Flora Margaret Valentine (nee Stiening) was called to rest on Dec. 6, 2014, after a long journey with essential tremor illness. She had been a resident at Manor Grove Skilled Care in Kirkwood, Mo., since January 2, 2014.

She was born Nov. 5, 1919, in Waterloo, the third child of the late August and Bertha Stiening (nee Fischer).

On Aug. 1, 1943, she married to William W. “Bill” Valentine, also of Waterloo; he preceded her in death in 1998.

Having reached the age of 95, Flora had enjoyed a wonderful life including 55 years of marriage. In 1964, Flora and Bill moved from Waterloo to Springfield, Mo., as part of the BNSF (Frisco Railway) relocation of the St. Louis offices.

Flora was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker, and an active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ’s choir and Sunday school in Waterloo for many years. She and Bill joined St. John’s UCC in Springfield, where she continued her love of music with her participation in their choir. She was pretty much self-taught and had an “ear” for playing just about anything she heard. While she lived in Waterloo, she was a member of and served as the pianist for the Rebekah Lodge.

Flora is survived by her son, Robert Valentine and wife Barbara of Spokane, Wash.; daughter, Suzanne Grammer of Springfield, Mo.; and daughter, Nancy Schlueter and husband Dennis, of Wildwood, Mo.; grandchildren Adam Gannon and Angie Martin of Springfield, Mo.; Justin Valentine of Spokane, Wash.; Ryan Valentine of Bellingham, Wash.; and nine great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert, Morris and Leonard Stiening, all of Waterloo.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Waterloo on May 2, at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at Kohlmer Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to St. John United Church of Christ Chapel Choir, 4344 S. Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804, or a charity of the donor’s choice.