Valerie Ann Kotlar

Valerie Ann Kotlar went home to be with The Lord after a long courageous battle with metastasized breast cancer on July 29, 2021. Valerie was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, but spent her life in Ravenna.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Billie Stephens, and brother Darrell Stephens. She is survived by her brother Dwight Stephens, her husband John Jr. of 37 years, sons Joshua (Sarah) Kotlar, Derric (Lauren) Kotlar, grandchildren Corina, Damien, and daughter Jenni (Lucas) Sproul.

After attending Ravenna High school, she enrolled at Kent State University and Christian Heritage College in San Diego where she received a bachelor's degree in Elementary education K-8. Valerie was a missionary teacher at Doris Todd School in Maui, from 1977 to 1981, returning to Ravenna to serve as a dental assistant for Dr. Edward Kurz. She taught at Valley Christian Academy in Aurora and many years at the Southeast Primary school, where she taught 4th grade. Valerie was a mentor and youth leader for Junior High girls and served with Portage Community Chapel in the AWANA program.

Valerie took every opportunity to share the gospel and believed that everyone should know about the deep love of God. Her loud, giggly laugh and upbeat personality are some of her many loved attributes. She was a hard worker and a giver to a fault. It is an understatement to say that Valerie was a very generous, compassionate, and caring person. She was a very genuine and beautiful person. The number of lives that Valerie touched is immense, more concerned about the well-being of others than her own. She was "one in a googolplex" and was a Godly example to all of what a wife, mother, and teacher should be. Valerie lived a bold and extraordinary life and was a true Proverbs 31 woman. She will be missed terribly by family and friends; however, we rest in the comfort that she will be waiting for us with open arms next to her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom she loved more than life itself.

Friends will be received on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 4pm-7pm at Portage Community Chapel, 6490 St. Rt. 14, Ravenna, Ohio, where funeral services, officiated by Pastor Barry Shahan, will be held on Saturday, August 7th at 11am. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Haven of Portage.

Condolences and Memories can be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com