Obituary of Elaine Margaret Valdez

Elaine Margaret Butts was born in Highland Park, Michigan on August 25, 1944.   She was one of five children born to the union of Darwin "Don" Butts and Margaret (Badowski) Butts.   She attended McKenzie High School in Detroit.

She married Nemesio Valdez and the couple raised four boys together.   Her greatest passion was for her children, caring and loving she proudly provided their needs as a homemaker.   As a professional, Elaine, spent her whole working career in hospitality working many years at the Providence Hospital in the dietician department.  

Elaine was a devout Catholic, very dedicated to her faith.   A prayer warrior she recited the Rosary daily.  She was active in her parish Most Holy Trinity in Detroit.   The past ten years, after moving from the city to make her home in Ferndale, she would worship in Hazel Park at St. Mary Magdalene/ St. Justin Parish.   She lived her faith showing respect for others, being especially generous and thoughtful.

Elaine was eccentric.   Extremely fashionable she liked to always look her best, although her taste was very modest dressing in skirts and not ever wearing pants.   She never left the home without applying her makeup.   She had a passion for shoes, never meeting a heal she didn’t like.   She loved to watch her television with the ID channel being ultimately her favorite.

Elaine Margaret “Momma” Valdez, age 78, of Ferndale passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday; September 7, 2022 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.   Her passing was preceded by her parents.

To cherish her memory she leave four children:  Manuel (Daisy) Valdez of Smyrna, Tennessee, Albert P. Valdez of Ferndale, Dick Tracy (Rebecca) Valdez of Bayonne, New Jersey, and Joseph A. Valdez of Ferndale; two sisters:  Lona Bender of Howell and Charlene Butts of Ferndale; two brothers:  Charles Butts of Fowlerville and Keith Butts of Fowlerville; four grandchildren:  Matthew Valdez, Daniel Valdez, Janelle Valdez, and Jillian Valdez and one with one on the way.

Friends my gather on Friday; September 16, 2022 from 10:00am until 2:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.   A Funeral Service Celebrating Her Life will take place at 2:00pm also at Merkles.   Procession will follow to Zion Lutheran Cemetery for burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Family to assist with funeral arrangements.   Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.