Erika Valle

On Wednesday, November 21, 2018, Erika Melendez Valle passed away surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on July 12, 1983, to Reyes Melendez, Sr. and Josie Galindo Melendez in Odessa, Texas.

Erika and her husband, Michael Valle, lived in Odessa, Texas, where she was raised and chose to raise her children. Erika and Michael were friends in high school and after different paths - fortuitously encountered each other again. Dating led to a fairytale wedding. Erika was delighted and grateful that she found such a gracious, kind, hard-working and loving husband who was a natural co-parent with her children.

Erika always made her children the centerpiece of her life. Despite her delicate nature, she could be fierce when it came to protecting her children at every turn. She made education their priority along with extracurricular events. Erika put them on the path to success and it shows in her special children, Gerad and Natalie. They are bright, kind, confident and compassionate children who are well-behaved, respectful and resilient because she raised them "in the country."

Erika wasn't all business and she made time for fun. She enjoyed singing in the car on the way to and from school with her children, having "dates" with the children at their favorite local restaurants or their school cafeterias, vacations to sunny beaches were a must and quiet fishing trips brought her peace. Every school function and birthday required that she stay up all night making cupcakes and treat bags for the entire class of children. Her children's teachers probably all remember her. She made sure they knew how much she appreciated them with small gifts that the children took to class. She planned on going back to college, once they graduated, to teach because she knew good teachers can motivate you to do great things. When the economy slowed down or she wanted extras for the children, Erika started making hair bows to sell.

No one knew how, but she still found a way to always have a full-time job running the family business, which is a local treasure in Odessa, Texas, J & R Feed and Grocery. She loved "her customers," the vendors and law enforcement who would drop by to check on the family business as a courtesy. She saw "her customers" daily so she didn't easily trust that others would give them the same attention if she took time off. If you knew Erika well, it made sense that she wanted to work with her family so that her children further benefitted from being around them so they learned the value of hard work and getting to know your neighbors. And now, as a result, the children have an Administration of Love at their disposal.

Erika wasn't impressed with movie stars, big labels nor wealth. She respected important qualities in people that aren't always visible: humility, compassion, love and truthfulness. She would rather avoid make-up and wear blue jeans, but she could light up a room when she got dressed up for special family events.

Erika was a beautiful and thoughtful soul. Her time on earth was far too brief even though she accomplished so much in so little time.

Michael, her children, parents, siblings and mother/father in-law are so grateful to all those who expressed kindness to her and prayed for them during this difficult time. They also want to give a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas, and Dr. Michael Shelton who magnanimously treated her as if she was their family member. They further want to express gratitude for their long-time neighbors, friends and customers who continue to pray and support them on so many fronts.

Erika is survived by her husband, Michael Valle, and children, Gerad R. Sandate and Natalie A. Vega, of Odessa, Texas. She is also survived by her parents, Reyes Melendez, Sr. and Josie Galindo Melendez, and her siblings (their spouses and children), Crystal Hernandez (Reuben Hernandez and two daughters: Alyssa and Sophia), Joann Gonzalez (Saul Gonzalez and two sons), Cassandra Melendez and Reyes Melendez, Jr. who all reside in Odessa, Texas. Erika's wonderful in-laws, Francisco Molinar and Linda Molinar, survive her, too, and reside in Odessa, Texas. Her sisters and brothers-in-law of Odessa, Texas survive her, as well: Michelle Valle, Angelina Molinar, Augustine Molinar, Thomas Molinar, Andrew Molinar. Lastly, she leaves behind countless aunts, uncles and cousins from coast-to-coast (California, Colorado and Florida) to West Texas. Her entire family misses her already.

Erika's life will be celebrated with a Mass on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 1:00 o'clock p.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, with Father: Fernando Bonilla; located at 2633 Conover Avenue, Odessa, Texas. Public viewing will begin on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 pm at Martinez Funeral Home. & Monday, November 26, 2018 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Ector County Cemetery, Odessa II Garden.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Erika's passion for children and donate to a children's charity of your choice.

Per Request of the: Melendez & Valle Family, Please there is to be No Photo or Video taken of there Beloved Erika

Visitation

Martinez Funeral Home Chapel
1040 S. Dixie Blvd
Odessa, TX  79761
Saturday, November 24, 2018
2:00 PM - 9:00PM

Martinez Funeral Home Chapel
1040 S. Dixie Blvd
Odessa, TX  79761
Sunday, November 25, 2018
1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Martinez Funeral Home Chapel
1040 S Dixie Blvd
Odessa, TX  79761
Monday, November 26, 2018
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Service

Rosary

Martinez Funeral Home
1040 S Dixie Blvd
Odessa, TX  79761
Sunday, November 25, 2018
7:00 PM

Funeral Mass

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
2633 Conover Ave.
Odessa, TX  79763
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
1:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Ector County
300 S. Dixie
Odessa, TX  79761