Elkhart, IN — Kathleen "Kathy" Jo Vallance, age 75, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the Raclin House in Mishawaka, following a brief period of declining health.

Kathy was born on June 7, 1950, to the late Joseph and Charlotte (Hodges, Kanyur) Ashley.
November 16, 1968 Kathy married the love of her life Leonard Vallance, who proceeded her in death November 4, 2016 after nearly 48 years of marriage.She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Harry Ashley, Pat Ashley, and Daniel Ashley.

Kathy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose creativity and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She had a deep love for crafting, especially diamond art, coloring, painting, and drawing. She also delighted in dressing up in festive costumes for holidays, bringing smiles and laughter to those around her.

She is survived by her children: Norma (Robert) Baxter, Georgette (Jamie) Hood, Evette (Tony) Wing, and Erica (Phil) Garrison; eight grandchildren: Philip, Makenzie, Bethany, Zoe, Henry, Max, Harper, and Bailey; eleven great-grandchildren; precious family, friends, and associates who will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Michiana Community Church 51637 Ash Rd Granger IN

Memorials may be given to Center for Hospice, Mishawaka IN https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/

and or the Humane Society, South Bend, IN https://humanesocietystjc.org/give-back/donate/

Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN is handling arrangements.

To leave a remembrance of Kathy or to offer condolences to her family, please visit https://www.chapelhillmemorial.com/obituaries/