Valerie Travelli
April 07, 2016
Valerie Travelli, 65, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2016. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Des Moines Embassy Club, 666 Grand Avenue atop the Ruan Building in Des Moines.
Born August 16, 1950, Valerie embraced life and was a vibrant, vivacious social butterfly. Her love was evident for her mother, her children and her grandchildren.
Left to carry on the love Valerie shared, are her mother, Ruth Hook; her children, Tom Van Dorn and Daniel (Natalie) Grimes; her grandchildren, Noah and Hunter Grimes; many siblings, her dear friend Cathy Warner, and other loving family members and special friends. Valerie was preceded in death by her father, Dino Lea Travelli; grandmother, Velda Robuck; and her step-father, Ken Hook.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Furry Friends Refuge, 1211 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sally Moburg
04/20/2016
A few days back I wrote a mini book here, on my Life with Val....since 7th grade. For some reason, got erased. So instead of resharing years of best friends and many adventures!, here are 2 things that my heart feels to share:
First...the many weekends I went with Val to visit her dad, Dino, in Knoxville....and the incredible love they had for each other. Dino was kind and loving to me, and sure loved his Valerie.
and.....Val and I's life journeys went different directions, and I saw Val last about 2000. 2 nights after Val returned Home (I was unaware of her passing) Val came to me in a dream looking young and beautiful. Val said to me "I am healthy and happy. All is good here....all is good here" You were an amazing part of my life sweet friend, and a talented, kind, caring person full of life. With tears, I CELEBRATE YOUR VICTORY VALERIE!
Kevin Altes
04/17/2016
I hated to miss Friday's celebration of Val's life. We had such a great time together at the Renaissance Savery. We could work hard and play hard together. I remember dressing up with her for events, watching her stumble through the parking lot, and having many conversations about her boys. Val was one of a kind, and I can't say her name without a smile coming across my face. Be at peace Val until the next time we meet!
Michael Rinehart
04/16/2016
My condolences to her family. Val was my cousin. We were in grade school together in Knoxville.
Ron German
04/15/2016
Valerie was always the life of the party. She loved assuring that a party went well and was done right.
She loved her kids most of all. May God bless Valerie and comfort her family and friends during this time of remembrance.
Chris and Sheryl Ostlund
04/14/2016
We remember Val from years ago. She was such a fun, energetic, and positive spirit. Our condolences to the family for this loss.
June Vande Noord (Van Zee)
04/13/2016
I express my sincere sympathy to Val's family. I worked with Val in Sales & Catering at the Savery Hotel in the 1990's and loved working with her. She was so delightful, always happy and we shared a lot of laughs. She was a pleasure to work with.
bill milne
04/13/2016
I knew val from all the places the bands" cavilers" and others played and we did some dancing, to some great music and with some wonderful friends, she was a great gal and will be missed by many.
Judy Kay Kaster (MacDonald)
04/13/2016
I grew up in the neighborhood with Valerie in Knoxville, wow I was so in awe of how pretty she was growing up and am really sorry to hear of her passing. Makes me miss the pass days in Knoxville and how simple life was then. She had a ton of talent and a ton of friends! My sympathy to here family.
Jim Parker
04/13/2016
I am saddened to hear of Valerie's passing. I was 18 when I met Val. Even though she was only 4 years older she kind of mothered me and kept me out of trouble. I will always think of her at 22 and on the dance floor. Man could she dance......now go dance with the angels.......
Kay Hohler and Nancy Brooks
04/12/2016
Nancy and I live at Camelot West where Ruth & Valerie have a condo... Always enjoyed talking to Ruth and her husband before he passed.. Spent many minutes talking with both... Also spent time talking to Valerie and Ruth at the pool.... Our sympathy to the family. You will be in our prayers
Dick "Mackie" McDonald
04/12/2016
Val, your passing will leave a large void in the lives of those who knew you and those who were fortunate to be your friends. You will be missed.my dear.
Barbara Eslick
04/12/2016
Val was the most creative and energetic person I have worked with. She would light up any room she walked into and was an instant friend to all she met. I hope she found a peaceful path in life and I know she will be watching over all those who were most important to her.
Pat Miller (Moburg)
04/11/2016
I'll always remember the Altoona days watching the awesome threesome of Valerie,Cindy and Sally going in and out of our house
You three had so much crazy fun together. I know that so many people like myself were touched by Valerie's zest for life. My thoughts and prayers to your family
Brenda Davitt
04/11/2016
I don't know where to begin. We worked hard, laughed loud and had a great respect for each other. I loved hearing about Tommy and Daniel and their latest and greatest accomplishments. You are such a proud Mom! We had the best time "dialing for dollars" every Wednesday. It was memorable to say the least. The "Mom and Ken" stories were always so much fun. Really everything about you was FUN. My friend may you rest in eternal peace and I will see you again.
cathy warner aka nurse ratchet
04/11/2016
Valerie you sure won't miss me lecturing you. Now who can i worry about. I know in my heart that you are now peaceful. You had such a spark for life but you had lost it and I knew you missed it. You were trying but maybe god had other plans for you. Now I know I have my special guardian angel. So farewell to my Valerie Travelli. We will meet again. You were loved by many and we all have very special and different memories.