Valerie Meeker

Valerie Meeker, of 6066 Cold Springs Rd., Trumansburg, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 18, 2008 at the age of 52.

Born in Ithaca on January 4, 1956, Valerie was the daughter of Jim Simmons of Trumansburg and Marian Beardslee of Big Sandy, Tennessee. From an early age Valerie was drawn to nature and had a heartfelt appreciation for the beauty that nature exhibits through plants and animals. Valerie's beautiful flower gardens welcomed family and visitors as they approached her country home. She was also a great cook, an amazing baker, and she loved to entertain her family. Valerie's focal point in life was her three girls, her husband, and her animals, especially her little dog "Jack". She was also a top-notch seamstress whom the family often turned to for mending and alterations.

Valerie's concern for others benefited co-workers and students at the Dewitt Middle School in Ithaca as well. She was a warm presence in the guidance office for nearly 20 years. Both at work and at home, Valerie instilled a feeling of "things will be okay". Memories of Valerie's caring eyes and warm laugh will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Valerie is survived by her husband, of 31 years, James A. Meeker of Trumansburg; three daughters, Kristen Meeker Robertson (John) of Trumansburg, Sarah L. Meeker of Philadelphia, PA and Amy L. Meeker of New Fairfield, CT; father, James Simmons (Judy) of Trumansburg and Ft. Myers, FL; mother, Marian Beardslee (Hop Atcheson) of Big Sandy, TN; brother, James Simmons, Jr. (Kelly) of Newark Valley; three sisters, Vicki Campbell of Noblesville, IN, Kim Gatch (Paul) of Newfield and Bonnie Ragsdale (Mike) of Ashburn, VA; step-sister, Debbie Kippola (Rich) of Trumansburg; mother-in-law, Bernita Meeker of Trumansburg; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Alva of Rochester and Janice Meeker Guthrie of Trumansburg, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 1:00 pm at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, corner of South St. and Main St. Prayers of Committal will follow at Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg.

The family asks those considering a contribution in Valerie's memory to kindly consider the Trumansburg Ambulance Fund, and/or the Trumansburg Fire Department P.O. Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886; or the Valerie Meeker Scholarship Fund c/o Tompkins Trust Company, PO Box 702, Trumansburg, NY 14886.