Rebecca “Becky” Meza Valencia, 98, formerly of Hayden Lake, Idaho, passed away Jan. 2, 2024, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene. Becky was born March 30, 1925, in San Gabriel, Calif., a daughter of the late Gilberto and Esther (Quintinar) Meza.

Becky was a faithful Catholic woman who loved the Lord and her family. A devoted mother, a loving grandmother and a beloved great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother who loved all her family with her warm heart and caring nature. Becky was an accomplished cosmetologist, having owned several beauty shops throughout her career.

Becky always looked forward to all the major holidays because it meant the extended family would be gathered to celebrate the occasion. The kids/grandkids knew they could always stop in for a great meal at her home. She was undoubtedly the matriarch of the Valencia family.

In addition to her parents, Becky is preceded in death by daughters Yolanda (Lottie) and Mary Esther (Gonzales); and brothers Jess and Gilbert Jr. She is survived by four of her children: Olivia Johnson (Andy) of Estes Park, Colo., Daniel (Saundra), Robert (Verna), and David (Ramona) of Coeur d’Alene; her nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert and Manuel (Mitch); and sister Consuelo (Connie), of California.

"But our mothers too, with their hidden care, with their thoughtfulness, are often magnificent cathedrals of silence. They bring us into the world and then continue to attend to us, often unnoticed, so that we can grow. Let us remember this: love never stifles; love makes room for the other. Love lets us grow." — Pope Francis

At Becky’s request, services and interment will be held at the San Gabriel Mission at a later date. Please visit Becky’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.