Valerie Coates, age 53, of Cassopolis, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (“Nana”), died peacefully Thursday, January 21, 2021 at home in the comfort of her family’s presence.

She was born June 21, 1967 in South Bend, Indiana, the youngest of three daughters born to John Byron and Ruthanne Janet Smith.  She married Jeffrey Allen Coates May 13, 2000 in Cassopolis, Michigan.  He survives.

Valerie was a woman beyond words.  She enjoyed the simple things in life with family and friends.  If you had a problem or concern, Valerie had a solution that always included tenderness and love.  Friends and family will cherish all the memories that were made. 

Valerie also enjoyed her professional career of more than twenty-one years working for Wolverine Mutual Insurance in Dowagiac, where she made many friends and memories.

Valerie will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by her husband of twenty years, Jeffrey Coates of Cassopolis; four sons, Christopher Coates of Cassopolis, Adam (Lindsey) Carlisle of Cassopolis, Timothy (Victoria) Coates of Carrollton, Texas, Collin Carlisle of Cassopolis; two granddaughters, Emma Carlisle, Addilyn Carlisle; her mother, Ruthanne Smith of Dowagiac; one sister, Andrea (David) Gattis of Niles; one sister in law, Barbara (Mick) Gardner of Bremen, Indiana; one brother in law, Bob Coates of Cadillac, Michigan;  her aunt, Carolyn (Arden) Withers of Dowagiac; her uncle, Philip (Betty) Meiser of Dowagiac; three nieces, Madeline Gattis, Mikayla Gardner, Ashley (Joe) Rice; two nephews, Austin Gardner, Josh (Chloe) Coates; and cousins, Jennifer Gilliam, Jeff Withers, Tom Meiser, Patty Baker.  She was preceded in death by her father and one sister, Cassandra Smith.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, January 26, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, when we will process to the cemetery for a graveside service in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Valerie be made to Cass County Cancer Service, Post Office Box 676, Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112.   

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.  Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.