"Planting a seed is an act of hope, a reminder that even in death, there is the potential for new life".

March 10, 2026, a brisk sunny morning, Valerie Jane Vandetta Aldridge departed her earthly home to seek eternal peace and be reunited with both her heavenly father and her earthly father.

Valerie was born October 8, 1955, to James and Betty Walls Vandetta. Her family roots were firmly planted in Monongah, WV where she raised her four children, Amie, Stephanie, Adam, and Justin with her loving husband, James Aldridge. They were so blessed and thankful to have her as a full time stay at home mom, cook, chauffeur, confidant, cheerleader, critic, homework helper......The list is endless.

Valerie loved the beach, flowers, gardening, chasing lighthouses, Tom Petty, and all animals. She had a knack for decorating and amassed a large collection of souvenir spoons. She had made a room in our house, dubbed the beach room where she showed off her plethora of lighthouses and other beach decor.

Valerie was a special person. She was kind, soft-spoken and good-hearted. She had an old soul and took pride in being a caretaker to others. Even in her last days, she was most remorseful for the grief that her passing would cause to her loved ones that she was leaving behind.

Valerie is survived by her husband, James Aldridge; mother, Betty Vandetta; daughter, Amie Carr; daughter, Stephanie Kirk and husband Joseph; son, Adam Aldridge and his partner Angie Lafferty; son, Justin Aldridge and his partner Serena Earl; grandchildren Patrick Carr, Michael Tuttle III "Tre", Gabriel Carr, Jameson Vanscoy and Sonora Aldridge; great grandson, Luca Carr; brother Greg Vandetta and his wife Debbie. Valerie also leaves behind her dear lifelong friend, Connie Warash, and her beloved pets, Darby, Leo, and Boo.

Valerie was preceded in death by her father, James Vandetta; grandson, Noah Carr; grandparents Merle and Lydia Walls; grandparents Felix and Agnes Vandetta and many aunts, uncles and other relatives. Waiting for her with coffee and a bushel of peaches in hand, is close friend, Bertha Wilson.

In following the wishes of the departed, Valerie will be cremated, with Domico Funeral Home handling her affairs. The family will receive friends at Cross of Christ Community Church, 1 S. Smith Street in Monongah, on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Services will be held at 10 AM Thursday, March 12 with Bill Preston officiating at Cross of Christ Community Church, Smith Street Monongah. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Valerie's memory, donations may be made to St Jude's Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.