Dora Valle Flores, age 83, of Portland, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on July 28, 2026.

She was born in Harlingen, Texas, on November 3, 1942 to parents Miguel "Mike" Valle and Maria "Mary" Casares Valle. Dora moved with her parents and two younger sisters to Portland, Texas, in 1948, where she graduated from Gregory-Portland High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas.

Dora was a teacher with Gregory-Portland ISD for 31 years, where she spent 23 years as a second grade teacher at W.C. Andrews Elementary, until her retirement in 2002. As a devoted educator, Dora took pride in creating an inspiring, fun, and encouraging learning environment where her classroom motto was, “I can if I think I can.” Dora’s commitment to education extended as a trusted mentor to novice teachers. In retirement, Dora’s joy for teaching continued as a substitute teacher for local area school districts for an additional 7 years.

Dora married the love of her life and her forever dancing partner, Federico "Fred" Cardenas Flores on September 6, 1968. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter, raising two daughters, Dina and Destiny, who brought them endless joy. Dora treasured traveling with her family and enjoyed visiting her daughters in Austin, Texas, and Seattle, Washington, where she enthusiastically cheered on her beloved Texas Longhorns and Seattle Seahawks. Music and dancing were at the heart of who Dora was, and no artist brought her more happiness than her favorite, Little Joe, whose songs kept her dancing throughout her life.

Dora is preceded in death by her father, Miguel "Mike" Valle; mother, Maria "Mary" Valle; sisters, Oralia Valle Ramirez and Lupe Valle Moreno; and great-nephew, Aaron Randolph Moreno.

Dora is survived by her husband of 57 years, Federico "Fred" Flores; daughters, Dina Valle Flores of Austin, TX, and Destiny Valle Flores of Seattle, WA; brothers-in-law, Felix C. (Oralia Valle †) Ramirez and Rudy H. (Lupe Valle †) Moreno; nephews, Rudy (Grace) Moreno and Randy (Becky) Moreno; great-nieces, Miranda Moreno and Mia Moreno; great-nephews, Zachary Moreno and Brandon Moreno; great-grandniece, Kleio Perez; and numerous beloved extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider donating to the Little Joe and Cris Hernandez Legacy Scholarship Foundation in Dora's name. https://ljc-legacy.com/#home

Visitation will be held rom 5 PM until 9 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Winsteads' Funeral Home, where a Holy Rosary will be recited that same evening at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 AM on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Palms Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

For those who wish to express their condolences, you are welcome to send flowers or sympathy gifts directly to the family using the button provided below. Additionally, you may share your heartfelt condolences with the family by adding an entry on the online guest book below.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home.

361-643-6564 | www.WinsteadsFuneralHome.com