Virginia Valenzuela was born August 13, 1945 in Bakersfield, to Carlos and Angela Fuentez Guantez. While she was still young her parents died and she was raised by relatives, Anselmo and Josephine Gaona. Virginia lived in Bakersfield her whole life; she graduated from East High and attended BC. She married Thomas Valenzuela on Nov. 12, 1966 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Throughout her life she was very active in many local Catholic parishes assisting with catechism preparation, youth ministries, as well as marriage preparation courses. Virginia worked as a bookkeeper for a number of companies, namely Burtch Construction where she spent the last 10 years of her career. She was also a member of the American Business Women's Association. Virginia was a stern but loving lady; she would speak her mind kindly. Virginia was well-respected and loved by many. Virginia enjoyed cooking, but took special pride in baking her Christmas goodies that she would give to family and friends. Family was of the utmost importance to Virginia and her grandchildren were her life. Virginia is preceded in death by her birth parents and the parents who raised her. Virginia is survived by her husband of 42 years, Thomas; one son, Geno Valenzuela and wife Tandi; one daughter, Sabrina Valenzuela; 2 grandchildren Janessa and Anthony Washington, all of Bakersfield; sisters Theresa Carbajal of Salinas CA, Carol Jaurez of Stockton CA, and Jane Avalos of Bakersfield; brothers Phillip Fuentez and Fie Gaona, both of Bakersfield. A viewing will be held at Hopson-Anspach Mortuary on Thursday Jan. 3 from 2-8pm with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Friday Jan. 4 at 1:30pm, Father John Schmoll will officiate and interment will follow at Union Cemetery. The family would like to thank Hoffman Hospice and the nurses of 3 west at Mercy Hospital for the great care that was provided.