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, and 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 are Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 5-7pm at First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave, Wooster and the funeral service is 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, Ohio 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.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Vallie was an amazing person and I am so glad our paths crossed.
May God wrap his arms around you all and help you through this difficult time
My sympathies to the family.
Jim and I send our sympathy at your loss of Vallie. Such a refreshing, witty and absolutely genuine person she was! I always loved talking with her and know how dearly you must all miss her. We’ll pray for the peace and comfort of your family.
Marilyn Dittoe
Jim
So sorry for your loss of Vallie. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Jim & family…..Our sincere condolences to you! We have always enjoyed the times our paths have crossed. May God give you His peace.
Vallie was a treasured colleague – a gracious personality that endeared her to everyone!!
Dear Jim and Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Vallie’s passing. She was not only a cherished client but also a dear friend, and I will forever treasure the time we spent together. Our monthly visits were filled with stories, and heartfelt conversations about family, friends, and the moments that made life special. She reminded me so much of my own mother, and the warmth, grace, and love she carried will always stay with me. I will miss her dearly but feel so grateful to have known her. Please know my heart is with you during this difficult time. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead. My deepest sympathy 💐
To know her was to love her. She always brought a smile in our staff room. Comfort to her family.
Dear Jim, Lydia, Robyn and Erin:
I am so sad to learn of the passing of Vallie. Our deepest condolences go out to you all.
Vallie was always a blessed friend and she and Linda Denman and I share many moments of laughter and making memories together at the Wayne County Career Center. She was such a wise and inspirational woman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Dear Jim and family:
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Vallie. She was such a great friend to me. Vallie, Linda Denman and myself shared so many hours of laughing and working together at the Wayne County Schools Career center. I will forever cherish the memories we had professionally working together and laughing at all our daily endeavors.
Vallie was a great friend that was so wonderful at providing words of wisdom and care to all she encountered.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With sympathy,
Much love to the family!
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
A dynamic duo. At conferences she was always keeping him on schedule in the gentlest of ways
Dear Jim and girls,
We were sad to read of Vallie’s passing. She was a sweet, beautiful woman and we appreciated knowing her through First Presbyterian. There was a calmness about Vallie that I think of as I remember her. She raised three good women (like their mom). Our prayers are there for you, supporting you as you deal with this loss.
Fondly,
Linda and Dave Bush
I was really saddened to hear the news that Vallie had passed. We, and you,were friends in highschool, and Troy. My condolences to you and your family.
James (Jimmy) Edward Tew, jr.
I was a friend of Vallie’s for years, but not in her inner circle of friends. When we were together at gatherings she was always joking around making others laugh. Her sense of humor was great! Also, she was so kind to me when we lost our daughter. That southern hospitality came shining through when she brought a meal to our family right after our daughter’s service. That touched me deeply, and my family appreciated that thoughtful gesture. That will never be forgotten in my heart, as well as, Vallie will live on in many hearts that she touched. I am so sorry that your family has to journey through this sad time.
Dear Mr. Jim Tew and Family,
We are very sorry to hear about Mrs. Vallie’s passing. From all of your friends/fellow beekeepers within Ohio State Beekeepers Association and throughout the State of Ohio, we offer our condolences to you and the family. Everyone will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ohio State Beekeepers Assoc.
President ~ Jamie Walters