Valerie Harney

VALERIE KAY HARNEY

Tiffin

Valerie Kay Harney, 36, of Tiffin, died unexpectedly in her home following a brief illness on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. Her family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oxford. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, at the church. (The family kindly requests that those attending any/all services please wear masks). Instead of flowers and plants, a memorial fund benefiting her children's future will be established. Lensing Funeral Service in Iowa City is handling Valerie's arrangements.

Valerie was born Aug. 25, 1985, in Iowa City, the daughter of William and Tammy (Keith) Harney. Valerie grew up in Oxford and graduated from Clear Creek Amana High School in 2003. After high school graduation, Valerie worked in several different positions, but her favorite, by far, was when she worked at Graceland Preschool. Valerie spent many years loving, teaching and guiding children. She loved watching her former students grow up and remained a part of their lives. She also enjoyed her time working in Tiffin at the Depot and Jon's Ice Cream Store. This is where she was able to interact with so many members of the community. Everyone always knew to expect her big three-dimple smile and a genuine interest in their life. If you walked in a stranger, you left as a friend.

Valerie's pride and joy were her children, Andrew William and Emily Jane. She loved spending every minute with them and ensuring they spent time with extended family. You could also find Valerie at many of the CCA sporting events. She was always cheering on her former students, family and friends.

Survivors include her children, Andrew and Emily; her father and stepmother, Bill Harney (Jan) of Oxford; stepfather Jim Siewert of Tiffin; sisters, Sarah, Cat, Ellie and Hannah (affectionately nicknamed "Peeper" by Valerie) of Tiffin and North Liberty; grandparents, Leo and Jackie Becicka of Oxford; a special "sister-aunt," Mary Ann (Jeremy) Snakenberg; numerous aunts and uncles; and many cousins and friends.

Preceding her in death were her paternal grandparents, William Charles ("Grandpappy") and Mary Lou; paternal stepgrandmother, Patricia; Aunt Theresa; cousin John; and Aunt Barb. Her mother, Tammy, passed away in 2009. We know she greeted Valerie with the biggest hug.

Thoughts may be shared with the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.