MINERVA RAMON VALLS

Minerva was a devoted, loving, kind and tenacious person who was a passionate wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and advocate for children. She carried herself with style and grace and never gave up hope. She died peacefully on December 13, 2023.

Minerva Elida Ramón Valls was born on November 9, 1934 to Maria Garza and Amador Ramón in Tivoli, TX, the eldest of two daughters. The family soon moved to Refugio, TX. As a child, she and her sister, Elvia, enjoyed running in the pastures, helping in the family garden, raising their own calf, climbing trees, and riding their horse, Pal. Minerva's family were active parishioners at St. James Catholic Church and civic minded in Refugio. The family participated in local events, such as the rodeo, food drives, church suppers, holidays, feast days, local politics, and carnivals. They loved watching the Refugio Bobcats Football Team (State champions for many years). In 1953, Minerva graduated from Refugio High School, with honors, having participated in many clubs, including the Refugio Bobcat Pep Squad ("Let's Go Bobcats!"), the Student Council, Future Teachers of America, and Senior Class Treasurer. She was proud to be from Refugio, Texas and delighted her children and grandchildren with stories of her childhood and young adulthood.

In 1953, she enrolled at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, TX, and she studied business and education. Minerva's favorite clubs were Kappa Delta Sigma, the Education Honor Society, and the GI Forum. In 1954, she won the Miss Refugio and Miss South Texas Contests. She was a member of the court of the Buccaneer Days Parade in Corpus Christi, TX, that same year. She graduated in 1957 with a double major, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Education.

After graduation, Minerva chose to apply for a teaching position in Laredo, Texas. Recalling cherished family trips to Laredo as a child, she liked the vibrant town. She was hired to teach at Martin High School as a typing, stenography, and bookkeeping teacher. She had fond memories of her time in Laredo, socializing with friends and staying active in local clubs and St. Agustin Church. On a double date, she met the love of her life, William Valls. They married in Refugio, TX on December 29, 1961, and moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where William ("Willie, Bill") had a job with the Texas Employment Commission.

While in Corpus Christi, Minerva continued her teaching career as a 6th grade teacher at Lozano School. She and Willie had their daughter in 1963 and moved to El Paso, Texas in 1966. Minerva continued her teaching career at Lamar School, teaching 4th grade, in the El Paso Independent School District. They had their son in 1968. They raised their family in El Paso, active in their children's activities and both St. Pius the XIIIth and St. Joseph's Catholic Churches.

Minerva tirelessly devoted her time to her children, her husband, her faith, and the many students she taught at Lamar School. She was known for her creative art projects, cross-curricular teaching style and for her prodigious skill in teaching bilingual children to read in both Spanish and English. She was named Teacher of the Year, shortly before her retirement. Education was Minerva's passion, and she believed every child had the capacity to learn.

Minerva retired from the El Paso Independent School District, a 41-year veteran educator. After spending 33 years in El Paso, she and Bill moved back to Laredo, Texas. They rekindled friendships and connected with their family, enjoying many social outings, dinners, and travel. Both faithfully attended St. Martin de Porras Catholic Church. They visited their children and grandchildren, often. Traveling several times to Europe, Minerva specifically enjoyed Ireland, the Vatican and visiting relatives in Lleida, Spain. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and the Auxiliary at Mercy Hospital.

She adored her children and grandchildren and relished her time with her grandchildren. She often spent time reading to them, playing and talking with them. She was always interested in their activities and attended many concerts, extra-curricular events, and faith-related events.

Minerva and Bill moved to Austin in 2010 to be closer to family. In more recent years, she was known for her beautiful smile and hopeful outlook.

Minerva was preceded in death by her parents, Amador and Maria Garza Ramón, and her sister, Elvia Ramón Mondragon.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, William Valls; her children: Mary Theresa (Ken Treviño) Valls Treviño and William (Caren) Valls, Jr.; her beloved grandchildren: Benjamin Treviño, Catherine Treviño, Megan Valls and Emily Valls; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family would like to thank her long time, loving caregiver: Alicia Collins, as well as other faithful caregivers: Marleny Caal, Eva Garza, Javon Dailey, Chris, Layla, Rose, and Debi. These individuals are truly angels on this earth. The family wishes to thank Three Oaks Hospice for their support and care of our mother and family. We are grateful to St. Albert the Great Catholic Church for providing services so that my mother could continue to participate in her Catholic faith. We also wish to thank the family members and friends that have expressed love and visited our mother, in her final years.

Rosary and celebration of life services are pending.

Donations can be made in Minerva's name to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude’s Place

Memphis, TX 38105

www.stjude.org