Valerie Orndorff

Valerie M. Orndorff, most beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, returned home to the Lord on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 9AM in North Richland Hills, Tex, in the loving presence of her family and Pastor Jay DeBeir of Peace Lutheran Church, who was delivering the Commendation of the Dying at the time of her passing. Her passing could not have been more peaceful.

Valerie was born on March 31, 1942, in Bremerton, Wash, to Vernon C. and Erna J. Marsolan. Valerie was known to be exceptionally meek, kind, and selfless by all who knew her. She worked for many years in Crystal City, a section of Arlington, VA best known for its defense contracting businesses. Ever the hard-worker, Valerie went back to school in her 50s and earned her Bachelor of Science in Management from Potomac College in 1998, earning a 4.0 GPA. A skilled pianist and violinist, she enjoyed playing the piano every morning until she was no longer physically able due to rheumatoid arthritis. She was a lover of music and quickly became known in the senior center where she lived out her last days as the lady who would sing along and know all the words to all the oldies hits played during community happy hours. A devout Christian woman, Valerie was always involved in her church community wherever she lived and always made friends attending her women's bible studies and other community events. She always took pride in the appearance of her lawn and garden and was proud of winning "Lawn of the Month" many times in her housing community in Bedford, Tex.

Valerie is survived by her two children, elder son Richard Whitlock and younger son William Whitlock; her younger sister, Martha Marsolan Ian; her brother-in-law Anthony Ian; all of whom were present at her passing. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Maren Whitlock (14) and Rhett Whitlock (11); her nephew Matthew Ian, and niece Meredith Ian. She was always exceptionally proud of her two sons, both of whom served their country in the U.S. Navy. Richard was a graduate of the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, after which he served for five years as a line officer in the Pacific Submarine Fleet. William served six years after high school as an enlisted petty officer in the Atlantic Submarine Fleet before being honorably discharged and going on to graduate from the University of Virginia where he was the captain of the University's rugby team. Elder son Richard would later graduate from the Ivy League Colombia Business School and would go on to eventually start his own company where he is highly esteemed in his field. Valerie was always incredibly proud of her two boys.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Erna Marsolan; her late husband, William Orndorff; and many beloved doggos, all of whom never wanted to be anywhere but right by her side.

There will be a visitation at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, TX on Monday, March 17 from 5:30-7:30PM. The funeral service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst, TX on Tuesday, March 18 at 11:00AM. Valerie's earthly remains will be laid to rest in Falls Church, VA next to her beloved parents at a date yet to be determined. Any friends still living in the northern Virginia area will be very welcome to attend the inurnment if they would like to come and pay any respects. Mom was never one to say "in lieu of flowers, please...", as she would only want friends to do whatever is easiest for them, so flowers or a small donation in her name to Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst are all perfectly acceptable.