Valerie LaVada Switzer

Valerie LaVada Switzer, 79, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on September 24, 2025. She was born in Denver, Colorado, to Kenneth and Phyllis Steinmetz and grew up alongside her siblings, Verdeen and Vanessa. Valerie graduated from South High School and continued her education at Colorado State University, proudly earning an Associate’s Degree in Business.

Valerie began her career with the Colorado Education Association and later worked at KOA, where she met the love of her life, John Switzer. They married in 1969 and built a beautiful life together. Professionally, she contributed her skills at Medema Homes and DDB Needham in advertising and also supported the Denver Silent Film Festival. Ultimately, Valerie fulfilled her dream of entrepreneurship by founding VS Marketing Communications, her own public relations firm. She was admired for her creativity, vision, and tireless work ethic.

Family was at the heart of Valerie’s world. She and John were blessed with two children, Jarad and Justin, and later with three grandchildren who became her greatest joy. Valerie loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, daughter, and friend. Her passions included traveling—whether her routine trips to Aspen and Santa Fe, sailing the Bahamas with dear friends, or exploring Europe and Japan. A devoted patron of the arts, she especially loved classical music and was a faithful supporter of the Colorado Symphony.

Valerie will be remembered as a kind-hearted and generous soul, a devoted friend, and a loving matriarch whose compassion and warmth touched all who knew her. Her quick wit, feisty spirit, and deep love for family and friends will remain her enduring legacy.

Valerie is survived by her children, Jarad (Katie) Switzer and Justin Switzer; her sister, Verdeen Steinmetz; and her grandchildren, Jaxson, Jace, and Kyler Switzer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Switzer; her parents, Kenneth and Phyllis Steinmetz; and her siblings, Douglas Steinmetz and Vanessa von Steinmetz.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Valerie’s memory to the Salvation Army, the Wounded Warrior Project, or The Wildlife Sanctuary. Service details will be shared here as they become available.

A memorial service will be held  at 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 8545 East Dry Creek Road, Centennial, CO, 80112

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