| Honored by: | Mike and Meredith Parsons |
| Brick location: | K:9 map |
VaLinda was born to Shirley and Fred Henze and grew up on the family farm with her sister Verlene near Dike, Iowa. During school, along with being a top student, she was a wonderful singer and was the lead in her high school production of Annie Get Your Gun. She went on to attend Iowa State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in home economics journalism. Later ,she married her college sweetheart, Mike Parsons, and had a daughter, Meredith.
VaLinda worked as a feature writer for The Ottumwa Courier and a home economist for the Florida Poultry Federation (in Tampa), and later earned her associate’s degree in dental hygiene (in Minneapolis). After moving back to Iowa, VaLinda settled in Ames with her family.
Currently, VaLinda strives to share what she can with her community. With the Story County Dental Task Force, she helped start a dental clinic for low-income residents to provide services for those in the community that previously had no access to dental care. She also visits preschools and elementary schools to educate children about oral health, besides working in private practice.
Even more amazing is the work she does for her family at home. She is the foundation of her household, a loving mother to her daughter and a devoted wife. She finds joy in the small things such as reading books, walking outdoors, playing with her cat, drinking coffee, and finding clearance sales. Her family and friends love her unconditionally. VaLinda is a role model forever and a true heroine.
Submitted on 5/18/05