Carole Joy Vallez

Carole Joy Mestas Vallez was born on May 31, 1936, in Los Sauces, Colorado, a small farm town in the beautiful San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado. She was raised there and remained until she ventured away for a year of college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Her time away from farm life sparked a desire for greater adventure.

In 1954, she traveled to California to live with her cousin Al and his wife, Connie. It was there that she met her future husband, Ray Vallez. Carole and Ray raised three children and lovingly opened their home to two of their nephews. Their house became a cherished gathering place for family and friends. Carole and Ray shared 38 years of marriage before Ray’s passing in 1993. Carole continued to own and steward Ray’s Barbershop, a longstanding and beloved business in Paramount, California.

Carole worked the night shift at Security Pacific for many years and ended her career at Bank of America. There were times she held more than one job. It was not uncommon for her to take a quick nap following the night shift and then leave for her second job. Upon retirement, she continued to work for a property management company - temporarily for 12 years! No matter where she worked, her co-workers always became dear friends.

Carole made friends wherever she went. She was known for her generous heart, and many claimed her as their very best friend. She loved animals and Latin American art, and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. An excellent cook, she was especially famous for her tamales. She poured her heart and soul into every batch she made, even though she didn't like them! Making tamales at Christmas was a tradition she faithfully carried on year after year until she finally decided it was time to pass it on to someone else.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, and many family members and friends who were awaiting her arrival for a feast in heaven. She is survived by her children, grandson, son-in-law, her children's partners and friends, her sister and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and people who claimed her as their second mom.Carole passed away on February 24, 2026, surrounded by love. Her Guadalupana friends showed up for her in a beautiful way - praying the rosary at her bedside the morning of her passing and returning that evening to pray another rosary over her after she had gone home to God. Before her death, Carole was comforted by receiving the viaticum from Father Andrew, and afterward, Father John gently blessed her with holy water. Carole left this world surrounded by love. She will be missed forever and remembered always.

For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/CaroleJoy