Rayline Valdez

Rayline Valdez was born on March 7, 1967, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and she was called home to Heaven on February 27, 2025 where she walked into a loving embrace from her mother, father, and family that preceded her.

Rayline was lovingly known as a daughter, sister, niece, auntie, and “Ikigai”. Rayline was preceded in death by her parents Ramon Valdez and Augustina Valdez; sister Dolores Napier and nephew Albert Napier. She is survived by the love of her life, Joaquin Gallegos; her siblings, Jerome Valdez and wife Maria Aguilar, Lawrence Valdez and wife Jean, Geraldine Ward, James Valdez and wife Jennifer; and brother-in-law Robert Napier; nephews and nieces, Phillip Valdez, Nicole Valdez, Laurence Valdez, Latisha Cabaniss, Keshia Ward, Malarie Valdez, Eric Valdez, Reyna Trujillo and husband Jay, Tina Montoya and wife Eve; aunts and uncles, Esther Gomez and husband Victor, Marcy Sena and husband Juan, Emma Chavez, Willie Segovia, Alfred Segovia and wife Fannie, and Filiberto Segovia; and numerous cousins and friends.

It was the simple pleasures that brought Rayline the most joy; receiving a phone call or a text from loved ones, a surprise visit, seeing and snuggling with her kitties, a loving interaction, watching a movie or the Animal Planet, eating her favorite foods and getting her favorite piece of gum (or two). She had an accepting and loving heart, and she was thoughtful and empathetic. She loved animals and frequently asked about her kitty. She was stronger than she gave herself credit for, and she had an unwavering will to live and an undying spirit. She loved her family and always thought of them. She will be with us in spirit and in our hearts forever.

Rayline retired from state government and created lasting friendships with her colleagues. One colleague and friend, in particular, gave her the gift of life by donating a kidney to her. With Rayline’s passing, that very special, thoughtful, and selfless gift left with her. The Valdez family is eternally grateful for the gift Gilbert Baca gave Rayline, which blessed us with many more years of cherished memories together.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:00 am, at Rivera Family Funeral Home, 417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM.

Reception to follow at Nancy Rodriguez Community Center, 1 Prairie Dog Loop, Santa Fe, NM.