Valerie Ruth Jones, 80, of Lincoln, passed away May 26, 2022. She was born on November 26, 1941 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Melvin and Frances (Wright) Hitch.Valerie was a member of the Wicked Eight, a group of best friends since graduating LNE in 1961: Kathi Vontz, JoAnn Dormer, Janet Grabenstein, Sue Hoppe, Tonda Westmoreland, and Marcia Gelinne. After raising two children as a stay-at-home mom, Valerie went back to school, graduating from both the Lincoln School of Commerce and Southeast Community College. Her remarkable painting talent remained a treasured hobby throughout her life.Valrsquo s love of animals led to a long line of cherished pets, Cuddles, Teddy, Abby, Katie, Bear, Odie, Benny, Lucky and her beloved granddogs, Jax, Max, Leila, Junior, Indy, Bella, Rogue and Pickle.From as early as grade school, when she survived Polio and missed a whole year of school, to beating breast cancer in 1980, to later bone cancer, and even a bout of covid, Valerie remained strong and fought back. She was delighted to plan her 80 birthday party last November, and had a great celebration with family and friends.She is survived by her daughter, Christina (Patrick) Gardner, son, David (Sarah Dale) Jones, all of Lincolngrandchildren, Caty (David) Driewer, Bailey (Andrew) Lehman, Ashley Jones and fianceacuteChris Ault, Harmony Jones and fianceacuteClint Vogt, Ellie Piersol, Jakob Jones, Ryan Jonesgreat grandchildren, Emelia Ault, Elijah Aultsister Cheryl (Richard) Way and nieces and nephewsand numerous cousins.ceded in death by her parents and brother, Stewart Hitch. Memorial Service 10:30 am Friday, June 3, 2022 at Metcalf Funeral Home Chapel, 245 N. 27 Street, Lincoln, NE Memorials to the Capital Humane Society, 2320 Park Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502
