San Juanita Valenciano

San Juanita Reyna De Leon Valenciano, 69, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, from complications resulting from Covid-19.
She was born on March 28, 1952, in Taft, Texas---the friendliest cotton picken' town in Texas, apropos name considering she was the friendliest cotton picken' San Juanita you ever did meet. She was the sixth child of Margarita Reyna De Leon and Andres De Leon. As a child, she was quiet and caring, finding solace in the care for her young cousins. This would lead to a lifetime of service through various organizations like the PTA, Girl Scouts, serving as a Catechist, and recreational coaching to help empower the next generation.
San Juanita graduated from Lubbock High School in 1971, attained her Barber Certificate in 2002, and realized her lifelong dream of attaining her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University in 2019. She was happiest when surrounded by others, sharing her brilliant light even on the darkest of days. She was a friend to all, a devoted wife, an affectionate mother, a beloved Nana, a treasured tía, and a consummate Godmother. San Juanita was a proud member of the Our Lady of Grace Guadalupanas, St John Neumann Roses, St John the Baptist Catholic Church Women's Group, the Lubbock Red Hatters, Lubbock Hispanic Association of Women, Raiders Rojos, and Girl Scout Troop 6073.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, José Valenciano; her children: Maria Samantha Montaño (Roy Montaño), Bianca Renee Valenciano Sias (Don Sias), José Antonio Valenciano (Brittany Lara); her grandchildren: Cristian Eduardo Castillo, Zeneyda Xochitl Castillo, Marisabelle Juliana Sias, Adalie Tesla Jane Sias, Josh Montaño; her siblings: Andre De Leon, Victoria De Leon, Joe De Leon, Maria Ballard; beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Francisca Hernandez who welcomed her to her heavenly home.