Graveside services for Maria “Lolita” Dolores Valdez Wells, 88, Lawrence, will be 1:00 p.m. Monday at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lawrence
Maria died Wednesday January 4, 2012 at Midland Hospice Care, Topeka.
She was born December 27, 1923 in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico, the daughter of Juan and Matilde Isuegas Valdez. She married Robert “Verle” Wells on May 30, 1948 in Mexico.
While in Mexico, Maria taught dance and sang on the radio and on stage. After her marriage, she and Verle ultimately settled in Lawrence, Kansas and raised their three daughters. She was a dedicated wife and mother and she shared her artistic talents with her daughters. She was an accomplished artist, crafter and seamstress.
Maria is survived by her daughters: Jenny Sellman of LaHarpe; Marissa Harris of New Braunfels, Texas; and Nuria Lucas of Valley Falls; five grandchildren; Buffy and Robin Sellman, Justin and Samantha Harris, and Kelly Snap.
She was preceded in death by her husband Verle in 1974, and her five brothers: Juan, Adalio, Enrique, Ernesto, and Reynol.
Friends may call from noon to 8:00 Sunday at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home where the family will receive them from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The family suggests memorials to Visiting Nurses or Midland Hospice Care in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
