Ritchie valens donna ludwig photo

Ritchie's 18th Birthday

On the first anniversary of Ritchie’s death, Ritchie’s mother wanted to honor his memory. Pictured from left to right: Olga Jurado-Zubick, Ritchie’s cousin; Gail Smith, Ritchie’s classmate and president of the Ritchie Valens Memorial Fan Club; Paulina Lozano, sister of Ritchie’s aunt Ernestine; Ritchie’s mother Connie, better known a “Concha”; Donna Ludwig-Fox; and unknown young woman.

Photo taken in May, at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, Mission Hills, California.

Winter Dance Party Concert

The Winter Dance Party Concert at the Henry J. Mellow Center, Watsonville, CA. Photo taken backstage with Donna and the family of Ritchie Valens.

Ritchie valens brother bob morales

Pictured from left to right: Bob Morales, Irma Norton, “Donna” Fox, Mario Ramirez and Connie Valens.

Donna shares her memories of Ritchie

Ritchie was my first true love and my first experience losing someone I loved.

Ritchie was a truly good guy; kind and polite. He liked to dress well and always look good. I sti