Valerie Delong
On November 12, 2024, Valerie departed this world for the perfect one. Though we are sad that she won’t be here to fix things when they break, or here for us when we need help, we rejoice that she is pain free after battling cancer for over 4 years. We know she is in the embrace of The Lord and reunited with loved ones in Heaven.
She was born March 26, 1960, to Ron and Sondra Sue (Fisher) Berry. She spent the first 7 years of her life locally until the family moved to Illinois as Ron pursued higher education. They returned home in 1971, and she graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1978.
Shortly after high school she moved to Ravenna where she worked in hotel services. A few years later she relocated to Indiana where she worked in administrative positions and made many friends. Later she returned home to Tuscarawas County once again. There she met a good man, Steve, and they decided to get married. They moved into a historical house in Uhrichsville and Valerie set to work making it a lovely home.
She took care of their two small businesses, the Trenton Avenue Carwash and Claymont Laundromat. She was active in the church they founded, Grace Baptist Church, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and served as Treasurer. She was known for always being a call away for anyone in need – she would drop whatever she was doing to help out. Whether it was driving someone to Cleveland Clinic, babysitting, or arranging proper care for an elderly relative, Valerie could always be counted on to jump in and make sure the job was done right.
She loved beach vacations, hosting holidays, and her favorite TV shows. She was a good listener and always rooted for the underdog…and Notre Dame.
She leaves behind her husband, Steve, and the crew affectionately known as “The Kids” – David (Angie), Bill (Nicole), Brenon, Scott (Lindsay), and Kari. Then there are “The Grandkids” – Lane, with whom she was very close, Noah, Madi, Kaylee, Zoe, and Scarlett. She will also be missed by her mother, her sister Alicia (Chris) Triplett, nephew, aunt and uncle, and many cousins and friends.
Cancer stole much from her during the last few years of her life, but it also gave her a perspective that only those who experience it can understand. When asked what she wanted people to know, she said, “Don’t be sad for me when I’m gone. Be happy that I’m not in pain anymore. Be there for each other.” She was tough and she didn’t complain about her illness even though there was much to complain about.
The family wishes to thank Aultman Hospital, Union Hospital, and New Dawn for the care they provided throughout Valerie’s journey. We couldn’t have done this without them.
A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Uhrich – Hostettler English Funeral Home
634 N. Water St.
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Tel: 1-740-922-3153
Fax: 1-740-922-1002
www.uhefh.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Valerie S. (Berry) Delong, please visit our floral store.