Barbara N. Sky Horse Valdez, “Barby” passed away at home, unexpectedly, on October 17, 2018 at the age of 63. She was born March 26, 1955 in Denver, CO, and was the youngest daughter of Edith E. (Edwards) and Kenneth L. Faber.
Barby moved to Canon City, CO in 1980 and met her best friend and husband, Edward C Valdez in 1990.
She was an accomplished equestrian and dedicated to teaching young people proper riding techniques and equine care. By the age of six she was riding and racing horses with her older sisters on their uncle’s ranch in Nebraska during summer visits. At eight years old, she was already helping groom the champion Arabians at her Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Carl Edwards’ ranch in Conifer, CO. She would often travel with them to horse shows across the country. As a teenager she competed in hunter/jumper and dressage competitions, and was thrilled and honored when asked and to ride the 1972 Olympics silver medalist’s horse during a 1973 exhibition in Denver.
As a young woman, Barby donated much of her time to 4-H programs, teaching young people how to care for livestock and prepare their animals for show. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews, sharing with them the joy she felt for her horses and life in the country. She was also a talented musician and songwriter, with the ability to fill a room with her beautiful voice and zest for life.
Barby was devoted to close family members. She was Godmother to her niece Dawn Adams’s children, Amanda and Aaron. She looked forward to participating in her family’s annual Christmas cookie baking/decorating tradition with her sister-in-law Juanita Gill and nephew Chris Brady. In 1995 she played a key role in opening Atencio Glass, and for several years she managed the office and focused on the success of the business along with her sister, Sandy and brother-in-law, Ken Atencio.
Barby had an adventurous spirit, and on a whim, she traveled to Australia in 2001 and spent a few months there promoting a business project. She loved the country and people there, and formed enduring friendships. Over the years she nurtured hundreds of friendships around the world, and each person held a special place in her heart. She had a way of connecting with people, letting them know they were important to her. She was their mentor, confidant, cheerleader, and kindred spirit. One of her favorite quotes was “Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today!”
Barby is survived by her husband Edward C. Valdez; three children, daughters, Tiffany (Scott) Walker, Elizabeth Ann and son, Jesse; sisters, Sandra (Ken) Atencio, Pamela (Tom) Logsdon, and a brother Kenneth David Faber. She is also survived by several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
At Barby’s request, no funeral service will be held, however, in honor of her Native American heritage the family held a private “Sacred Fire Ceremony.” The family is planning a Celebration of Barby’s life in the spring, at her home, when all her beautiful flower gardens begin to bloom.
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