Deeply Appreciated: Val’s husband and family cannot imagine life without her

Val Russell is an extremely special and loving woman. She is a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, a present grandmother and the one constant in everybody’s lives.

Above all else, Val is a woman of faith. She is a God-fearing Christian who knows God is her re-fudge. But in all seriousness, there is nothing that comes before Val’s relationship with God, and her family admires that about her.

They also admire the fact that she would do anything for any number of them. Val has always had a God first, family second, everyone else third mentality, and that has carried her through life in the most amazing way possible. Her morals and values are sound, and she is a true pillar and a beacon.

“Mom is an amazing mother, she is the love of Dad’s life, and means a lot to each one of us,” Val’s daughter Joanie said. “Dad says that mom means: Val Russell, the Proverbs 31 woman; she is virtuous, prudent, and loving to her husband and children.”

Val is always there and she is very reliable.

Not only that, but Val also has the ability to make life fun and memorable for her family. From the aforementioned re-fudge moment to her family thinking brown was her favorite color, to the time she and Janelle got more than they bargained for at the Heritage Park carnival ride, Val’s family can recall so many precious moments they have all shared together.

Of course, one of the things that makes Val who she is is her altruism. That is part of why Gord views her as his Proverbs 31 woman, and it is why he has appreciated being married to her for over three and a half decades now.

“Mom and Dad met at church,” Joanie said. “The first Sunday she was there, Dad shook her hand and wouldn’t let go. Mom then helped out with the church youth group. Dad played an April Fool’s joke on Mom and let her think that he was moving away. Mom was very sad, until she found out he wasn’t actually moving.”

Val decided to buy Gord a box of Kleenex for his car as a “first gift.” They were not even dating at the time, but they both pretty much knew it was bound to happen.

Eventually, the two started dating, they got married in the same church they met at, and have been married for 36 years ever since. Along the way, Val and Gord had four daughters (Joanie, Janelle, Julie and Jennifer) who gave them three grandchildren (Russell, Mark and Ryan) with a fourth on the way. They have also always stuck by each other’s side, attesting to the faith in God they both share.

For Gord, he views it as a pleasure, honor and blessing to see the amazing motherly abilities his wife possesses. Val has been a true mama bear in every sense of the word, and her guidance in Christianity along with being a hands-on homework-helper has never gone unappreciated.

“Mom is caring; raised us to love and follow Jesus; is loving; is a good example; is interested in each of her family member’s lives; has creative ideas; played games with us; did crafts and painting together; taught us how to host friends well; taught us how to cook, bake, and keep a clean/tidy house; goes the extra mile to help…”

There is so much more her daughters could say, as her mother homeschooled them and was a present figure in their lives, and these sisters are very appreciative of this. She was a stay-at-home mom who loves getting to spend time with her grandkids now, and she supports her husband by being the camp cook.

Gord also said being a parent and grandparent comes naturally to Val, and it is a sight to behold.

What is also a sight to behold is Val’s overall personality. She is selfless, loving and loyal to a T, and she has never shied away from a challenge. She is the best host there is, and she is a latte-making fiend.

“We admire her example and work ethic, her quiet and gentle spirit, and her love for God,” Val’s family said. “She goes the extra mile to help others out, and is willing to do the behind-the-scenes jobs to make sure things run smoothly.”

Whether someone needs their house cleaned or a sick meal, Val is the one to make sure it all comes together smoothly.

She is a truly wonderful friend, wife, mother, grandmother, Christian and so much more, and her family knows they are better off because she is in their lives.

“We want mom to know that she is loved, appreciated and not taken for granted. She has a husband who loves her dearly; four daughters; two sons-in-law; and four grandkids who care for her very deeply.” – Val’s loving family