Valerie Francis

Valerie L. Cook Francis, 73, of Independence, Kansas passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side after a long illness in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, March 9, 2014.

Valerie was born on October 9, 1940 in Coffeyville, Kansas she was the daughter of Walter W. and Mary Ellen Baker Cook. She grew up in Coffeyville where she attended local schools, receiving her diploma from Field Kindley Memorial High School.

Valerie was united in marriage to Walter Hawkins, of that union a daughter Debbie was born. The couple later divorced. She later married Robert Kreft, of that union a daughter Beverly was born. He preceded her in death.

Valerie lived in Chicago for several years where she worked at a local factory. When she returned to Coffeyville she worked as a secretary for the Probation Office until her retirement.

Surviving to honor her memory are her daughters, Debbie Salerno and husband, Steve of Westerville, Ohio, Beverly Kreft of Independence, Kansas grandchildren, Steven Salerno Jr. and wife, Jen of Pataskala, Ohio, Joseph Salerno of Ft. Myers, Florida, Jacob Erne and wife, Cassie of Coffeyville, Kansas greatgrandchildren, Brayden Salerno, Noah Salerno, Steven Choate, Jaden Erne, Axel Erne and Harper Erne brothers, Tony Cook of Coffeyville, Kansas, Walter Cook of Florida sisters, Lola Frederick and husband, Richard of Owasso, Oklahoma, Jeanette Vargas and husband, Jesse of Coffeyville, Kansas and Elizabeth Slape of Coffeyville, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary Ellen husband, Robert and an infant brother, Thomas Mark Cook.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at FordWulfBruns Chapel in Coffeyville, Kansas. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donors choice or to the family these may be left with the funeral home.