Clarice Valorie Gansmann, nee Batha, 79, of Belleville, IL, born Sunday, February 9, 1947, in Ambridge, PA, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Memorial Hospital West in Belleville, IL.
Valorie lived a life rooted in generosity, creativity, and deep connection to others. She served as an administrator for the St. Clair County Community Development Grants Program, where her diligence and compassion helped support countless initiatives that strengthened the local community. Her professional work reflected the larger calling she carried in her heart to serve others. She made the selfless decision to retire in order to care for her father, providing him with unwavering love, compassion, and dignity during his time of need.
A passionate advocate for community and compassion, Valorie gave her time freely to many charitable causes, always seeking ways to uplift those around her. She was a proud founder of Tapestry of Community Offerings NFP (TOCO) in Belleville, Illinois, where she helped build a network of care and support for those in need. She also held a special place in her heart for the Shelter Shop, supporting its mission to benefit the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois.
Val’s cheery personality was bestowed on all who met her. She had a captivating smile, a smile that could light up a room, lift spirits, and make even the hardest days feel a little brighter. Her presence brought warmth, comfort and joy to everyone around her. Whether you were family, friend, or meeting her for the first time, you were never a stranger for long. She opened her heart and home with ease, turning new comers into lifelong friends. She had a rare gift for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether it was hosting holiday celebrations, costume making, or aiding others with a steady source of love, guidance, and care; she poured her whole heart into everything she touched. Val showed us that life is best lived with humor, creativity, and a door that was always open to friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Parents: Frank and Clarice, nee Carlyle, Batha
- Brother: Carlyle “Casey” Batha
Surviving to cherish her memory are her:
- Loving Husband: Oliver “Bud” Gansmann of Belleville, IL
- Brother: Frank (Lee Ann) Batha, Jr. of Belleville, IL
- Sister-In-Law: Tina Batha of Coeur d’Alene, ID
- Many Dear Nieces, Nephews and Cousins
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Services: A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 13, 2026, at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Pastor Mike Webb officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
A Video Live-Stream of the Service will be available to view at www.kurrusfh.com/live-stream.
