Funeral services were conducted by Peters Funeral Home for Mercedes Valdez Martinez, with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated on Friday, November 3, 2006, at 10am; a Chapel service was held at 5pm, at Peters Funeral Home. Officiating at the services were Father Pedro Umana of St. Therese's Catholic Church, Pastor Johnny Martinez of Westside Family Fellowship, and Pastor Epifanio Bernal of Rosa de Saron Church. Interment was held on Saturday, November 4, 2006, at 10am, at Shafter Memorial Park. Mercedes was born September 24, 1942, in Martinitos, Nuevo León, México, to Epifanio and Maria de Jesus Valdez. She met and married Julián Martínez on December 19, 1959. Mercedes enjoyed many things in life but her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was very precious to us. She was the strength and the support of all her children. Even though we know that she is in a better place and has met Jesus face to face, we will miss her greatly. Mercedes is survived by her husband, Julián Martínez; father, Epifanio and mother, Maria de Jesús Valdez; her daughter Nereyda and husband, Jose Ángel Marichalar and their sons, José Ángel, Jr. and Pedro; her son, Julián and wife, Mariza Martínez and their daughters, Isabelle and Julissa; son, Jaime Martínez and daughter, Julia and fiancé, Osvaldo Martínez; brothers, Epifanio and René Valdez; sisters, Margarita Ábrego and Estela Rendón. Mercedes was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother. She was our best friend. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Although nothing can bring her back to us today, she will live in our hearts. In these painful moments, we must learn to be still in the mist of the turmoil and feel the presence of His strength. One day we hope to see her again when the Lord calls us.