Epimenio Valencia

Epimenio "Ed" Valencia, a resident of Santa Cruz County for many years, passed away on May 16, 2025, he was 95.

After retiring from the US Army, he enjoyed connecting with family and friends, working on his bonsai trees, playing music, and traveling the world. He was a longtime participant in the Watsonville Community Band and the Watsonville and Santa Cruz Bonsai Clubs.

He is survived by his children Susan Valencia, Diane Bensberg, and stepchildren Dan Richey, Sabra Richey, Brynna Williams (Daryl), Anne Laatsch (Rob), Victor Babbitt (Carol) and many grand and great grandchildren.

His wife Emily preceded him in 2024.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Saint Stephen's Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062. A reception will immediately follow.

His military burial will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, at 9:30 AM, at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, 2900 Parker Flats Road, Seaside, CA, 93955.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel.