Velma Valles

Velma Valles passed away from ALS on April 11, 2025 surrounded by family and loved ones. She died on her terms, after months of struggle, losing her ability to breathe, swallow, and eat just a week after her diagnosis in December 2023. She braved many daunting experiences during her illness, confronting her fears with resolve and allowing those who loved her time to come to terms with life without her.

Velma was born at Malone & Hogan Hospital in Big Spring, Texas, September 13, 1953. From the beginning, family was the center of Velma’s life. She maintained a loving household for her husband, Lito, daughters Bernadette and Briana, and anyone else who happened by. She loved visiting, sometimes sitting for hours into the night chatting, gossiping, and laughing, providing a much-needed ear for anyone needing to talk. She also acted as the family historian, taking countless pictures at family events. Her photo requests were sometimes met with eyerolls, as she painstakingly tried to document every moment. But the memories she captured recall joyous, carefree times that will endure in her absence.

Though she always made time for her family, she also worked outside the home. She began her career at Bauer Elementary, later moving on to Energas/Atmos Energy, where she excelled in sales, winning multiple trips for exceeding her incentive quotas. She eventually returned to education and retired from Big Spring ISD in 2014.

She loved all kinds of music and could always be counted on to dance. Even when ALS took her mobility, she would raise her shoulders up and down and move her head and feet to the beat. J-Lo was a favorite as was Celia Cruz, Selena, Bruno Mars, and Cher. She was a devoted fan of “The Voice,” and would rewatch her favorite performances with the same enthusiasm as seeing them for the first time.

Shopping, an underrated pastime, was a frequent activity, showcasing both her fashion-savvy and creative expression. Velma had impeccable style, always dressed in coordinated outfits, complete with matching jewelry and shoes. Though her daughters don’t share her love of dressing up and shopping, they were good sports, tagging along on lengthy shopping trips, where they often ended up in the Lane Bryant dressing room, helping their mom choose the perfect thing.

Velma will be missed for many reasons, not the least of which is her cooking ability. Some of her family’s favorites include enchiladas and rice, meat patties with mashed potatoes and green beans, spaghetti, cheesy potatoes, and green Jello every Thanksgiving. Her mornings were usually spent cooking breakfast to order for drop-in family members, who would request everything from hashbrowns and scrambled eggs to pancakes, sausage, and a just-right over-medium egg to nopales and freshly refried beans with a crispy, slightly burnt tortilla. Much of her expertise was learned in the kitchen of her mother, Sylvia, and maternal grandmother, Mama Santos, who helped raise Velma.

Velma leaves behind her mother, Sylvia T. Mendez; sister, Patsy McDowell; brother, Ralph Mendez; husband, Esequiel Valles, Jr.; daughters, Bernadette Valles and Briana Valles; daughters-in-law, Stacey Yervasi and Melanie Valles; and grandchildren Elliott Yervasi and Avery Kunze.

She is preceded in death by her grandmother Maria Santos Castillo; father, Edward G. Mendez; and brother, Edward Mendez, Jr.

A rosary will be held at 7:00 pm, Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be at 10 am, Monday, April 14, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish with interment at Trinity Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be shared at www.npwelch.com

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