Carol Valdez

Carol Ann Valdez, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 31, 2020. Carol Ann Hanson was born on December 29, 1944 in Moorhead, MN to Silas and Gertrude Hanson. Carol attended Moorhead High School. In the early 60’s is when she met her lifelong partner and husband Del Valdez. Together, they had 3 children, Richard Lee, Debra Lynn and Michael Ray. Carol loved spending time with the family, cooking those traditional meals for everyone and never wanting anyone to fuss or help her. Of course, there was always those Wednesday spaghetti nights that many of us looked forward to. Mom had such an infectious laugh that many times it would turn into a ‘howl’ that we would all be in tears watching her laugh! Mom loved to spend time traveling going to visit the family members that moved away, she really did love her family. She loved her time with all of her grandkids and her great grandkids. Mom always made Saturdays her day of shopping. When her mom was with us, she would take Michael and Grandma Hanson shopping every single Saturday to get her out and about. After Grandma Hanson passed away, she continued her Saturday outings but many times would take her only granddaughter, Ashley, to tag along with her. Mom and Ashley had a very special bond and that will continue as Mom watches over her and all of the kids from up above. Mom had such a quiet gentleness about her, always there to listen, to say hi or do whatever to help us all out. When the grandkids came along, one thing that Mom would always do was to get them something RED – a lot of the baby clothes and toddler clothes just happened to be RED – of course, because that was her favorite color! Mom may have been a more quiet soul, but she could still tell a good story. One year we took a trip to Georgia to help celebrate Brandon’s graduation from basic training and well, let’s just say it was a good story coming from grandma! We all have our favorite stories with Mom that we will forever keep in our hearts. Mom, we miss you already, we can’t believe you’re gone. We can’t believe that we can no longer pick up the phone to talk or stop by to see you. Our hearts are heavy. We are so blessed to have had the world’s best mom ever! Our time with you was brief; but we will forever be thankful for all that you gave us and to show us all what family means. Please say hi to Grandma Hanson and Uncle Allen as we’re sure the three of you are all together, happy, hugging and laughing. We love and miss you dearly, Mom... until we see you again. Mom is survived by her husband of 54 years, Del Valdez. Her three children, Richard Valdez, Debra Dietz (Joseph), Michael Valdez. Six grandchildren: Christopher Dietz (Jessica); Brandon Dietz (Jessica); Cody Dietz (Kylee); Levi Dietz; Ashley Valdez, Austyn Valdez. Four great grandchildren: Rolando Perez, Alejandro Perez, Aydrian Valdez-DeVall, Joshua Dietz. Three brothers: Kenneth Hanson (Patricia); Lowell Hanson (Judy); David Hanson (Theresa); 6 nieces; and 5 nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Gertrude Hanson, her father, Silas Hanson, and her brother, Allen Hanson