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).
To view Val’s tribute video click here: Val’s tribute video.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, she was always so nice and friendly when I would see her at dowds. Always had a smile on her face.
Gus, Bri, Darin and Aaron. Val was really special and I will miss our talks and visits together. I pray you are all blessed with many precious memories in the days to come. She was more than a good friend to me, she was the sister I never had, and I will truly miss her. I have hope as I know you all do that we will see Val again some day. Until then Val enjoy Heaven with Jesus.
My deepest sympathies to the entire family. I knew Val from the school and she was an inspiration to many. Prayers for all in the days ahead
Dearest Heydinger Family-
We are keeping you all in our prayers and thinking of you all during this difficult time. Our hearts break for here, yet rejoice in our souls for the reward Val is receiving for her faithfulness. Our family loves you all. Praying for peace and comfort to fill your hearts. In Christ, The Awwiller Family
Dear Gus and family,
I am so deeply sorry to hear about Val’s passing.
She was such a good and thoughtful person. May you find strength in the days ahead and cherish your memories.
Sending you and family my heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy
Paula Maier
Gus and all the family, So sorry for your great loss. Val will be missed by so many people in Shelby. Praying that you all will feel God’s comfort during this time.
Val truly exuded joy, compassion and faith. She loved teaching the “littles” in Sunday School at Crossroads. She brightened the lives of everyone who knew her. “We grieve, but not as those who have no hope.”
1Thessalonians 4:13 . What a blessed assurance to know she left this world and walked into Jesus’ arms! Praying now for her beloved family.
Gus and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. She certainly left a fantastic mark on this world! She inspired me with her courage, faith and spirit! Hugs and prayers to you….
So sorry for your loss. I went to school with Valarie, I appreciated her great attitude, enjoyed seeing her helping the children at school crossings, and appreciated her faithfulness to the Lord. Very good woman.
I am very sad to hear of Valerie‘s passing. I also worked for the Shelby insurance company years ago, but in the personalized division. I did know Gus, her husband, better than Valerie. But may God bless this family and while I understand the battle you face with cancer and how fortunate I am to have survived it for all these years, I know that she had to be incredibly brave to have been battling it for that many years. RIP Val ♥️
So sorry to hear! Prayers and condolences to Gus and family. Besides being first cousins, we were neighbors for years on Redbird Lane. Our kids great up together. Such great memories!
Val will be missed but she is no longer in any pain. I know she is with our Lord and Savior smiling down at us!
Gus, l just want to say how sorry I am to hear of Val’s passing. Please know there are so many people praying for you and your family. Val was always positive with a big smile on her face as she faced her health challenges. Dan
Deepest sympathies for your family. Val was a treasure and her joy was contagious!
Gus and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of Valerie.
Gus and family so sorry to hear of Val’s passing, your family has my deepest condolences and are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for the loss of Val, but Heavens gain! Val was a beautiful person inside and out. When I was a teenager she would take me to church with her. Prayer for your family of comfort and peace. Merle and Terrie Smith
Gus, I am so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. The memories written here speak volumes to the warm, welcoming, giving, and caring person she was to everyone in her life. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Gus and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy, but I rejoice that your dear Val is dancing and worshiping in heaven. I was privileged to get to know Val and work with her in the preschool room at Shelby Crossroads and what a joy! She deeply loved the children and we were able to create meaningful fun experiences for the kids and have deep conversations about our own earthly struggles. Pain no more….just pure joy.
Prayers for comfort and peace. Kathy Green
Gus, I am so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. The memories written here speak volumes to the warm, welcoming, caring and loving person she was to everyone in her life. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Prayers for strength and comfort for you and your family Gus.
Gus and Family: so sorry to hear about your major loss. We are hopeful, that the wonderful memories of a beautiful woman will carry you through these difficult times. Our love and prayers.
Gus, I am so sorry to hear of Val’s passing! I have so many memories of how gracious and kind she was to everyone! She will be missed by so many and I pray you and your family find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Dear Gus and Family,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Val will be deeply missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Sending love and prayers to her family and friends.
Dear Gus and Family, We are sorry to hear of your great loss. Her suffering is now over and she is dancing in heaven waiting for us to join her. Our prayers are with you that you may have peace until you meet again.
Love,
Jerry and Chacha
My deepest sympathy to your family. Val and I met while taking our littles to a class at the YMCA and I think we were expecting at the same time. She was so kind always to me.
May God give you peace, strength and comfort at this time.- Robyn
I spent many hours with Val in our high school days. She was a wonderful person and a positive influence. I have great memories and will appreciate them even more. RIP