Valerie Gerstenberger

1913 - 2017

Valerie Jenkins Gerstenberger (nee Eppley), 104 years of age, and a lifetime resident of Amherst, passed away December 25, 2017, at her home following a long and full life.
Valerie was born September 7, 1913 to the late Frank and Ethel Eppley (nee Dute) and spent her entire lifetime in the home in which she was born and which her grandfather, John Dute, purchased the land for in 1891. Valerie graduated from Central High School in Amherst with the class of 1931. Furthering her education, Valerie attended Hiram College and finished her bachelor's degree at Baldwin Wallace where, after her graduation, she returned for two years to direct plays and fulfill the role of a drama coach as well as a Speech Teacher at Kent State Extension at Cleveland State College night school. She received an M.A. in Theater and Library Sciences in 1963 from Kent State University. She also completed graduate work in Theater and Library Science at Western Reserve University, Theater studies at both Ohio State University and the University of Iowa.
Valerie began her career in the education and drama fields by serving as a speech, drama, and English teacher for Clearview High School from 1942 to 1957. She went on to serve as the Library Coordinator for all of the Amherst schools from 1957 to 1980 , the drama director for 6 years, and also was a member of the Amherst Board of Education at Marion L. Steele High School. Students at both schools won numerous awards in speech and dramatics. Drama students in both schools received ratings of Superior in state play competitions several years. She lectured on costume design at college, community, and high school conferences. Valerie designed costumes for Kent State University and for Cleveland Costume Company. She directed summer programs in drama for children at Lorain Y, Barnstormers, and Children's Stage Players in the 60's. She co-authored "Amherst Our Community" for Amherst Public Schools in1992. While coordinator for Amherst School Libraries she created one of the first all-round media centers in school libraries in northern Ohio.
Many of her volunteer jobs included writing and directing several historical pageants and revues for city, church, school, and bicentennials. Valerie authored the 50 year Picture History of Workshop Players, Inc.; was elected to First Families of Lorain County in 1989; served on the state board of the Ohio Association of School Librarians representing the Northeast District; was a past member of Linwood Park Council of Religious Work; Librarian at Amherst Congregational Church; Chairman of the Committee to save Central School; and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (National Honorary Teachers) and Thea Alpha Phi (National Honorary Theatre).
Valerie received numerous honors for community involvement, library, and theater work. She received the Merit Award from Baldwin Wallace College in 1986; Gallery of Success from Amherst High School in 1987; Amherst Community Improvement Award in 1987; Woman of Achievement of 1989 award by the YMCA; Paul Harris Fellow awarded from Rotarians in 1988; Gallery of Honor for Lorain County Volunteerism in 1995; Woman of Distinction by Erie Shores Girl Scout Council 1992; Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Service in Drama and School Library Science from Dictionary of International Biography; listed in 1968 Who' Who Publications; Who's Who in American Women (the most recent being 2001); Women of Achievement; Who's Who in School District Officials and others; and Ohio Community Theater Association Hall of Fame in 1989.
Valerie was a member of Amherst Congregational Church. She founded the Amherst Workshop Players which originated in the Grange Hall on Milan Avenue and now makes its home on Middle Ridge Road. She was involved in every aspect of operating the community theater and she directed over 60 productions for the group which gave her the title of Director Emeritus. Devoted to the community and education, Valerie served on the Amherst Library Board of Trustees for 23 years and also consulted with the architect when the new addition was proposed. A room, the Valerie Jenkins Local History Room, was dedicated upon her retirement in her honor in the old section of the library. She was the past president of the following organizations: The Amherst Teachers Association, The Workshop Players, The Amherst Historical Society where she was both a charter and lifetime member. In addition, she was the founder of The Lorain County Speech League.
Survivors include her cousins, Ruth Husar of Amherst, Gerry Toth of Lorain, Miriam Schnittker of Arizona; and her caretakers, Jan Hvzid and Roger.
Valerie was preceded in death by her husband, Henry L. Gerstenberger in 2001; and her parents, Frank and Ethel Eppley.
Friends may call Saturday, December 30, from 9 until the time of the service at 10:30 a.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. The Rev. Bill Vanderwyden will officiate. Burial will follow at Crownhill Cemetery, Amherst, Ohio.
Memorial contributions can be made to any of the following organizations: Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 379 South Main St., Amherst, OH 44001; Workshop Players, 44820 Middle Ridge Rd., Amherst, OH 44001; The Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., Amherst, OH 44001
For those who would like to share a memory or sign the guest register, please visit the funeral home's website at www.hempelfuneralhome.com.