Valera Darlene Schoen, 84, of Mt. Olive, Ill., died on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra. She was born on Feb. 26, 1938, in Walshville to George and Erna (Schuette) Schoen.

Valera went to the Davis School in New Douglas, Zion Grade School and graduated from Mt. Olive High School, Class of 1955. Valera retired in 1993 working for Defense Mapping Agency for 38 years. She was an avid Cardinal fan and enjoyed traveling.

Valera is survived by a brother, Gary (Janice) Schoen of Mt. Olive; two sisters, Marilyn Forbes of New Douglas, Sheryl (Gary) Buske of Mt. Olive; niece, Laurie Wilhelm of Staunton; nephews, Allen (Suzanna) Forbes of Gillespie, Gary (Brandy) Buske, Jr. of Staunton, and John (Kiersten) Schoen of Highland. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Merle Forbes.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 18, at Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive with Rev. Tom Brewer officiating. Burial was in New Douglas Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Mt. Olive Fire Department.