Jose Trinidad Valdez-Ceja

Jose Trinidad Valdez Ceja, age 80, passed away on September 27, 2026, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

He was born on August 7, 1946, in Sombrerete, Zacatecas, México, to Jose Refugio Valdez and Maria Ceja. He was raised in Sombrerete before eventually making his home in Statesville, North Carolina. Throughout his life, he remained proud of his roots and held close the family, stories, and traditions that shaped him.

Jose was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother, and a man who found happiness in the simple things in life. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and collecting little treasures that caught his interest, including arrowheads, old coins, and ammonite fossils. He often preferred taking the country backroads, where the green fields, cows, and wildflowers reminded him of home.

Music was another constant in his life. He especially loved the music of Ray Conniff, and El Cóndor Pasa was a favorite. He loved turtles, had a particular fondness for peanuts, and enjoyed playing card games. His family especially loved playing Uno with him. Although winning may not have been his specialty, he was always a good sport and made the game more fun simply by being there.

Jose was also a talented and dedicated welder, spending more than 20 years at Kewaunee. His craftsmanship went beyond his everyday work. During quiet moments, he would sometimes weld small metal figurines, including a musician playing the violin.

In retirement, Jose embraced the slower pace of life he had always appreciated. He enjoyed sitting beneath a tree in the sunshine, keeping the birdhouse filled with seed, watching the birds come and go, and watching his grandchildren play outside. His retirement was far too short, but he spent those years enjoying the quiet moments that meant the most to him.

His family will remember him most for the love and selflessness he showed in his daily life. If someone needed him, he was there. His life was marked by his devotion to his family and by the countless memories he created with the people closest to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Refugio Valdez and Maria Ceja.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Albis Arellano Albiter, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage; his children, Yunuhen Valdez, Leslie Danae Valdez, and Ashley Valdez; his grandchildren, Aden Reyes and Diego Reyes; his sister, Maria Valdez Ceja; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will continue to carry his memory with them.

A Catholic memorial service will be held on October 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Troutman Funeral Home. His cremated remains will be present during the service. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of his life.

Dale, Señor, el descanso eterno,y brille para él la luz perpetua.Que descanse en paz. Amén."