Obituary
Valerie Lucille Thomas was born to Everett Edward and Thelma Lucille (Shultz) Thomas on February 16, 1931 in Snoqualmie, Washington. She was the second child born into this family, her siblings were Charles Everett Thomas, Gwyneth Ione (Thomas) Genson, and Jay Edward Thomas. She grew up in Camp 15, Tolt (now Carnation), and North Bend, Washington. She attended school in North Bend. After graduating from Mt. Si High School, she eventually moved to Seattle with some girlfriends. She was a clerk at the Kress Store. She met Gene Grant Thomas, and started dating, and married on July 25, 1953, in Snoqualmie, Washington. She wore a beautiful long silk veil that belonged to a family member. Many women in the family wore this veil, including her daughter, Kathy Lee (Thomas) Hurd.
Gene and Val eventually moved to Portland, Oregon, where Gene worked for the Oregon Air National Guard, and Val became a housewife. They were blessed with two children, Kathy Lee Thomas, and Michael Gene Thomas. In about 1965, they purchased their second home in Portland. Finally in 1974 Gene’s dream of owning a home with some acreage was realized and Gene, Val, and Mike moved to Sandy, Oregon where they remained until 2021. Valerie was extremely creative and was always busy doing the things she loved. This included knitting about 75 afghans for family and friends, crocheting, quilting, doll making, doll collecting, sewing clothes for her family, including Kathy’s wedding gown, crewel embroidery, embroidery, gardening, canning, reading, and enjoying indulging her three grandchildren.
Those who died before Valerie are her husband of 67 years, Gene Thomas, her son, Michael Thomas, her sister Gwyneth and her husband, Al Genson, and her youngest brother, Jay Thomas.
Survivors include her oldest brother Charles Thomas, spouse of Pat Thomas. Daughter Kathy Hurd, spouse of Scott Hurd, grandchildren Brian Thomas, spouse to Amanda Thomas, Sheridan Hurd, spouse of Jackie Feller, Emily McMillin spouse of Jacob McMillin. Great grandchildren are Abby Thomas, Everett Thomas, Miriam McMillin, and Edith McMillin.
Valerie will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery, next to Gene. Her memorial will take place at Sandy Funeral Home, in Sandy, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Association; https://www.alz.org/