Valerie Gay "Val" Greenfield

Valerie "Val" Gay Greenfield, 80, of Yorkville, IL, formerly of Eldena, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. After staying home to raise her two children, she worked at local schools and businesses as a Teaching Assistant and as a Secretary. Her most recent job was a Secretary/ Receptionist in the Dean's Office in the College of Arts and Sciences at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI. After retiring in 2010, Val and Ron moved to Yorkville to be near their children and grandchildren. Valerie was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Yorkville through scripture reading, greeting and ushering.
Val was born on September 21, 1945, in Dixon, IL, the daughter of Frederick and Gladys (Ortgiesen) Glessner. She graduated from Amboy High School in 1963, and later received her Illinois Teacher's Assistant Certificate from Belleville Area College. When Val first met Ron Greenfield in a one room schoolhouse in Dixon, she came home and told her mother that one day she would be Mrs. Ron Greenfield. Val's wish came true and she married Ronald Greenfield on August 21, 1966, in Dixon. Valerie's family will remember her as a doting wife, mother and grandmother. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her family. She and Ron attended countless sporting events and other activities for their two children and six grandchildren. The holidays were a special time for Valerie because of the many beautiful family traditions. Whether the family got together for a holiday, birthday, or a family dinner, there was always much love and laughter filling the room. Valerie had a particular fondness for pizza and chocolate, which she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She exuded warmth and happiness to all who knew her. Valerie will be remembered for her beautiful smile and a presence that lit up the room.
Valerie is survived by her husband, Ronald Greenfield of Yorkville; daughter, Heather (Frank) Gregorio of Yorkville; son, Heath Greenfield of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Luke and Cole of Chicago, IL, Logan of Yorkville; Eliza, Amelia and Owen of Naperville; nieces, LeAnne (Mark) Kenney of Georgetown, TX, and Lisa Kulikovskis of Sugarland, TX.
Valerie was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Marilyn (Gunars) Kulikovskis.
A Private Family Burial will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon. Cremation Rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com. To send flowers to the family of Valerie "Val" Gay Greenfield, please visit our floral store.