donation to the:
Friends of the Terrell County Public Library
P.O. Box 250
Sanderson, Texas 79848
Public Viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd from 10:00am to 8:00pm at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel.
Rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd from 6:00pm to 6:30pm at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 4th from 10:30am to 12:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church.