Russell Leon Valencia, 82, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM.  Russell Leon Valencia was born in Silver City, NM on May 23, 1942. He was born in the home of Ann P. Maxwell to Atha E. Chesnut of Corbin, KY.

He met Rachel Juarez in Silver City and on June 9th, 1962 the two were married at Santa Rita Catholic Church. They lived in Dodge City, KS (where their daughter Michele was born) and also Santa Rosa, NM where Rachel was a teacher. In 1971 Russell and Rachel built their home in Silver City where their son Russell and daughter Kim were born. Russell worked at the mine in Chino and then retired after 20 years of service.

Russell loved his family. His hobbies were gardening, car shows, playing the guitar and harp. His favorite Scripture was Mathew 20:16 "So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen".  His favorite quotation was: "Enjoy me today, for you may not have me tomorrow". He would often say this as he would remind us that his favorite flower the Day Lily only blooms for one day. This saying rang true as his family cherished every last moment with him.

Russell is survived by his wife Rachel, daughter Michele, son Russell of Silver City and daughter Kim of Newark, CA. Russell is also survived by his sisters in-law, Teresa (Horacio) Montoya of Santa Fe Springs, CA, Anita (Frankie) Morales of Chandler, Arizona and Lupe (Rudy) Carbajal of Silver City, NM and by his brother-in-law Vicente Juarez (Lola) of Las Cruces, NM. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Lucas and Atha Valencia; siblings Ray Valencia, Carmen (Earl) Placencio, and Rudy (Susie) Valencia - all of whom were from Silver City. He was also preceded in death by his In-laws Bardo and Juanita Juarez; brothers-in law: Joe (Margie) Juarez of Las Vegas, NV and Martin Juarez of Bayard, NM; Sisters-in-law: Aurora Chavez, Isabel (Jesus) Rios, and Esperanza (Natividad) Perez all of whom were from Silver City.

Russell received the Sacrament of Extreme Unction by Father Matthew Haynos from Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery. The visitation will be held at Terrazas Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:00am with the Holy Rosary commencing at 11:00am recited by OLOG Monastery Monks.  Funeral Mass immediately following at 11:30am with Father Matthew officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery with military honors.  Pall bearers are Brother Lawrence of OLOGM, Brother Hugh of OLOGM, Sam Montes, Greg Morales, Jay Pena, Joe Rios, Mike Perea. Honorary pall-bearers are Aaron Valencia, Randy Valencia, Aurelio Leyba, David Leyba, Edmundo Casarez and Vicente Juarez.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .