Mona Margaret (Johnson) Valentine

April 15, 2012

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Mona Margaret (Johnson) Valentine, 83, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Wesley Manor Retirement Home in Frankfort. Mona was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on December 14, 1928 to Paul E. and Evelyn Grant Johnson. She attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where her father was Dean, but moved with her parents to Boston and attended and graduated from Newton Wellsley Hospital with a degree in Nursing. It was in Boston that she met her beloved husband, William R. Valentine Jr. who was a student at Boston University School of Theology where her father taught. Bill and Mona were one of the first couples married in Marsh Chapel there on October 11, 1950. Two children, Russell Paul and Linda Marie soon blessed their lives. Mona devoted her life to her husband and children and the many United Methodist Churches that Bill served. Her first job as a professional RN was at the student clinic at Boston University, but she soon took some time off to raise her family. When her children were teenagers she returned to working part time at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin where Bill was serving the United Methodist Church. When the family moved to Speedway, Indiana she began working at Methodist Hospital on the maternity unit and remained there while Bill served as District Superintendent of the Indianapolis South East District of the United Methodist Church. Several years later, when the couple moved to Frankfort, Indiana she worked at the Clinton County Hospital, again in maternity. She retired from nursing in 1980. Mona was a diehard Boston Red Sox Fan, a passionate Democrat and devout pacifist. One of her many loves was traveling. She and Bill took their children on a six week trip around the world in 1964 which she planned very carefully. They later travelled extensively throughout the United States visiting many National Parks and Monuments. After Bill retired they travelled 6 months of the year in their motor home and served as volunteers at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. While on these adventures she developed a great love for bird watching and she and Bill maintained several bird feeders in their backyards. Mona was a voracious reader and gave book programs to church women’s groups all over Central Indiana. She was also an excellent photographer and prepared and presented many slide shows/travelogues to large groups at Wesley Manor after Bill’s retirement. She enjoyed playing golf, tennis, croquet and cards.

Visitation and Services

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Amanda Reid Chapel, Wesley Manor, 1555 N. Main St., Frankfort. A reception will follow the service at the Wesley Manor Social Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Manor Retirement Home, Frankfort.

Survived by:

She is survived by her sister, Lois (Ray) Cole of Fort Collins, Colorado, son Russ (Chris) Valentine of Zionsville, daughter, Linda Valentine Bryant of Plainfield, grandchildren, Matt (Laura) Bryant, Rachel Valentine and Dan Valentine and great granddaughter Nala Bryant. She was especially close to Bill’s cousin Kay and her husband Dean Dunmire and their son Brent.

Preceded by:

Mona was preceded in death by her grandson, Paul Wesley Bryant, son-in-law Alan W. Bryant.

Condolences

9 Condolences for “Mona Margaret (Johnson) Valentine”

  1. Oscar & Charlotte Mathura April 17, 2012 at 5:54 pm

    Dear Rev. Valentine,
    Please accept our deepest sympathy.

    God be with you at this time and give you strength to bear your grief.
    May God’s love impart the peace and understanding that bring comfort
    to you and your family at this time of sorrow.

    We remember you and Mona with gratitude and thank God for the influence you had in our lives and the support you gave us when we needed it so badly.
    We join with you and the family to celebrate the life, ministry and witness of Mona and we know that you will be surrounded by God’s presence during the days and months ahead.
    We love you.
    Oscar & Charlotte Mathura
    3108 Cobblestone Drive
    Rockwall, TX 75087

  2. Rev. Janice Heseman April 18, 2012 at 9:18 am

    I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy to your family. She was a a very special, loving woman and I know you will miss her deeply. Jann Heseman

  3. loraine rogers April 18, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Bill, Russ, and Linda, and other family members, I extend my deepest sympathy on your loss.
    I remember Mona as a friend. We spent many times together when Bill and Howard were on the
    Cabinet. I always admired her and enjoyed our friendship. God bless all of you during this sad time.

    Sincerely,
    Loraine Rogers

  4. Rev. Nancy Foster April 19, 2012 at 9:20 am

    I am truly sorry for your loss. We all know where she is, and this is a wonderful comfort to all who loved her. Take the time to grieve. Pastors are not immune to this journey. I pray that you give yourself permission to grieve your loss. Our Lord will be with you at every turn.

  5. Rev. Nancy Foster April 19, 2012 at 9:24 am

    I will share your loss with my congregations, Monterey UMC and Leiters Ford UMC. God can supply your needs and hears the prayers we cannot find the words to ask.
    The love of our Lord be with all of you.
    Shalom,
    Pastor Nancy

  6. Mae Norman April 19, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    Although it was some time ago I remember meeting and enjoying the company of Mona and Bill in Indpls. S.E. District functions, in UMW work, and at School of Christian Mission. I was inspired by their cooperation and encouragement to all! My sympathy to Rev. Valentine and the family. Mae Norman, West Street UMC, Shelbyville, IN

  7. The Dunmires April 23, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    At this difficult time, we would like to express our feelings of sympathy to your family. Mona was a very special person and will be held dearly in our memories. The special hat that she wore … the camping trip to Maine … sings-a-longs at the cabin … slide shows that took us to places we’d never been before … and the 50th wedding anniversary where everyone was a Red Sox fan (at least for one night) … These are some of the treasures that we remember. It is comforting for us to think of her, not as gone, but transformed. To know that she is part of who we are and that we will meet again where there is no sorrow, this is our peace.

    Love & Peace to all of you,
    The Dunmires

  8. Debby and Doug Johnson April 25, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    Dr Valentine and family,
    Even though I never met your mother, I feel like I new a part of her through your stories. You will all miss her but as you know she is really home now and will be enjoying Gods great beauty in a whole new light. We wish you peace at this time
    Love
    The Johnsons

  9. Nancy White January 30, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    It seems only yesterday that Mona and I took the children to see Mary Poppins at a theatre in Springfield Ma. It was only moments ago learned your sad news as I was searching on line for the Valentines because you had all been in my thoughts recently. I’m so terribly sorry. You and Mona helped me through some very difficult days and I will always be grateful.
    With sincere sympathy, Nancy (Knight)

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