Valda Kauffmann

Valda Elizabeth Donnell Kauffmann, 79, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025. She was a beloved member of the Christian community known for her kind and compassionate spirit. Valda greeted everyone with a warm servant’s heart, wide smile, bright blue eyes, and open arms.

A graveside funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Donnell Ranch Cemetery in Eliasville, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home in Graham, Texas.

Valda was born in Graham, Texas. She attended Graham High School and furthered her education at Tarrant County College with computer programming and business courses. She was a dedicated homemaker and entrepreneur who founded a commercial and residential cleaning company. After retiring, she worked at Lionheart’s Academy, doing what she loved most: caring for children. 

She is survived by her four adoring children: Kenny (Cheryl) Kauffmann, Cherie Kauffmann, Kristin Kauffmann, and Michael (Alisha) Kauffmann; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Valda will also be fondly remembered by her siblings Tom (Janet) Donnell and Margaret (George) Lambkin, her sister-in-law Ursula Donnell, two nieces, three nephews, and 10 great-nieces and nephews.

Valda was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin Anthony and Dora Maxine Donnell; her brother, William Anthony Donnell; and her great-grandson, Nicholas Jordan Kauffmann. 

Throughout her life, Valda was a devoted mother and grandmother, extending her maternal love and caregiving beyond her family to the neighborhood and church community. She volunteered at Lake Church's children’s ministry and regularly opened her home to those in need, becoming a surrogate mother and grandmother to many. Valda had a zest for life, enjoyed traveling, and worshipped Jesus, which was evident in how she loved people.

Jesus exemplified love through acts of service, compassion, and sacrifice. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately laid down His life for humanity. Valda mirrored this through her humble and selfless actions, setting an example for those around her and leaving a legacy of love in the hearts of the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

(John 13:34-35) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

The family asks that memorials be made to Lake Church Children’s Ministry, 2912 Little Road, Arlington, TX 76016.