Valerie Anne Coates Cassopolis, Michigan Obituary

Valerie Anne Coates

<p>Valerie Coates, age 53, of Cassopolis, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (&ldquo;Nana&rdquo;), died peacefully Thursday, January 21, 2021 at home in the comfort of her family&rsquo;s presence.</p> <p>She was born June 21, 1967 in South Bend, Indiana, the youngest of three daughters born to John Byron and Ruthanne Janet Smith.&nbsp; She married Jeffrey Allen Coates May 13, 2000 in Cassopolis, Michigan.&nbsp; He survives.</p> <p>Valerie was a woman beyond words.&nbsp; She enjoyed the simple things in life with family and friends.&nbsp; If you had a problem or concern, Valerie had a solution that always included tenderness and love.&nbsp; Friends and family will cherish all the memories that were made.&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Valerie will be greatly missed by family and friends.&nbsp; 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; &nbsp;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.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her father and one sister, Cassandra Smith.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The family prefers contributions in memory of Valerie be made to Cass County Cancer Service, Post Office Box 676, Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.&nbsp; Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.</p>
June 21, 1967 - January 21, 202106/21/196701/21/2021
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Valerie

An environmentally friendly option
K
Kristin Stowe
January 26, 2021
I'm saddened by the loss of a mother, nana, and friend to many. May your many memories of Valerie help with the sorrow you're experiencing at this time. Prayers to all .
Kristin Stowe- MCWA
G
Guest
January 25, 2021
Lifting Light

Lifting Light was purchased for the family of Valerie Anne Coates. Send flowers

N
Notre Dame Landscape Services
January 25, 2021
With Deepest Sympathy
Spring's Bounty Basket

Spring's Bounty Basket was purchased for the family of Valerie Anne Coates. Send flowers

M
Michelle, Madeline, Sarah, Mary, Tim, Lance, Conner, Garrett and Danielle
January 24, 2021
Remembering your wonderful mother and wishing you comfort. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. We are so sorry for your loss.
Forest Fresh

Forest Fresh was purchased for the family of Valerie Anne Coates. Send flowers

J
Jane Lewinski
January 24, 2021
Jeff,
So very sorry to hear of your beloved wife's passing.  She will always be in your heart. And may she remain in your fondest memories. What a special lady she was. If there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask.  Praying for your comfort in this time o...
Continue Reading
P
Phyllis Valdes
January 24, 2021
I worked with Val at Wolverine until I retired...She was one of the nicest, sweetest, most caring ladies I’ve ever met and I’m sure her passing leaves a great void at the office.. It was obvious that her family meant the world to her and you will miss her forever so I’ll... Continue Reading
B
Beth Barkman
January 24, 2021
Prayers of comfort for the family. You were what she loved most of all. She was my closest friend and knew me better than I knew myself. Will keep her in my heart always.
1 comment
B
Beth
January 24, 2021
I’m not able to be there on Tuesday, but will go visit her at her final resting place.
C
Cathy Feirick
January 23, 2021
Andrea, I am sorry to learn of the passing of your sister. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
G
Guest
January 23, 2021
Monet's Garden Basket

Monet's Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Valerie Anne Coates. Send flowers

M
Marlene Deming
January 23, 2021
Ruthann and Andrea, sorry to hear of Valerie's passing so was taken way too soon.