Valerie J. Stankavage, 74, of Springville, PA, passed away after her battle with cancer, on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at Commonwealth Home Health & Hospice, Scranton, PA. She was born in Oneonta, NY, to the late John M. and Ruby (Cronce) Sheldon. Her husband of 57 years, Stanley J. Stankavage, survives.

Also surviving are her eight children and their spouses, Sue Hartman, MD, Terry and Carl Kropa, PA, Kathy and Herb Schwarz, CA, Betsy and Ken Mokrzycki, NY, Tony and Jen Stankavage, PA, Mark and Genny Stankavage, PA, Matt and Alison Stankavage, NE, Steph Priadka and fiancée Joel Davne, PA, step-mother, Diane Sheldon, three sisters and brother-in-law, Elaine and Lee Silverstrim, PA, Gale Thomas, FL, Janet King, MD, brother and sister-in-law, John and Jackie Sheldon, AL, numerous grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Val was predeceased by her son, John Eric Stankavage, and son-in-law, Bob Hartman.

Valerie worked as a legal secretary for the Law office of Ray Davis for many years. After her retirement, she volunteered at the Susquehanna County Interfaith in Montrose. Val worked very hard in her community, giving to charity and working and volunteering. The rest of her time was spent traveling and taking care of her family. She never missed an important milestone, be it a communion, baptism, wedding or graduation. Valerie and Stanley were immensely proud of the fact that all of their children were college graduates.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, September 17, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Holy Name of Mary Church, Montrose, PA, with Rev. Gerard F. Safko officiating. Interment was in the Holy Name of Mary Cemetery. Donations in Valerie’s memory can be made to St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59004, EMHS Building Fund, 25 Grow Ave., Montrose, PA 18801, Susquehanna County Interfaith, 45 Public Ave., Montrose, PA 18801, True Friends Animal Wefare Center, 16332 SR 706, Montrose, PA 18801.