Valerie Jean (Rondot) Harley, born on March 3, 1940, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Charles and Ethel Rondot, passed away on March 14, 2025, at the age of 85.

Valerie had a deep love for learning and an insatiable curiosity about the world. She enjoyed school and continued to pursue knowledge throughout her life. Even in her later years, she embraced new challenges, including taking a calculus course using DVDs from the library. She kept a meticulously organized filing cabinet filled with information about animals, space, history, and geography, with a special passion for maps.

Valerie faced the challenges of mental illness throughout her life, yet she persevered with remarkable strength and resilience. Despite the difficulties she encountered, she never lost her curiosity, her determination to learn, or her love for those around her. She found joy in knowledge, in serving others, and in the deep connections she built with family and friends. Her courage in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She dedicated 25 years of her professional life to Torrington in South Bend, Indiana, a manufacturer specializing in bearings and motion control components. Never one to shy away from hard work, Valerie continually sought new responsibilities, which led to her training as an NC programmer. In this role, she wrote programs that enabled machines to cut metal into precision bearings. She was one of the few women in this specialized field, demonstrating resilience and skill in a male-dominated industry. When the Indiana plant closed, her expertise was so valued that she was one of the select employees invited to relocate to South Carolina to continue her work.

Valerie was a devoted mother and grandmother, finding immense joy and happiness in her family. She is survived by her son, Arthur J. Harley, Jr. (Eva); her daughter, Christine Chapman; her grandchildren, Sarah Harley Gallagher (Jack), Trinity, and Wallace. Being a grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Rondot and Ethel Rondot Vintilla, and her brother, Charles "Eddie" Rondot.

Beyond her professional and family life, Valerie had a deep passion for helping others. She volunteered in numerous ways, always seeking to make a difference in the lives of those around her. She baked cookies and read to children at the local homeless shelter, dedicated time at her grandchildren's school to help children learn to read and write, and taught Sunday School, sharing her faith and wisdom with younger generations. Valerie was also an active participant in the Kairos Prison Ministry, offering hope and encouragement to those in need. In her later years, she found great fulfillment in the Card Ministry at Fernwood Baptist Church, where she sent monthly notes of encouragement to those facing hardship. Her selfless devotion to service touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on her community.

Valerie will be remembered for her sharp intellect, love of knowledge, and determination to excel in everything she pursued. Her legacy of curiosity, perseverance, and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

A service to celebrate Valerie's life will be held at Fernwood Baptist Church, located at 200 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307, on Saturday, March 22nd at 12:00.