Valerie Jean (Kocjan) Schoppmann, age 77, passed away peacefully in her sleep lying next to her beloved husband John Arthur Schoppmann of 59 years. Valerie was born into a Page pioneer family of 10 children and she loves her parents, siblings, and their families deeply. Valerie robbed the cradle and married her best friend, Johnny, on June 16, 1967 in Joseph City, Arizona and was later sealed to her family in the St. George, Utah LDS temple. She devoted her final years to caring for Johnny in their home.

She is survived by her husband Johnny; 8 children and their spouses; 31 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren, with more great grandchildren on the way.

Her most cherished titles were mother; grandmother; and wife of Johnny. Valerie loved doting on her family and literally gave away all she had to family, friends, and strangers and cared little about worldly possessions. She enjoyed traveling around the country to spend as much time with Johnny as possible and would travel all night and sacrifice her well-being to attend as many special events for her family as possible. Valerie enjoyed family gatherings; baking and delivering homemade bread; baking holiday treats with her beloved sister Platty; learning of Jesus Christ; doing family history; holding grandchildren; singing Christmas Carols; celebrating the 4th of July; the beauty of nature, especially roses; and being present in the moment with family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Myrtle Kocjan, her brothers Ted and Wendy Kocjan, her sister Thea Stickler, her granddaughter Courtney Wilson, her nephews Kyle and Kristopher Kocjan; a host of unborn children and grandchildren lost during pregnancy but surrounding her now.

In lieu of flowers and things that fade, please do as Valerie did: visit, call and support the weary, lonely, homebound, and the caretakers of those who suffer from cognitive decline or illness; remember and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and important events; write letters to missionaries and those serving in the military; donate anonymously to those in need; be a patriot by being a good citizen; and see others through the eyes of Jesus Christ.

A private family funeral will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ original meeting house in Page, Arizona. Her remains will be buried in House Rock Valley, Arizona at a later date.