Thelma Grace Valker

1924 - 2013

IN-MEMORIAM THELMA GRACE VALKER Age 89, who was known to the many who loved her as "Tea," died peacefully in her sleep on November 30th, 2013. She was born on February 18, 1924 in Bottineau County, N.D., and eventually settled and spent nearly 60 years in Riverside, Ca. She had a passion for teaching. After putting herself through college by working a variety of jobs, she fulfilled that dream. She taught non-commissioned officers early on in her career and later became an elementary school teacher. She taught first and second graders at Liberty, Longfellow and Washington elementary schools. After retirement, she had a small bakery business where she made the most amazing cookies and cinnamon rolls. She was affectionately known to many as the "cookie lady." Tea had many things that were special to her and held great importance. Her family and pets, peaceful times spent at Laguna Beach with her kids and their friends, the spur of the moment trips to Las Vegas with Paul and teaching her daughters and granddaughters how to bake. She never met a stranger, and was always willing to lend a hand. Tea is survived by her three daughters, Sandra Valker, Julie Valker (Breck) and Carol Valker, all of Riverside, Ca. and her granddaughters, Carly Garton (Trevor), of San Bernardino, Ca. and Julie L. Valker, of Riverside, Ca. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Fern Hill, of Westhope, N.D., her only son, Billy, of Riverside, Ca, and her long-time companion, Paul Thomas, of Riverside, Ca. Private services and burial were held at Olivewood Cemetery in Riverside, on December 5th, 2013. Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to Chapman Hospice and the entire staff for their support and compassion in Mom's final days.