Valerie C. Stoltzfus, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and dedicated educator, passed away on April 20, 2024, at the age of 70, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Born in Los Angeles, CA, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Patricia (Finton) Loya.

Valerie's life was one of love, perseverance, and service. She met the love of her life, Elmer S. Stoltzfus, at East Los Angeles College. They married on June 28, 1975, and shared a lifelong journey. Together, they raised a family and built a home filled with love and laughter.

After dedicating herself to bringing up her family, Valerie pursued her academic aspirations, earning a Bachelor's degree from Millersville University and a Master's degree from Eastern Mennonite University. Her passion for education led her to a fulfilling career as a special education consultant for the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13), where she touched the lives of countless special needs children. Valerie's dedication to her work was exemplary. She retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and commitment.

Valerie was a devoted member of Calvary Church, where her beautiful singing voice enriched the choir. She found solace and joy in music, reading, dancing, and the serenity of the beach. Despite facing health challenges, including a diagnosis of Lupus at a young age and two kidney transplants, Valerie approached life with resilience and grace, inspiring all who knew her.

Valerie will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her husband, Elmer Stoltzfus; her children, Kathleen Henderson (wife of Greg) of Leesburg, VA and Phillip Stoltzfus (husband of Betsy) of Philadelphia; her five cherished grandchildren; her siblings, Barry Apodaca, Brian Apodaca (husband of Tillie), and Deirdre Pasky (wife of Kevin), all of California. She is preceded in death by her brother, Jamie Loya, and sister, Gina Rodriguez.

Valerie's legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. In lieu of flowers, and according to her wishes, the family requests that donations be made to North Star Initiative, northstarinitiative.org/donate, in honor of Valerie's memory.

A celebration of Valerie's life will be held at 3:30pm on Wednesday, May 15 at Calvary Church in Lancaster. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.