Valerie J. Thomas

Valerie J. Thomas, 75, of Benton Harbor passed away Monday, June 5, 2017 at Hanson Hospice in Stevensville.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 9, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor with Father Michael Regent officiating. Friends may visit on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hanson Hospice or St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Those wishing to sign Valerie’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.  Valerie was born on February 25, 1942 in Benton Harbor to Gordon & Thelma Jane (Yendes) Hosbein. She graduated from St. John’s Catholic High School in 1960. On January 21, 1983 she wed Roger Thomas in Las Vegas. Valerie worked for the family business for many years and transitioned to a dedicated homemaker to care for her family. She enjoyed racing Corvettes with her husband and was the #1 female driver in 1985 for the National Council of Corvette Clubs.  Valerie was active in her children’s lives and supported them over the years while they were involved in sports and school activities.  She had an impeccable memory and always remembered birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates.  Family and friends were important to Valerie and she became a second mom to many of her children’s friends. She created ‘Pizza Friday’s’ and all the neighborhood kids knew they were always welcome in her home. Valerie loved the Holiday’s, especially Christmas and having friends and family together where she would make cookies, pies, and play euchre.  She also enjoyed dancing, shopping, going to lunch with her friends and spending time with her Friday night supper group. Valerie will be remembered for her strong willed, tenacious character. She taught her family many things, most importantly to never give up on anything that you believe in even through hard times.  Valerie was very loved by friends and family and will be deeply missed.  Valerie is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Roger; children Brian (Megan) Curneal of Ft. Worth, TX, Heather (Keith) Curneal-Brookhouse of Sherwood, OR, Chris (Katie) Curneal of Zeeland, MI and Jay (Paige) Thomas of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Jake and Joe Brookhouse, John and Jessie Curneal, and Matthew, Alison and Elizabeth Curneal; sister Sandie (Ken) Kaminski of St. Joseph; brother Gary (Barbara) Hosbein of St. Joseph; nieces and nephews Dianna, Angie, Jennifer, David, Michael, Stephanie, Heidi, Carrie and Gordon; former sister-in-law and friend Carolyn Curneal; and best friend of 60 years Jackie Tiefenbach.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and infant daughter Kimberly Curneal.