Valene Loveridge Brunner, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter, and grandmother began her life’s journey in Lehi, Utah on March 4th, 1939. She was the 2nd daughter and 4th of five children of Thomas LeRoy and Thora Loveridge. Valene was brilliant in all things domestic—a master of bread making, ironing, canning, and organizing. She won many ribbons at the state fair for her jams, breads, muffins, cookies, and canned fruit. She loved flowers of all kinds and it was a particular joy for her to make sure her flower bed in front of her house was planted with fresh flowers every spring. Her neighbors remember her friendly smile as she ran around the neighborhood. She ran 3-5 miles a day starting in her thirties until she turned 60. Even in her later years, Valene was active in adventure. She shared many many family vacations with her children and grandchildren. She never backed away from adventure. Her grandkids cherish memories of horseback riding, hiking, snorkeling, rolling down the sand dunes of Kill Devil Hills, playing on the beach, camping and boating on Lake Powell, paragliding, indoor skydiving, river rafting, and hot air ballooning with her—she loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren. She was a relentless cheerleader and support for every one of them. Her positivity, laughter, and enthusiasm for life was contagious. Her faith and testimony were inspiring—she knew the power of prayer and how to trust in God.
Valene met her sweetheart John Brunner while attending school at Utah State University. The happy couple was later married in the Logan Temple on June 8th, 1960. They started their life together and family in Bountiful, UT, then moved to Flagstaff, AZ, and finally settled in Mesa, AZ where they stayed for over 50 years and raised their five wonderful children.
Valene passed away on May 7th, 2021 around 1:30 p.m. peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John Brunner, and her five children, Scott, Cynthia (Brad), Ryan, Raylene, Kalet (Damien), and 12 grandchildren. Also a brother, Robert (MaryEllen) and sister-in-law, Charlotte (Alan).
The funeral service will be held Monday, May 17th at 10:30 a.m. Visitation that morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1345 E University Dr Mesa, AZ 85203.
For those that are unable to attend, you may view the funeral service using the zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/96692780795?pwd=RVBQeWdUYzZ0TStERWVBa0pDZDl2QT09
Flowers can be sent to the Bunker Family Mortuary on University or the residence of John and Valene Brunner.
sorry for your loss, John and children. great memories with you and the family. God bless.
My deepest sympathies to your family! I love that Valene focused her life on her home and family. I have so many wonderful memories of her and the cleanest home in the neighborhood!
Kalet…words cannot express the love I have for your sweet Mom, your Dad, and each member of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have the best memories of being in your home as a teenager, and receiving the love and genuine kindness both of your parents exhibited. I love you all…please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you.
I have very good memories of playing board games at John and Valene’s house (as a tag along with my sister) with Scott, Cynthia, Ryan. Even at my younger age, it never went unnoticed in how clean Valene kept her house. I loved how John and Valene when all out for their kids at Christmas.