Valery Gutka

Valery Gayle Gutka, age 75, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025.

Born on May 5, 1950, in Toledo, Ohio, to Doral Jean Munson and Leo Weidinger, Val was small in stature but extraordinary in presence. Her twinkling eyes, full of warmth, humor, and a touch of mischief, reflected a life rich with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family.

A proud mother of eight children, Angela, Wendy, Norman Jr., Kenneth, Janet, Tressa, Mellissa, and Randall, Val taught those around her that presence matters, humor heals, and love is the thread that binds families together. She later embraced the joys of being a grandmother, great-grandmother, and even “grandpa” to a few, pouring her heart into every generation she touched.

Val dedicated her career to helping others as an ASL interpreter, building bridges of understanding and connection for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Known for her quick wit, love of Sudoku, and trademark sarcasm, she brought laughter to those fortunate enough to know her. Beneath the humor was a loyal and generous heart, always ready to offer strength, encouragement, and a safe place to land.

Val is survived by her eight children; her seventeen grandchildren, Jazmine, Bradley, Benjamin, Brittany, Bradley, Claire, Deanna, Joshua, Kaylee, Madison, James, Benjamin, Abigail, Gerris, Kayla, Allyssa, and Morgan; her nine great-grandchildren, Riley, Joshua, Corbin, Peyton, Naliyah, Mercy, Solace, Indigo, and Ernest. She also leaves behind her sister, Glenna Harlan; nephew, Terrance; extended family and many dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Val’s story is one of love, laughter, and resilience. Her legacy lives on in the faces of her children and grandchildren, in the joy of family gatherings, and in the strength and courage she taught by example. She showed us that true strength isn’t measured by size, but by how fiercely you love, how deeply you care, and how bravely you face the world.

Today, we celebrate her life, knowing her memory is not just a single moment, but a collection of them. She left an imprint that cannot fade. We grieve because we loved her, but we smile because she loved us first. And though she is no longer here to hold, she lives on in every story, every shared glance, and every bit of courage we carry forward.