Ricardo “Rick” Valencia Sr.
1941 - 2018
Ricardo “Rick” Valencia Sr., 77, of Springville, Utah passed away Monday, October 29, 2018. Rick suffered from Alzheimer’s the last few years of his life. He was born February 6, 1941 in Monterey, Mexico, to Roberto Valencia and Velia Trevino. He married Carole Ann Santacroce on August 11, 1961 in the Los Angeles Temple. She preceded him in death on September 25, 1986.
Rick was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a devoted servant of the Lord and throughout his life, he demonstrated his faithfulness by serving Him well. Rick served in many callings in the church, such as: Counselor in Stake Presidency, High Councilor, MTC Branch President, and Bishop. He was also entrusted to preside over the Barcelona-Spain Mission from 1984-1985 until his wife, Carole, took ill with cancer. After his wife Carole passed away, he married Lynette Anderson.
Rick attended the American Institute of Banking and Brigham Young University. Prior to his retirement, he was the Manager for the International Purchasing Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His job responsibilities took him to various foreign countries around the world. Rick had the privilege of working in furnishing temples for the church. Some other assignments included: Latter-day Saints Charities (Wheelchairs), and he worked on the LDS edition and publication (2009) of the Holy Bible in Spanish. Some of Rick’s passions were collecting coins, rocks, as well as being an avid gardener.
Rick is survived by his five children: Rick Jr. (Elizabeth) Valencia of Dayton, Ohio, Mark (Alie) Valencia of Springville, Utah, Michael Valencia of Middleton, Idaho, David (Jann) Valencia of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Tish Larsen of SLC, Utah; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 3, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hobble Creek 8th Ward Chapel located at 2379 East 1100 South, Springville, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary located at 495 South State Street in Orem, and on Saturday just prior to the funeral service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Burial will be in the Provo City Cemetery.
Although at this time our hearts are fill with sadness, we rejoice in knowing that Rick has seen the Redeemer’s face, and he has a place prepared in the mansions of the Father. Once again, he is in the company of his beloved eternal companion, Carole, whom he adored.
The Valencia family is very grateful for all the love, care, support and services provided to Rick by the staff at Canterbury Assisted Living, and Reed’s Park Place in Springville while he valiantly fought Alzheimer’s.
