Stephanie Lynn Valadez

Stephanie Lynn Valadez, of Carmel, IN, passed to her eternal glorious home on June 23, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN. She was the beloved wife of David Valadez and mother of Carlos and Kidist Valadez.

Besides her beloved husband and children, Steph is also survived by her loving father, Oliver Butler, her sisters Melissa (Adam) Halcom and Merissa (Greg) Ury, as well as many adoring nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Steph was also cherished by her Valadez family; father and mother-in-law Gilbert and Theresa Valadez, brothers Gilbert (Teresa) Valadez, Ed (Tammy) Valadez, and sister Terri (Bucky) Sisson and nephew Preston. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marsha Butler and her sister, Dacy Grey.

Steph touched so many lives in so many ways. Her loss will also be felt by her church family at College Park Church, her childhood church family Saline Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, the Charlie Company family, and many others.

After her graduation from Harrisburg High School, Steph completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Evansville as well as her graduate degree in law at the University of Indiana. Steph was a successful attorney before choosing to dedicate her days and her time to her children and husband.

As a devout Christian, Steph developed a heart for the women and children of Ethiopia. Starting in 2010, working with Hope for His Children, Compassion Family International, and Onesimus, she repeatedly traveled to Addis Ababa to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those women and children, developing beloved relationships with lifelong friends that are immeasurable. Among those are Adi Dagne (CFI Director) and dear staff members, Nega Meaza (Onesimus Director) and dear staff members, Ephrim & Yeshi Bekurtsion (Co-laborers for Christ), Michelle Timmons, the Board Members and fellow “Changed” teammates at Hope for His Children.

Those who knew Steph will remember her for being a devout prayer warrior, keeping a detailed list of all concerns and regularly presenting them in prayer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Steph also will be remembered for being an invaluable friend who was always walking along paths with her friends, in both joyous and trying times. Steph was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt who remembered every birthday, anniversary, and special occasion, driving many miles to be present and never failed to reach out with a beautiful message on that special day. ‍

Although Steph's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, may her life inspire us to love others as well as she did. The void of her absence will never be filled but may our memories of her be a blessing that carry us through the remainder of our days until we meet again on those streets of gold in heaven. ‍

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Stephanie's life and legacy by making a donation to causes that were meaningful. Contributions may be made to:

https://www.hopeforhischildren.org/stephanie

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/onesimus-general-giving-fund.

Your generosity is a beautiful way to carry forward her spirit.