Valerie Jean Pitman, 62, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 6:00 a.m. in her home.

She was born February 14, 1950, in Chesterton, Ind., to Russell and Esther (Staley) Mitchell.

On February 2, 1978 in Michigan City, Ind., she married Ronald Pitman who survives in Michigan City, Ind.

Also surviving are two daughters, Dawn (Matthew) Downs and Dara (Shawn) Zuk, and son Christopher Pitman, all of Michigan City, Ind.; her mother, Esther Mapes of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; four brothers, Kenneth Mitchell of Deland, Fla., Robert (Sandy) Mitchell of Chesterton, Ind., Danny Mitchell of The PInes, Ind., and Fred (Carol) Mitchell of LaPorte, Ind.; and five grandchildren, Danielle, Paiton, Hannah, Jillian and Evalyn.

She was preceded in death by her father, Russell Mitchell; and step-father, George Mapes.

She currently was a bartender at the John Franklin Miller American Legion Post 37 for the last 24 years and previously had worked for 19 years at Joy Mfg.

Valerie was a member of the John Franklin Miller American Legion Post 37 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed fishing, golfing, and vacationing at the family cabin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Ind., with Pastor Lorne Hodum officiating. Cremation will follow services and ashes interred privately in Chesterton Cemetery. The John Franklin Miller American Legion Post 37 will conduct a memorial service at 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral chapel.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday and 10:00 a.m until time of service Tuesday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel.

Contributions may be made to the Social & Learning Institute for the Disadvantaged, Inc., 201 E. Garfield St., Michigan City, IN 46360.

To sign a guestbook and leave condolences online visit www.otthaverstock.com

Posted 1/14/2013