Valerie Gilbert - Coffey

Valerie Kay Coffey, 53, Seneca, Missouri passed into eternal rest, January 4, 2024 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.

She is survived by her father and mother, Jack and Donna Gilbert (Seneca, MO), her brother Vance Gilbert, her husband Bob Coffey (Seneca, MO), and her children Luke Coffey, Jacqueline Ford (and husband Jake), Mackenzie Coffey (and significant other Ben), Emma Hogan (and fiance Dane), and Azmaa Oyunsukh (Germany). We also cannot forget her favorite child and "fur baby" Mongo. Valerie, also known as Lolly, is survived by her grandchildren Kyan and Taniah. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and brother and sister in-laws. Valerie is welcomed into heavens gates by her grandmothers Wanda Gilbert and Dorthy Abernathy and her grandfathers A.W Gilbert, David Abernathy and Robert Lewis. Also her daughter Audra Hogan.

Valerie was born January 11, 1970 in Neosho, MO to Jack and Donna Gilbert. She lived in the Seneca area for most of her life. She graduated Seneca High School in 1988. She then went to Missouri Southern State University, but soon transferred to Franklin Tech College where she graduated with her LPN degree in 1996. She then continued to pursue her education at Crowder College and graduated with her Associate of Nursing Degree in 1998. She then worked at St. John's Hospital in the Cardiology unit, until she transferred to Freeman Hospital for the duration of her career. She continued to go above and beyond and graduated with her Bachelor of Science of Nursing from Oklahoma Weslayon University in 2006. She became a Charge Nurse in the Emergency Department at Freeman Hospital, which she was very passionate about.

To many of her fellow nurses, she was known as 'Momma Val.' Mainly because she would give "the look" and everyone knew it was time for business. But beware, if you look at her during certain moments, let the inappropriate laughter begin. ER nurses are built differently. The strength and grit that it requires to take care of patients every night in their most vulnerable moments takes a special kind of person. The impact she has had on so many people is unimaginable. Val has also raised and encouraged many young nurses during her career and passed along her IV starting skills. She is so proud of all of you. Her smile and encouraging words helped her fellow coworkers stay calm and positive in the depths of the storm. She never let her cancer diagnosis keep her from doing what she loved; being a Nurse.

Valerie's true passion was her family. Her Mom and Dad supported her through every phase of life. She knew she could always count on them to be there in her time of need. They showed her unconditional love. On April 10th, 1978, Vance Gilbert, Valerie's brother, was born. They had a bond that exceeded all others - a kind of kinship of souls that transcended the need for words. Although she pestered him to no end, she would also be the first to defend him. It was a joy to see the love between them.

On July 9th, 2011 she married her soul mate, Bob Coffey. They were able to blend a beautiful family. They traveled every chance they had, she taught him how to dance (to the best of her ability), and experienced life to the fullest. He was by her side through her toughest journey and never wavered or left her side.

Her girls, Jacci and Emma, were her pride and joy. She would do anything for them and was so proud of the women that they became. She also proudly inherited two additional bonus children, Macki and Luke. Although they came into her life later, she loved them just the same as her own. She is now joining their mother in heaven to keep an eye on all of us. Her adoptive daughter from Germany, Azmaa, also quickly became part of the family, whom she loved dearly.

Her favorite title though was Lolly. Her grandkids, Kyan and Taniah were the light of her life. Kyan was definitely a Lolly's boy. He is so kind and caring he would always ask "Wolly are you okay?” Taniah challenged her daily with her spunk and stubbornness, but her attitude fit right in with Lolly's tenacious spirit. She took them on many adventures, from the St. Louis Cardinals games, the pumpkin patch, splash pad, bowling, to the movies and many other exciting experiences. Some of the best times they had though were playing at Lolly and Poppy's house, swimming in the pool, riding in the golf cart and playing with the dogs.

She was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2021. She fought a long, hard battle, but Valerie's faith was unwavering, even to the end. Her mantra throughout her battle with cancer was "Faith over Fear" from Hebrews 13:6: "Let your faith be bigger than your fear." She was a devoted member of Banner Church of the Nazarene. Everyday she would read a daily devotional that would provide her the strength to take on another day. Before she passed she told her father: "I'm not scared of dying, I know where I'm going." And in her bible she wrote "do what it takes to see me in heaven." We know that she is rejoicing and dancing in heaven at the feet of her Lord and Savior. She was a true testament to God.

Val's smile shined bright in any room that she walked into. She was spontaneous and made every moment in life count. You could always find her dancing the night away and laughing until everyone was crying. She was a dedicated friend. At the drop of a hat she would be there for anyone without asking for anything in return. She was passionate and poured her heart into everything and everyone. Val could always see the positive side of any situation and turn it into a good time. She made life less painful and more joyful for everyone she met. We miss her dearly.