Joyce Bader Valen, 80, went home to the Lord on Tuesday March 25, 2014. She was born July 31, 1933 to Walter H. Bader and Alice Toth Bader, of Milwaukee Wisconsin. She is survived by her daughters Beth Valen of Pilot Point, Texas and Catherine Valen, DC (Dr. Mike Camarata), of Nederland Colorado; and her grandson, Devin Valen. Joyce was the eldest of five sisters, Joanne Wormsbacher of Colorado Springs, Sandy Young (Don) of Manalapan NJ and Jeri Denniston (Don) of Kempner, Texas. She has nine nieces and nephews: Deborah Wormsbacher, Nadine Wormsbacher, James Wormsbacher, Kevin Young, Kimberly Young, Chuck Droudes, John Droudes, Nicholas Denniston and Barbra Denniston. She is predeceased by sister Barbara Droudes of Milwaukee, as well as both of her parents. Ms. Valen was married to William B. Valen for 27 years and travelled extensively as an Army wife. She was an active volunteer, welcoming newcomers to each base and always ready to help others. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, she opened her home and served dinner to those unable to travel home to be with their families. She enjoyed learning the local culture, recipes and customs in each new location. She perfected her already-fluent German in Germany, visited Eskimo villages in Alaska, explored Asian countries and cuisine, and swam in the crystal clear ocean in Hawaii. Later, she worked at the Auburn University Alumni Office, then the Nederland Chiropractic Clinic. This long time Auburn resident enjoyed lengthy visits with her daughters, but always returned to Auburn. She was a loving and devoted mother, a faithful friend, and her grandsons biggest fan. Strong-willed and outspoken, she could often be quite feistybut was always the first person to help a friend (or stranger) in need. She studied reflexology, alternative medicine and natural healing. Her Christian faith was strong, and she made tithing and charitable giving a priority. She will be truly missed. A memorial service will be at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Opelika, Alabama on Sunday April 27 at 2 pm. The service will be followed by an informal gathering to share memories of this special woman.