Valarie L Gilligan, 69, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, at her home.

She was born July 17, 1956, in Alton, to Bert and Wilma (Barnard) Chappee.

Valarie graduated from Carrollton High School in 1974. She worked for several different banks as a teller in Springfield IL over her lifetime. She loved having a good time, and was always the life of the party. You never knew what she'd say or do next.

Fishing, camping, being outside and grilling were some of her favorite things. She was a huge supporter of the APL in Springfield. She had a best friend that lived next door to her, she considered her a bonus daughter, Joni Schwab.

She is survived her daughter, Jessie Bell (husband, Jason Bell Sr.); 3 grandchildren, Jason Bell Jr. (wife, Kaitlin) of Newnan, Georgia, Jacob Bell (husband, Wes) of Missouri and Abagail Bell of Carrollton; 1 great-granddaughter, Raylynn Jayne Bell; a sister, Linda Tapen (husband, David) of Missouri; a nephew, Michael Tapen of Missouri; and a brother-in-law, Den Roos.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Wilma Chappee; and a sister, Janet Roos.

Cremation rites will be accorded and no services are planned.