I learned today that Val had passed away. I am so sorry to hear. We had been very close friends, but lost touch. However, I thought of her often. Such a wonderful, joyful person. She was always so kind to my family, including my four children and even my brothers and my parents. It was a sad day for the world.

Posted by Anonymous on March 1, 2024

I recently learned about Ms. Abbott’s death and was saddened to hear the news. She was my homeroom teacher at Portage West Middle School during my sixth grade year. I vividly remember her array of outfits, she never wore the same one twice. Her classroom was always a joy to walk into during the morning, with colorful rubber duckies and smiley faces. She was also silly, and her lectures were entertaining. I always looked forward to watching the CNN kids news that she would put on in the morning. I will always remember her as being humorous, creative, and my first social studies teacher.

Posted by Anonymous on October 24, 2023

Val was a class act and a joy to work with. She always had a smile on her face and a funny story to lift of the spirits of others when they needed it. Val we miss you but know you are in a better place now.

Posted by Bob Garvelink on May 23, 2022

I was so saddened to learn of Val’s passing. My condolences to her family and friends. She taught with my late mother when she was at Amberly I would often hear stories about Val and quickly learned that she worked at Redwood and Ross! My Mom loved to shop there and of course liked it best if Val was there to help her pull and outfit together. Then when Val was at WMS she taught both my boys! She was always so kind to them and I loved having her be an influence in there young lives. She will be missed.

Posted by Sara Krebill on May 22, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Prayers of comfort and peace.

Posted by Steve and Mary Schuiteboer on May 22, 2022

The obituary describes Val perfectly! She was so funny and quick-witted. She was very giving, as well. I taught across the hall from her for her last several years of teaching. We both were teaching social studies at the time and had both previously taught ELA. We got along so well because we were both very technology challenged and were very aware of what our students could and could not accomplish when it came time for writing district assessments. We also both shared a love for our BIGBY coffee. She'd be the delivery person and always ordered me a hazelnut latte. One time when we met at the coffee shop, she introduced the barista to me as " Hazel Nut"! She always brightened my day with something humorous. I even agreed to chaperone one of her meany 8thgrade Washington DC trips.....what a blast. I also owe my addiction to Bella Creamery Ice Cream to her. Rest in peace, enjoy your coffee and all of your pets that passed before you. You will be missed..

Posted by Sue Schroder on May 21, 2022

Val your life light may have dimmed but you will ever shine in my life. Thank you for being my friend, neighbor, confidant. You always challenged me to be bolder. The Larkspur gang of kids were glorious times. Birthday parties, cartwheels, apple picking, snowball fights and so many memories. Miss you

Posted by Anonymous on May 21, 2022

I met Val when she was our son’s 5th grade teacher. I was her room mother and our friendship grew from there. We went to several country concerts and the Allegan County Fair. She even picked out most of my clothes when she worked at the Redwood and Ross. Over the years we went on weekend trips to Pentwater to visit a friend. I have many memories of our fun times. She was a great friend and will be missed.

Posted by Mitchell and Vicki Joffe on May 20, 2022