Mercedes Rosalee (Valeika) Luna, 21, passed away Friday, May 7, 2021, from injuries suffered in a tragic car accident. Born in Springfield, Mo, on June 9, 1999, to Tom & Cheryl Valeika. Mercedes graduated from Fordland High School in 2017. She earned her Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) from OTC and was to graduate Friday, May 14th from Drury University with her Bachelors degree in Teaching. She was currently student teaching at Logan-Rogersville Elementary and was planning to accept a position at the Seymour Elementary School.

Mercedes married Joshua Luna on August 1, 2020 at the Water Mill Church of Christ, and from that day began to mould Josh into the man that God intended him to be with her generous use of love and kindness. Mercedes grew up in the Fordland Church of Christ and placed her membership with Joshua at the Water Mill congregation where they were active in the College/Career/Young Married group hosting Bible studies and fellowship nights. Together they enjoyed teaching Bible classes, helping with Parents Night Out & Youth Group activities, and Counseling and Lifeguarding at Happy Hollow Bible Camp.

Along with Joshua, Mercedes is survived by her parents Tom & Cheryl Valeika; her brother Thadd Valeika and his wife, Alaina; her sister and best friend Arial Valeika; her father and mother-in-law Jason & Lora Luna; her sister-in-law, Anna Luna; her niece, Kora, whom she was eagerly waiting to meet; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and brothers & sisters in Christ.

Mercedes’ life was spent in service to the Lord, her family, friends, camp, church, and community. She was a glorious light everywhere she went. Her big, beautiful smile and joyous laugh brightened every room and warmed every heart. Her love for children led her pursuit to teach in Bible classes at church as well as in the public school system. She filled her parent’s hearts with pride and joy, and was the middle child with her siblings whom she adored. She was the answer to many prayers for a Christian wife for Joshua whom she loved and devoted herself to fiercely. She was also an organ donor. Helping others even in death. She lives currently both in the memories of those she has touched, and in that place where God and man exist together in harmony and love.

A memorial service is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Water Mill Church of Christ located at 3020 N. Barnes Springfield, Mo. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund has been set up at Central Bank – Memorial of Mercedes Luna.

The Water Mill Church will be live streaming the service on Saturday, May 15^th at 10:00 a.m.  https://youtu.be/85oaqG1fQ54