There was a woman, the kindest woman I’ve ever known. She was an amazing combination of creative talents, joy, and strength. As a child, my mom would drop me off at her house to catch the school bus with her kids. This woman would sit me down at her table and give me fresh-squeezed orange juice. I guess this is when I first started to think of her as my mom-away-from-mom. She was a steadfast friend to my parents and my earliest, most fundamental role model outside of my own family. She was always generous. Whether it was gooseberries from her garden, bread from her kitchen or honey from her hives, I learned the joys of giving by watching her examples. Life lessons served up alongside wholesome fare and loving attention. The Lord called her Home two days ago. As sad as I am to have heard this news, I take peace from knowing that if ever a soul has earned a place near the hand of God, Valeria Bashenow is that soul. God Speed Mrs. Bashenow. My love and deepest condolences to your family.

We are deeply saddened by your family’s loss of Valeria. She was a beautiful, kind, and cultured woman who was an anchor for the family. She always wore a lovely smile and projected a love of her family and life. May Her Memory Be Eternal!!

Christie Menze & Joe Webb