Valeria C. Near
Valeria C. "Val" Near
Our sweet mama went home to heaven on Christmas eve morning, December 24th, 2019. She will be sorely missed but we are thankful for her faith in Christ which ensures her eternity in heaven. Val was a bubbly and fun-loving mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend that loved spending time with her family and friends dearly. She had a passion for life and for her church. Her energy was contagious to those who were privileged to have met her. As an elementary school principal for decades, she selflessly improved the lives of many teachers and thousands of students. Val loved God and loved people...and she especially enjoyed spending summers in her backyard pool with her family & friends.
Val was born in Des Moines on March 5th, 1941 to Susan and Raymond Hedinger. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, she went on to get her education and master's degree from Drake University and enjoyed a very successful career as a teacher and principal with Des Moines Public Schools for over 40 years.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, December 30th at the NorthPoint Church, 9901 NW...[more]
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nd Ave, Johnston at 11 am. The family will receive guests from 10 am until service time. A time of fellowship will follow.
Val is survived by her family: brother, Ron Hedinger of Portland, OR and brother-in-law, Robert (Diana) Near. Val married Ken Near in 1959 and was blessed with three loving children; Brian (Natalie) Near of Grimes, IA. Wendy (Brian) O'Keef of Des Moines, IA, Heidi (Kevin) Graving of Johnston, IA, grandchildren; Emily (Ryan) Nelson, Carly (Derek) Schultz, Craig O'Keefe, Sam Graving, Phoebe Graving, Olivia Graving, Rachel Near as well as great-grandsons; Drake Nelson, Meyer Nelson, and Hudson Schultz.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions can be sent to Freedom for Youth, an organization that encompasses Val's passion for student success.
To read the full obituary, please click here: http://iowafuneralplanning.com/obituary/valeria-c-val-near/
