Valerie Herendeen

Valerie Herendeen, 78, passed away on March 10, 2025, at home after living for several years with pulmonary fibrosis. She faced each new challenge of her illness with a positive attitude. Val wanted very much to express her gratitude to her pulmonologist, Dr. Eustace Fernandes, who gave her excellent care.

Valerie Lin Herendeen was born on January 4, 1947, in Kendallville, Indiana, to Lawrence "Bill" and Patricia (Runge) Herendeen. They preceded her in death. Val graduated from Kendallville High School with the class of 1965.

She was a hair stylist for 50 years. She had an extreme love of all animals and had many special pets through the years. Val loved everything in nature and always had beautiful flowers in her yard and in her home. She even won a neighborhood award for her outstanding yard. She loved to go antiquing and had a small antique business for several years. She also was an avid reader.

Val had the gift of hospitality, and her home was always warm and inviting to everyone who came. Her home reflected her wonderful style of decorating. If any of Val's friends had an illness or a need she was the first one there with food and she would do whatever she could do to help. She also helped to serve meals at the Rescue Mission one night a month for many years.

She is survived by her sister Babs Zimmerman of Chicago, Illinois; Niece, Heather and Kevin Mlynek of Chicago, Illinois; and nephew Geoff and Mary Zimmerman of St. Augustine, Florida. She also has several great- and great-great nieces and nephews.

Val leaves behind numerous friends who were like family to her. People were always drawn to her loving and caring personality. Although many people supported her through her illness, she was especially grateful to Diane Melching, Lynda Presley, Jodi Kaough, and Rosemary Jones, who made it possible for her to stay in her home that she loved so much.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Avalon Church, 1500 Lower Huntington Road in Fort Wayne with calling before the service at 11:00 AM. Preferred Memorials are to Humane Society of Fort Wayne or Avalon Church. Arrangements by Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville.