With love and laughter in our hearts, we announce the passing of Valonda L. Wood, who left this world on September 3, 2025. Born on April 3, 1947, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Valonda and her family moved to Colorado and then spent 33 wonderful years in Palm Desert, California, before making her home in Queen Creek, Arizona. Valonda has now joined her beloved husband, Michael, in heaven. True to her stubborn streak, she made sure to do things her way—even when it came to how she left us. To know her was to laugh with her (and sometimes at her), to admire her determination, and to witness the way she brought both sass and warmth into every room.

She lived through the terrifying days of COVID—not because she feared the virus, but because she dreaded the thought of running out of paper towels and toilet paper. She proudly described herself as a boxed wine connoisseur and served for years as the self-appointed VP of Dishwasher Efficiency. She never met a slot machine she didn't want to test her luck on—always reminding us, "it could happen, you know."

Valonda is survived by her mother, Violet (Vi) Volz; her children, Lisa (Kerry) and Steven; her five grandchildren, Andrew, Ryan, Michael, Jessica, and Kyle; five bonus great-grandchildren, Andrew, Jana, Marina, Lily, and Bradley; her two nephews, Michael and Tim; and of course, her best drinking friends, who will raise a glass in her honor. Each of them will forever carry her humor, her grit, and her love in their hearts.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that while she may be gone, her unforgettable one-liners, stubborn spirit, and unapologetic joy for life will echo for generations to come. And in true Valonda fashion, if you think you know what comes next… "you don't know that."