Simona Valenzuela, 90, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at Laurels of Defiance with her husband at her side.  She was born on June 1, 1922 to Gabriel and Vicenta (Amalla) Gutierrez in Castroville, TX.

Candelario Zamarippa Valenzuela, Sr. 91, of Defiance passed away Thursday after Simona, on April 4, 2013 at Laurels of Defiance.  He was born on Febraury 2, 1922 in Gomez-Palacio, Durango to Crescencio and Amada (Zamarripa) Valenzuela.

Candelario and Simona were married on September 25, 1959, and will now spend eternity together.

Both Candelario Sr. & Simona were dedicated parents, and enjoyed spending time with their children & growing families. When they were not doting on their grand children or great grand children, Simona enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, embroidery, quilting, while Candelario spent his time enjoying baseball games, music, and the music of Vicente Hernandes.  He also worked in plant maintenance at Campbell Soup Company until retiring on August 25, 1997.

Simona and Candelario are survived by their sons, Candelario  (Norma) Valenzuela Jr. of Defiance, Solomon (Antonia) Gutierrez of Tahoka, TX, grandkids, Flora (Guadelupe) Aleman of Tahoka, TX, Fabian (Bertha) Gutierrez of Dallas, TX, Bianca (Adam) Escamilla of Defiance, Alicia Marie Valenzuela of Las Vegas, NV, Candelario (Belinda) Valenzuela, III of Defiance, 9 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, nieces, Vickie (Arnulfo) DeAnda, Vernice, nephew, Victor Gutierrez, niece Sandy Jiminez, and many more friends and relatives. Also surviving Canelario Sr. is a brother in Huston, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Lucio, Felix, Julian, Pablo, Antonio, & Victor Gutierrez and a sister, Cecila Moreano.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and several siblings.

Funeral services for both Candelario Zamarippa Valenzuela, Sr.and Simona Valenzuela will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Schaffer Funeral Home with Pastor Arnulfo DeAnda officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens.  Visitation will be from 2-8p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

The family suggest memorials be made to Laurels of Defiance.