Melissa Ann Valdez, age 55, passed away on April 21, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. She was born on November 15, 1969, in Dimmit, Texas to Adan and Anastasia Valdez.

She lived in Wauchula for 55 years, where she graduated from Hardee High School. She worked at RCMA as a VPK Teacher. She enjoyed baking cakes, spending time with family and friends, she loved dancing, and her grandbabies and loved taking care of her animals. She will be remembered as a strong, loving and hard-working kindhearted person.

She is survived by her children. Armando Ugarte, Ashley Ugarte and Marissa Valdez and loving sister Debbie Reyna as well as two grandchildren. Ezekiel Alvarado Jr. and Sebastian Alvarado and several nieces and nephews, Mano Reyna, Melinda Reyna, Mariah Reyna, Genesis Silva, Jayleen Reyna, Damian Silva, Achilles Reyna, Alyna Mann, Zaiden Patino, Xadric Patino, Kaomi Patino, and Leonard Barron.

She is Preceded in death by her parents, Adan Valdez and Anastasia Valdez.

The visitation will be held at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home on May 1, 2025 at 205 N. 9th Ave in Wauchula, FL, from 11:00am-11:30am. The funeral services will follow at 11:30am. The burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com .

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.