Betty Tollis Valdez

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Betty Tollis Valdez

June 24, 1937 ~ April 3, 2022

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Betty Lorraine (Tollis) Valdez, passed peacefully on to her next adventure on April 3. Betty was inspirational to many. She was seen as a movie star-like figure in the eyes of her many nieces on both sides of the family, due to her impeccable sense of style and glowing personality. Betty was a positive wellspring and light in this world and an important figure in every community in which she was a member.

Betty was born to Lillie Mary (Garcia) Tollis and Arnando Regiro (Dugie) Tollis on June 24, 1937, in Lexington, Nebraska. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Fern Mary (Tollis) Wilkerson, and Arnando Hector (Doug) Tollis Jr. The family moved to Sunnyside, Utah in the 1940s.

Taking note of her clever wit, Betty’s father moved her up two grade levels, and she later graduated from Price High School at the age of 16. Betty then completed a two-year associate’s degree while working in the area hospital. She met Michael Thomas Valdez in 1953, they were married by 1956, and moved to Salt Lake City in 1965. Betty worked in Salt Lake for five years before she decided to adopt a child, Michael Douglas Valdez, in 1970, dedicating herself to the profession of “Best Mother Ever.”

A devoted Catholic, Betty was a very active member of her church. She served in the St. Vincent de Paul Ladies Guild during the ’80s, and the St. Martin de Porres Ladies Guild from 1990 onward. Betty was honored as the 2007 Woman of the Year at St. Martin’s. She served in many capacities at St. Martin’s, most notably as Eucharistic minister and CCD teacher, where she was able to teach her grandchildren, extended family members and many other children.

Betty warmly welcomed Amy (Pocock) Valdez into the family in 1995. Michael and Amy would later bring her two beautiful granddaughters, Emily Christine and Katie Marie Valdez whom she cared for deeply.

Betty will long be remembered for her positivity and the love she brought to every situation. She was quick to welcome everyone and express her love through kind words and actions.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 4914 South 2200 West, Taylorsville on Friday May 20, 2022, at 11 a.m.