Stella R. Valencia, lovingly known as “Miss Stella,” passed away on April 27, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 69.

Stella was a kindhearted, caring, and generous woman whose love touched everyone she met. She was known for her warmth, her humor, her fine cuisine, her green thumb, and her spunky spirit. She had an imaginative soul , and found joy in expressing herself through various medias and exploring the beauty of the world around her. She was deeply rooted in her faith and lived her life guided by her devotion to God and her strong values of family, love, respect, and honesty.

She found happiness in life’s simple and meaningful moments—fishing, rock hunting, gardening, painting, helping others and spending time outdoors. More than anything, Stella cherished time with her family and friends. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved, and she naturally became a mother and grandmother figure to many beyond her immediate family.

Stella was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert J. Valencia, and her son John Kelly Valencia.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Deseree and Stephanie Valencia; her grandsons, John Robert, and Robert Joseph Valencia ; and her granddaughters, Veronica and Sabrina Sandoval. Her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on through them and all who were blessed to know her.

Stella will be remembered for her generous heart, her laughter, creativity, and the unwavering love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a lasting imprint on the lives of her family, friends, and community.