Donna Rae Valadez Obituary

Donna Rae Valadez (Matney), 69, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.

Donna was born on October 7, 1956, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Fred and Opal Matney of Homer, Nebraska.

Donna spent much of her life doing what mattered most to her—raising her five children and, later, helping raise and care for her grandchildren. Her family was at the heart of her life. Donna loved to cook, and nothing made her happier than bringing her family together around the table. Holidays meant big family meals, plenty of food, and a house full of the people she loved. Those gatherings became treasured family traditions and created countless memories that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry with them for years to come.

Donna is survived by her five children: Jasper Kriens of South Sioux City, Nebraska; James (Jill) Kriens of Mesa, Arizona; Jessica (Steven) White of Mesa, Arizona; Bruce Jr. (Keri) Kriens of Lakeside, Arizona; and Justin (Heather) Kriens of Mesa, Arizona.

She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Jacob (Madison) Kriens, Zach (Kaylee) Kriens, Dillon (Tatum) White, Hannah White, Caleb (Karen) Kriens, Ella (Jason) Lutes, Jordan Kriens, Brookelyn (Nico) Kriens, Brody Kriens, Kylie Kriens, and Jace Kriens; and her great-grandchildren, Paisley and Kayson Kriens, with several more little blessings on the way.

Donna is further survived by her sister, Debbie (Darrel) Davis of Amarillo, Texas; her brothers, Mick (Marchell) Matney of South Sioux City, Nebraska, and Jerry (Myla) Matney of Tecumseh, Kansas; as well as many other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Ricky; her parents, Fred and Opal Matney; her sister, Diana Matney; her brother, Steve Matney; and her great-grandson, Luka Kriens.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Omaha Valley Cemetery in Homer, Nebraska, where Donna will be laid to rest.