Laura "Mikie" Valdez

Age 74 of Coal City died Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Morris Hospital.

Born September 16, 1948 in Marion, Illinois, Laura Michelle was a daughter of Robert and Freda (Vaughn) Schellenberger. She lived in several states throughout her youth, until her family settled in Minooka where she graduated from high school. Mikie attended Joliet Junior College for legal studies, and on December 19, 1970 she married Maximo Valdez in Morris.

She spent the first few years of marriage on the east coast while Max was serving in the United States Navy, where she worked on the Naval Bases. Following their return to Illinois, Mikie was a stay at home mom to care for her children. She then owned and operated The Yarn Bin in Coal City, until she began her career as a paralegal. She worked for the law offices of Mueller and Garretson in Morris and Bateson and Taylor in Joliet for over 20 years. Mikie was always volunteering her time with programs such as Operation St. Nick and Easter Seals in Joliet, and  with Operation Firm Handshake who hosts the annual Veterans Picnic at the Coal City Area Club. She also was co-owner and office manager of Midwest Bedliners in Coal City from 1999 to 2021.

Mikie was an avid quilter who shared her talents in many ways. She would showcase her quilts which were featured at several quilting shows, but also generously donated countless quilts through fundraisers and donations. Mikie was involved in the Pieces from the Heart Quilt Guild and also had a local group that would meet once a month to share their talents together. She made sure that each family member received a beautiful quilt from her, sometime for an occasion, but often just to have as a token of her love.

Family was always Mikie's number one priority and she relished time with her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time camping and pontoon boating out at the area club. Mikie was a great baker as well, specializing in peach pie, and would often share her baked goods with any and all. Her big heart and generous nature was well known to many and will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband of 52 years: Max Valdez of Coal City; two daughters: Moree (Bud) Harney of Coal City and Kristina Carmen of Coal City; four grandchildren: Maximo Valdez II, Frank Carmen, Lilly Harney, and Xander Carmen; one sister: Nancy (Joe) Dunn of Delaware, Ohio; five brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Eddie Valdez of Coal City, Jesse Valdez of Coal City, Teresa (Roberto) Cortez of Diamond, Manuel Ramat of Joliet, and Ben Minor of Joliet; one uncle: Sherman "Spud" Vaughn of Romeoville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mikie was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters: Connie (Lloyd "Red") Crosby and Darla "Deeg" Fuller; mother-in-law: Martha Consuelo Ramat; one sister-in-law: Carmen Minor; and one niece and great nephew: Melinda and Jaxon Cullen.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, February 20, 2023 at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m.

Those who wish to attend Mikie's services virtually are welcome to join the live stream beginning at 7:00 p.m. The live stream can be accessed via Mikie's memorial page.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and Mikie will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mikie's memory to Max for the benefit of Mikie's family. Donations may be mailed or delivered to: Bank of Pontiac, 85 S. Broadway Suite A
Coal City, IL 60416. Please make checks to: Maximo Valdez with memo on check of 'Donations- Laura Valdez'. In person donations may also be made at the bank to the: Maximo Valdez Donation Account

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook, upload photographs, and share Mikie's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City (815) 634-2125.