Valerie Rae Reitemeyer was born in Vancouver, Washington on June 20, 1956 to Rae and Bill Reitemeyer, and she graduated to heaven on December 28, 2019.

Val’s family moved to Arcata where she attended school, graduating from Arcata High in 1974. She then went on to Humboldt State University and worked at Humboldt Federal Bank in Arcata. Eventually, Val moved to Barstow, California where she attended Beauty College and became a beautician. She also became an Electrician’s Assistant working at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. It was during this time that she dedicated her life to her Lord, Jesus Christ. Val attended Christian seminars, Bible studies, and classes – learning and loving. But Val’s true calling was that of a prayer warrior. When she prayed for you, you knew you had been prayed for – and she prayed for many.

Val was a talented musician and songwriter with a beautiful voice. She played the guitar and piano and recorded her own music. She was serious about her music and her songs always had a message. Val was courageous and battled cancer for many years with a positive attitude and a cheerful spirit. She had an incredible, infectious smile and loved to help others any way she could. Eventually, Val moved back to McKinleyville, where she enjoyed the cooler weather and was happy to be back in Humboldt. Val reconnected with old friends and made many new ones. She enjoyed the companionship of her friends and was always up for an adventure. Val loved her dog, Pandy, who was a wonderful, truly devoted companion – even as she had to lie still in the bottom of a basket as she was snuck into the hospital for visits to Val.

Val was preceded in death by her parents, Rae and Bill Reitemeyer and she is survived by her brother, Gary and his family, and her extended family in Washington. It was a blessing to her to see her cousin from Washington, Robin Wurzer and Robin’s husband, Robert in the days preceding her death.

We, her friends, will all miss Val’s loving ways and cheerful spirit. She was a sweet and loyal friend.

A service in Val’s memory will be held this Saturday, Jan. 25 at 12 p.m. at the Lifehouse Church in McKinleyville, 1947 Sutter Road. We will be sharing memories of Val over a potluck lunch. Please join us.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Val Reitemeyer’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.