Valerie Grace Trexler

Valerie Grace (Bock) Trexler, 78, of Jackson, MI, went home to be with the Lord Jesus on January 19, 2023. She was born on July 6, 1944, in Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Ronald and Grace (Hamilton) Bock. Valerie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Frederick Trexler; daughter Laurel (Jeff) Kennell of Wenona, IL; son Michael (Renee) Trexler of Kalamazoo, MI; 12 grandchildren: Grace, Rose, Peter, Emily & Daniel Kennell and Nathaniel, Hannah, Lydia, Sarah, Elisabeth, Jonathan & Miriam Trexler; her brother Allan (Marlene) Bock of Edmonton, Alberta; and “adopted” son Alexis (Yvette) Bantererekanye of Burundi, East Africa.

Valerie attended high school at Royal York Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke, Ontario, and received a B.A. in English and French from Houghton (NY) College and an M.A. in English from Penn State University. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years, a thrifty homemaker who gardened, canned & froze food, baked, made clothing, and planned extended but economical family camping trips. After her children grew up, she realized her dream of teaching college English and authored two books. She and Fred traveled extensively during retirement, even teaching in Burundi, which led to her writing inexpensive textbooks for African students. Hospitable and compassionate, she hosted many college and missionary guests, served on many church committees, visited the lonely, gave freely to missions, and even adopted a Burundian extended family.

A celebration of her life will be held at Cascades Baptist Church, 1012 W. High St., Jackson, MI, on January 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. Chris Garrow officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to the service. In place of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to WycliffeAssociates.org for Bible translation or to Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home, Jackson, MI

Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.

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