Dorothy Edmonds Vale, formerly of Chesterton, Indiana, died January 31, 2009, following a brief hospitalization in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. For several years she had been a resident of Wilkes Traditional Village and was grateful for the loving care she received there.

Mrs. Vale was born in Tolleston, Indiana on February 7, 1916 to Robert Uhlmann and Dorthea Brauneis Uhlmann. Following graduation from Gary College she was employed as a legal secretary for the district attorney and the mayor of Gary, Indiana. Later in life she worked for over thirty years for Malcolm Anderson, an attorney in Chesterton.

On November 5, 1939, she married Frederick D. Edmonds and together they moved to Chesterton. In that small community, they owned and operated the Edmonds Funeral Home until Mr. Edmonds’ death in 1951. The couple had four children, two of whom preceded her in death: Judith Ann in 1946 and Charlotte Ann in 1970. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Mildred Edwards and Helen Stanier.

When her children were nearly raised she met and married a man whom she loved dearly, Paul Vale. His children Judy and Paul, became a valued part of her life. Mr. and Mrs. Vale enjoyed over 40 years of married life together at their home in Chesterton before Mr. Vale passed away in 2003. Dorothy’s life was grounded in the Christian faith. She raised her family in St. John’s United Church of Christ in Chesterton and nurtured their faith by her own example. Dorothy loved ballroom dancing, good literature, swimming in the cool waters of Lake Michigan, family gatherings and most especially her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Vale is survived by her son, Reverend Fred Edmonds and wife Carol, of Frankfort, Michigan; her daughter Carolyn Edmonds Bauguess and husband David, of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; her stepson, Paul Vale of Troy, North Carolina; her stepdaughter Judy Vale Joel of Portage, Indiana; and her special niece Janythe Plummer, of Chesterton, Indiana. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held in Chesterton Cemetery at eleven o’clock in the morning on February 7 to give thanks for her life. A memorial service will take place in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on Saturday, February 14. Arrangements are to be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Matthew 25 Offering at her adopted church, North Wilkesboro Presbyterian, 804 E. Street, North Wilkesboro, NC, 28659.

Both Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in North Wilkesboro and White-Love Funeral Home in Chesterton are assisting the family.

 For information please call White-Love Funeral Home at 926-1309.

Posted 2/4/2009