Alberta May Vallero

1930 - 2020

KNOXVILLE - Alberta May Vallero, 89, Knoxville, was eternally reunited with the love of her life, Joe, during the early hours of Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020.

She was born Aug. 15, 1930, in Abingdon, to Cecil and Hazel (Lane) Kilpatrick. Alberta wed her soulmate, Joseph "Joe" Vallero, in Galesburg on July 20, 1979. After 37 years of love and companionship, Joe preceded her in death March 24, 2017.

Alberta is survived by her children, Elmer "Jake" Gilbert and Priscilla "Sue" (Rod) Combs, both of Galesburg; two stepsons, Greg (Vickie) Vallero of Galesburg and Kevin (Joanie) Vallero of Andalusia; and two sisters, Lois (Bob) West of Galesburg and Ida Johnson of Dixon. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Craig Daniels, Carrie (Tyson) Walters, Adam (Gretchen) Gilbert, Shane (Ann) Gilbert, Chastity Martin, Amy Daniels, Seth Gilbert, Cheredith (Jeremy) Nelson and Cierra Gilbert; five stepgrandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe Vallero; one son, Marvin Ray Gilbert; two brothers, Johnny and Kenneth Kilpatrick; and two sisters, Shirley Whiteside and Doris Admire.

Alberta was raised and educated in Abingdon, graduating from Abingdon High School in 1948. She later attended and graduated from Galesburg Beauty School in 1960. Alberta was a talented beautician and worked in several beauty salons in Galesburg until her retirement in 1997. After retiring, she and Joe moved to Sun City, Arizona. They loved their home with a yard full of lemon, orange and grapefruit trees. Friends and family would not be surprised to receive a care package full of fruit from Joe and Alberta. She and Joe enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and setting sail on numerous cruise lines throughout the years. Alberta will be fondly remembered for her "Grandma's Tacos."

She was a member of the National Cosmetologist Association and was baptized in Lutheran faith.

Alberta's family would especially like to thank all at the Knoxville Courtyard Estates and Hospice Compassus for their wonderful care and support. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Cremation will be accorded. Private family services will be held at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be held at a later date at the Abingdon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Guardian Angel Humane Society, P.O. Box 94, Galesburg or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.