Benjamin Valle Arias

surrounded by his wife and loving family at their home in San Jose, California.

Benjamin was born on May 18, 1934 in San Jose de Gracia, Jalisco, Mexico. A few months

after his birth, his father, Frutoso Arias, was martyred for his role as a Cristero in the Cristero

Revolution of the 1920’s-1930’s. This left, Benjamin and his brother Guadalupe to be raised

by their mother, Apollinaria Valle, and their paternal aunt Librada Arias. Both boys immigrated

to the United States in their early teens to pursue their higher education. It was while

attending Hartnell College in Salinas that Benjamin met his future wife, Catherine Eder. The

young couple were married in 1958 in Arizona, and shortly thereafter he left for basic training

with the Army to Kansas. Benjamin and Catherine later had their vows renewed by Fr

McDonnell at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the parish of Cesar Chavez. After two years of

moving around the U.S. while on tour with the Army, the Arias’ finally were able to settle down

to be near family in San Jose, California.

Benjamin’s life was first and foremost centered around his Catholic faith and his family.

Selflessly, he and Catherine raised their family of four girls and instilled in them a love of

learning and encouraged them to always strive to do their very best. For over forty years, he

was a faithful and tireless employee of Havlin and Witkin Glass Company, which later became

ACI Glass. After retirement at age 73, he and Catherine refocused their energy on caring for

each other, their family, and their home and abundant garden. Just last year, he and

Catherine celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Catherine and four daughters, Maria Evans (Chris), Theresa Bumb

(Brian), Madeleine Ziemba (Tom) and Elizabeth Arias Standifer (Nathan). Benjamin leaves

behind ten grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother

Apollinaria, father Frutoso and brother Guadalupe.

The Arias Family would like to thank the care and support of all the clinicians and staff at Palo

Alto Medical Foundation and Wellbound Fremont who worked with Benjamin and his family.