Valerie L. Orr

Valerie Lynn Orr, a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering kindness. Born on December 13, 1960, in Ayer, Massachusetts, Valerie was the beloved daughter of Joanne Bullock and Curtis Stebbins.

On October 1986, Valerie married the love of her life, Robert Lynn Orr, in Junction City, Kansas. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith and caring for others. Valerie's greatest joy came from nurturing those around her—she was truly a born caregiver whose heart had no limits.

Valerie served her community for 13 years as a 911 emergency operator at the Military Police post at Fort Riley, Kansas. In this role, she had a steady and comforting voice in times of crisis. To the MPs she worked with, she was more than a colleague she was a "mother hen," offering guidance, reassurance, and genuine care to each person she encountered.

She never met a stranger and was known for welcoming everyone into her life as family. Valerie had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, heard, and loved. Whether offering comfort, advice, or a helping hand, she was the person others instinctively turned to in times of need. Her home and heart were always open.

Valerie was preceded in death by her son, Robert James Orr; her mother, Joanne Bullock; her father, Curtis Stebbins; her brothers, Steven Stebbins, Gary Stebbins, and Michael Stebbins; her sister, Billie Jo Wolfe; and her grandson, Tre Johnson.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Robert Lynn Orr; her son, Curtis Orr; and her daughters, JoAnna (Chris) Mathis and family, Jackie (Mel) Johnson and family, Rebecca (Tim) Adair and family, Lisa (Johnny) Yeager and family, Connie Crowell and family, and Cassie Steed and family, along with many other adopted children who were blessed to call her "Mom." She is also survived by her siblings: Jason (Fern) Rodgers, Cheryl (Danny) Tucker, Valerie (David) Haubrich, Linda Booth, Susan (Jessie) Might, Christine (Steven) Hurst, and Jennie (Damon) Hettich, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be taking place at the American Legion Post #45 located at 201 E 4th St., Junction City, Kansas 66441 on June 28, 2026 at 5:30pm. 

Valerie's life was defined by the love she freely gave and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her warm spirit, generous heart, and the family she created wherever she went.