Mary Frances Lopez Valdez was born on July 27, 1940 in Yuma, Arizona.Mary Frances was surrounded by loving and supportive family at home in Flagstaff as she fought a courageous battle with cancer.She was called home to our heavenly father on June 26, 2016.

Mary Frances was the first of nine children born to her parents, Socorro and Bruno Lopez.She enjoyed a wondrous childhood in Yuma where she is known as "Sister".Mary graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1958.She then moved to Flagstaff in the fall of 1958 to attend Arizona State College/Northern Arizona University where she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education and Library Science.Mary's love of books and history began very young.Her first library job was in high school leading to her 40-year career as a school Librarian.She taught for over 30 years in at Flagstaff High School and East Flag Junior High/MEMS.She was known to many students as "Mom" and cherished many close friendships with faculty.She retired in 1999.
Mary Frances met and married the love of her life, Philip Valdez, March 22, 1986.They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.Between the two blended families, they enjoy 7 children,16grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.

Most of all Mary loved holiday festivities in the company of friends and family.Friendship and family were a priority to Mary.If you were a friend, you were family.Mary also enjoyed dancing, reading, gardening, cooking, sewing, teaching her children and grandchildren and a glass of wine on the porch at the end of a long day.

Mary is survived by her husband, Philip Valdez Sr; children: Mark Ceballos, Suzanne Ceballos-Borneman (Gary) and Linda Ceballos-Morgan (Fred); stepchildren: Philip Valdez Jr. (Tina), Tim Valdez (Amanda), Loretta Valdez and Rosanna Granado; grandchildren: Chad Ceballos, Mary Deal, Chelsea Vasquez (Jacob), Davey Borneman (Michelle), Nick Borneman, Rick Borneman, Vicki Borneman, Mark Doss (Jennifer), Katrina Tso (Brendon), Philip Valdez (Mindy), Vincent Valdez, Michael Valdez, Antonio Valdez, Tim Valdez (Michelle), Tamara Tafoya (Luis), and Daniel Granado; sisters: Bonnie Scarbrough (Donnie) of Yuma, Laura Arizaga (Steve) of Yuma, Cathy Korkosz (Troy) of Gilbert; brothers: Eddie Lopez (Maudie)of Morrisontown, Robert Lopez (Stacey) of Sun City, and Joseph Lopez.Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bruno and Socorro Lopez, and brothers, Bruno and John Lopez.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks donation be made to educational programs and/or the American Cancer Society.

We have been blessed to have Mary in our lives.We love you and will miss you Mary Frances; Wife, Mom, Ma, Sister, Grams, Nana, Super Nana.