Sallie Mae Welch Valdez, age 41, of Flagstaff, passed away on December 29, 2011, afterbattling breast cancer.She was born on April 26, 1970 in Mount Sterling, KY to Joe and Bonnie (Shimfessel) Welch.

Sallie Mae was employed at W.L. Gore in Flagstaff for the last 11 years.She was a caring, loving, wife, mother and friend that impacted a lot of lives.She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband; Enrique "Ricky" Valdez, son; Enrique "RJ" Valdez, Jr.daughter; Briana Valdez all of Flagstaff, and her brothers; Patrick Welch, Keith Welch, Dayle Welch and Dwayne Welch.She is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, 2545 N. Fourth St. A Holy Rosary will be held at 11:00 am followed by the funeral mass at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at St. Pius X Center, 2257 E. Cedar Ave.Interment will follow services at Calvary Cemetery.