Deborah Sue Valentino

Deborah “Debbie” Sue Valentino was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on November 2, 2021 at the age of 68.

She was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Joseph and Leona Hoyka. She attended Valley High School, and following graduation, she married the love of her life. Together, they raised three children: Tammy, Tina and Brenda. Throughout her career, she worked in childcare and education. But she found her favorite job during retirement, which was taking care of her grandchildren.

Debbie’s family was the most important thing to her, and she loved spending time with them. She was a thoughtful and generous woman, and always put others first. She lived to brighten everyone’s day. For example, she would often text special messages with silly bitmojis or send care packages “just because”. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities, traveling, and girls’ night out. She absolutely adored her dog, Sophie. Debbie left us with many wonderful memories, and she will be truly missed!

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Jim; their children, Tina Valentino (Jeff) and Brenda Valentino-Park (Rob); their grandchildren, Brian, Kelsey (Jude), Camiel, Alison, Ben, Adam, Mackenzi, Nick, and Jacob; sisters, Diane (Les) Santee and Pam Barnes; brother, Dan (Tina) Hoyka; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tammy Zenti; her parents, Leona and Joseph Hoyka; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Loa Ann and Henry Valentino; siblings, Lefty Hoyka and Linda Lewis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday, November 12 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1200 Warrior Lane, Waukee, Iowa. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 11 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery.

Condolences can be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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