Obituary of Mary Valentine Pillard-Salas

Mary Valentine Pillard-Salas, 62, of Greeley passed away July 16, 2022 at her home, surrounded by family. She was born February 14, 1960 in Elmira, NY to Carl Julian and Betty Kathryn (Morgan) Pillard.  The family moved to Addison, NY where she graduated from Addison Central High School in 1978.

In 1989, she married Juvensio “John” Salas at the LaSalle Park and they had two children; Tyler and Katelyn. They later divorced.

Mary began her career with Monfort in 1986 on the floor of the beef plant. She worked her way up to Corporate Sales in 1992, through each merger; Con-Agra, Swift and then JBS. Her plant experience gave her credibility with customers and boy could she sell! She was a respected leader and loved watching her team succeed. She left the company, moving to Maine and working at a resort before returning to Colorado to work in beef sales for Kane. She transitioned to STX Beef out of Corpus Christi, TX where she has worked for the last three years. Spending 30 years in the beef industry she was loved by co-workers and adored by many countless customers where she developed many relationships with buyers and providers over the years.

At an early age, she developed a passion for golf, tennis and softball. She loved to camp in her trailer with friends and family, especially at Flatiron Reservoir. She loved to cook, especially with beef. Her family loved her Calavasa and steaks. She loved to travel throughout the U.S. and the world but most enjoyed her time with family, especially her two grandkids.

She grew up in the Catholic faith and was also a former member of the Eaton Country Club.

Thankful to have shared her life are her children; Tyler (Holly Sampson) Salas and Katelyn Salas, two grandchildren; Hailie and Kingston, two brothers; Edward (Jan) Pillard and David (Robert Hessler) Pillard, nieces and nephews; Tiffany, Kelly, Rick and Craig Pillard as well as her ex-husband, John Salas.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary’s Life Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Adamson, 2000 47^th Ave., Greeley with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to “Pancreatic Cancer Action Network”  https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2681&mfc_pref=T&2681.donation=form1 or sent in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.