Erlinda G. Valencia

Erlinda "Linda" Garza Valencia, 78, beloved mother, wife, and grandmother was called home to heaven on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Public viewing will be from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Saturday, February 18, 2023 and from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM with rosary being prayed at 6:00 PM Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. There will be a viewing at the church before mass from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Funeral mass will be at 11:00 AM Monday, February 20, 2023 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ozona with Rev. Hilary Ihedioha, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Linda was born in Ozona on October 9, 1944 to Olivia and Fermin Garza, Sr. On April 24,1965 she married Albert Valencia and they then moved to Big Spring where they raised 5 beautiful children. They then moved to Mertzon in 1995. Throughout her lifetime, Linda loved to go to family functions, especially the Tambunga family reunions. She was the original family representative for the purple shirts for 20+ years until she stepped down. She took so much pride in being the representative during that time and all the years to follow. Linda was not able to ever get through presenting her family without crying and being emotional because of the love she had for her family. She also loved shopping and decorating for the holidays for her grandchildren.

Linda worked as a waitress for 30+ years in both Big Spring at Alberto's and in San Angelo at Franco's and Henry's where she truly loved her job and customers. She especially enjoyed visiting with and seeing her repeat customers. Linda was also a devout member of St. Peter's Catholic Church for her duration of life in Mertzon. After she retired, she enjoyed going with her sisters and sisters-in-law to their Wednesday night dinners at Henry's for her margaritas. Everyone who knew Linda, knew how kindhearted, loving, emotional and giving she was throughout her lifetime.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Olivia and Fermin Garza, Sr.; her husband, Alberto Valencia, Sr.; and her sister, Estella Montez.

Linda's survivors include her five children, Albert Valencia, Jr and Rosie of Odessa, Rick Valencia and Jamie of Cozumel, Mexico, Dave Valencia and Sarah of Michigan, Lucinda Martinez and Ryan of Mertzon, and Abel Valencia and Holly of San Angelo; eight siblings, Fermin Garza, Jr. and Gloria of San Angelo, Esperanza Castillo and Mauro of Big Lake, Tina Rodriguez and Ray of San Antonio, Yolanda Borrego of Ozona, Roy Garza and Alicia of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Raymond Garza and Dora of San Angelo, Rosie Garza of Abilene, and Olivia Torres and Frank of Ozona; and eight grandchildren, AJ, Sierra, Dominic, Daniel, Austin, Emma, Carmella and Anabel.

Pallbearers are AJ Valencia, Austin Martinez, James Swearingen, Raymond Garza, Dominic Valencia, and Daniel Valencia. Honorary pallbearers are Stephen Michael Rosas, Andrew Freeman, and Ray Montez, Jr.