Vallie Tew Obituary

Vallie Strickland Tew

1948-2025

Vallie Strickland Tew passed away under the amazing care of Ohio's Hospice LifeCare on March 9, 2025. She is survived by her fiercely loving husband of 56 years, James E. Tew and her three headstrong daughters, Lydia, Robyn, and Erin. Over the years she amassed several sons-in-law, James E. Makofsky (Lydia), Douglas E. Laditka (Robyn), Dylan A. Ulis (Erin) and a slew of feisty grandkids, Riley and Rosalyn Makofsky, William and Anna Laditka, and Chase and Carter Ulis.

She was born in Dothan, Alabama in 1948, to Eugene and Jimmie Strickland. Vallie attended Dothan High School before studying English at Troy State University. She went on to be a long-time teacher at the Wayne County Schools Career Center. She took great pride in her career and formed several lifelong friendships during her time there. Vallie thoroughly enjoyed working with her students. There were never any leftovers in the Tew household because she always took them in to "feed her boys" at school.

Vallie met James, "Jimmy" in junior high in her hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Eight years later they married on August 16, 1969. They relocated to Wooster, Ohio in 1978. She was an active participant in the community, assisting in the nursery at the First Presbyterian Church, serving on the Oktoberfest committee and the Board of Building and Zoning Appeals.

She retained her Southern sense of hospitality and poise. However, to those who were in her select inner circle, she revealed a biting wit and a wicked sense of humor.

Vallie Strickland Tew was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Strickland; her mother, Jimmie Strickland; her brother, James Harris, Sr.; and her niece, Samantha Swiger. She is survived by her husband, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, who will never forget that she made it a point to be at all of their important events, spoiled them beyond belief, and loved them unconditionally.

Vallie's family would like to thank Amy, Carol, Kendra, and Marissa of Home Instead, Donna Smith, and all the Hospice aids for providing the amazing care that allowed her to remain at home until her journey's end.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 5-7pm at First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave, Wooster. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11am also at First Presbyterian Church. A lunch reception will immediately follow the service. All are welcome.

Donations can be made to Ohio's Hospice LifeCare at 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/#donatetoday.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.