Valerie Dawn (Stephens) Bruns

Valerie Dawn Bruns, 56, of Waukee, IA formerly of Hemple, MO was called to her heavenly home Friday, February 13, 2015.

She was born May 21, 1958 to Jesse Victor and Mary Louise (Reed) Stephens in St. Joseph, MO.  Valerie grew up in rural Hemple, MO.  She was active in 4-H and was a member of the Hemple Community Church.  In 1976 she graduated from East Buchanan High School.

On April 29, 1978 she married Lewis Helm.  To this union three children, Heather, Christopher and Lucas were born.  In 1987 the family moved to Iowa.  After their divorce, she was united in marriage to Richard Bruns on September 6, 1998 at the Waukee Christian Church where they were members.

Valerie worked for American Family in St. Joseph, MO, J.C. Penny?s, and Sears Credit Center.  For the past 10 years she was employed at Nationwide Insurance.

Valerie enjoyed gardening, crafts and quilting.  Everyone who was blessed to know her was amazed by her artistry and creativity.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her father Jesse Stephens, maternal grandparents Nova and Lena Reed and paternal grandparents Earl and Jesse Stephens.

Valerie is survived by her husband Rich Bruns; children Heather (Bryan) Schumacker, Christopher Helm and Lucas (Kimberly) Helm; step-children Jeff Bruns and Jeanette Jensen; granddaughters, Lainey Schwartz , Scout Helm and Maddie Schumacker; step-grandchildern Jessie (Dakota) Jorden, Lynsey Bruns, Conner Jensen and Jorden Jensen; step-great-grandchildren Skyler and Willow Jorden; mother Mary Stephens; sister Vickie White; niece Jessica (Derek) Woods; nephew Kevin White; great-niece Jocelyn Woods; great-nephew Logan Lampa; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Service:  11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 18^th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower, MO

Burial:  Mt. Zion Cemetery, Gower, MO

Visitation:  5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 17^th at the Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers donations to www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org , Mt. Zion Cemetery or Keller Cemetery.