Valarie Lynn Heydinger, age 68, of Shelby, died Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at her home. Following a nearly 18 year noble and fearless battle with cancer, her family was with her as she peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus.
Valarie was born September 26, 1956 in Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 1974. Her working career began at Shelby Insurance Company, eventually to the position of commercial underwriter, prior to her transition to raising her children – her most successful accomplishment. She later worked for Shelby City Schools, primarily at Dowds Elementary, as a reading aide. For Val, this was “the best job in the world” as she had a lifelong love of reading and being with children. She retired officially in 2019.
A faith filled woman with a strong love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Val lived a life of Christian service showing the love of God to those she encountered. She was currently a member of Crossroads Church – Shelby Campus where she was an active member. Throughout her life, Val had loved teaching Sunday school. It is no doubt that she is dancing happily with Jesus.
On August 15, 1987, Valarie married August George “Gus” Heydinger. Gus survives along with children: Aaron (Jessica) Howard of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Darrin (Zoanne) Heydinger of Mansfield, and Bri (Ryan) Benson of West Jefferson; grandchildren: Jacob, Isaac, Joshua, Elisha, Samuel, Gracelynn, Faith-Anna, Leah, and Israel; siblings: Randy (Bev) Cornette and Colleen (Michael) O’Neil; in-laws: Pat (Denise) Heydinger, Sue (Craig) Williams, Mark (Pam) Heydinger, and Mary Ann (Bob) Ross, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Val was preceded in death by her mother: G. Jean (Quesinberry) Rarick and father: William Elwood Cornette.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 3-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:30 am. Her son, Aaron, will officiate the services with Pastor Mike Mahek, her pastor, assisting. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund, PO Box 3552, Mansfield, OH 44907 (HelpMePat.org/help-fight-breast-cancer/#donate).
Condolences may be left on Valarie’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: www.PenwellFuneralHome.com