Lupe Melendez Valles was born May 26, 1931 in Arvin, California to Secundina (Marquez) and Rafael Melendez. She grew up and attended school in Digiorgio, later earning her high school degree in 1978 after attending night school. She valued education and decided to continue her education at Bakersfield College, attending college at the same time as 4 of her children. Lupe married Ruben Valles in Bakersfield February 21, 1951 and they made Lamont their home and he truly was the love of her life. Lupe worked a variety of jobs her last being as site manager for KCEOC for over 13 years retiring in 1997 due to health reasons. Lupe loved to crochet, read and enjoyed cake decorating. She was very active and always had busy hands. Lupe and Ruben also took dancing lessons and had so much fun showing their talents to the family. Lupe and Ruben were also active members of the St. Augustine Church as members of the Altar Society and faithfully donating to the building fund. Family came first for Lupe, and she was loving, generous and self-sacrificing mother. Lupe and Ruben would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in February. She is lovingly survived by her husband Ruben; sons, Ruben M. Valles of Fresno; Raymond M. Valles and wife Loretta of Bakersfield; daughters, Anna Medina and husband Cesar of Lamont and Adriene Valles of Granada Hills; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; many loving nieces, nephews and other family members. She was preceded in death by her son, Edward M. Valles in 2010 and 3 brothers, Joe, Mike and Manuel Melendez. Holy Rosary will be recited Wednesday, January 12, at 7pm at St. Augustine's Church, Lamont for Lupe Melendez Valles, age 79, of Lamont who passed away January 8, 2011 at her home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be said Thursday, January 13, at 10am. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 12, from 4 to 8pm at St. Augustine's Church. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery, King and Potomac in Bakersfield. Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.