Valerie B Wertz Dec. 17, 1919 – Apr. 15, 2023

Valerie B. Wertz, 103, of Hollidaysburg, passed away unexpectedly Saturday at UPMC Altoona. She was born in Hollidaysburg, the daughter of the late William C. and Nellie (Myers) Albright and, on Nov. 21, 1949, in Hollidaysburg, she married Richard Holmes Wertz. He preceded her in death Feb. 25, 2006. She is survived by: her daughter, Linda Wertz Mekelburg (Andrew) of Clear Spring, Md. and two grandchildren, Cory Mekelburg in California and Elise Kahn (Nabeel) of Dallas, Tx. She was preceded in death by: a sister, Virginia Diehl; a brother, William Albright Jr.; and a niece, Joanie Diehl. Valerie was proud of her work at Sylvania during World War II, where she produced proximity fuses which became vital to the war effort. She was a member of Hollidaysburg YMCA Ladies Auxiliary and the Hollidaysburg Homemakers Club. Valerie happily followed her husband during his Air Force career: first at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter S.C., then to Sculthorpe Norfolk England where he was stationed at the Air Force Base there, back to Sumter AFB and, ultimately retiring back to their hometown, Hollidaysburg in 1961, where she devoted her life to her family and friends. She was an excellent cook and gardener and had a positive impact on everyone she met. Valerie was the best mother and grandmother anyone could wish for. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023, where her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m at PLANK, STITT & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 421 Montgomery Street, Hollidaysburg, PA (www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com), with Pastor James Zaebst officiating. Committal will be at Alto Reste Park Cemetery. The family suggests that donations be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Valerie. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.