Thelma Elaine (Hoffman) Valentine, 82, of Springville, passed from this life and into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 30, 2025. From the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her devoted husband and loving children, Thelma completed a life marked by faith, humor, service, and steadfast love.
Born January 3, 1943, in Brazil, Indiana, Thelma spent her early years in Clay County, where she learned quickly how to keep up with her rambunctious brothers—a skill that would serve her well throughout her life. She attended Staunton High School as a member of the Class of 1961, where she was one of twelve young women affectionately known as “The Dirty Dozen.” If there were shenanigans afoot, you could be sure the Dirty Dozen had the inside scoop.
On May 19, 1962, Thelma married the love of her life, Larry Valentine, at Staunton Christian Church. Their marriage of 63 years was one of deep devotion, shared faith, and unwavering partnership. They began their life together in Clay County, where Thelma worked at Columbia Records in Terre Haute, before establishing roots in Lawrence County. In 1968, they built their family home together on Washboard Road—a place that became the heart of their family’s story.
That story was enriched by countless road trips taken with their children, traveling to places many only hear about in history books. After their children were grown, Thelma and Larry delighted in taking some of their grandchildren on trips to Pigeon Forge, Meramec Caverns, Niagara Falls, and Myrtle Beach. Thelma never missed an opportunity to feed the ducks behind the Landmark Inn or the seagulls along the Carolina coastline—small moments that became treasured memories.
Thelma devoted her early years to raising her children as a stay-at-home mother before answering a calling to serve at Needmore Elementary School. She first contributed through the PTO and the BAT program, later becoming a Title I reading aide. In that role, she taught countless children to read, taking great joy in knowing she was making a lasting difference in young lives. Thelma also served as the Marshall Township Assessor for a time. Ever committed to excellence, Thelma dedicated the remainder of her career to serving as the school secretary. Wanting to be the very best she could be, she continued building her skills through coursework at Oakland City University in Bedford. Proficient in shorthand, typing, and keeping the many inner workings of the office moving seamlessly, Thelma became indispensable. Her granddaughter Kayla especially cherished the time spent helping her Mammy at school—filing papers, making copies, sorting supplies and books, and assisting with annual student registration. Thelma retired from Needmore Elementary School in 2004, leaving behind a school community forever shaped by her steady presence, warm spirit, and tireless willingness to serve wherever she was needed. Her closest colleagues—who quickly became dear friends—affectionately called her “Elmo,” a wordplay on her name. And while it began in humor, the fuzzy red character’s personality suited her well. For as remarkable as her professional skills were, her ability to make others laugh was just as memorable. Thelma was silly, jovial, and a prankster at heart. If she saw an opportunity to bring joy into someone’s day, she took it.
Of all the titles Thelma held throughout her life, none was more distinguished than “Mammy.” For the first eleven years in that role, she perfected her craft with her first two grandchildren, and by the time six more followed, she had become a true expert in grandmothering. She spent countless hours as babysitter, chauffeur, cheerleader, mentor, friend, and keeper of faith. Her love was steady and unconditional, often expressed through a gentle hand on the back—sometimes a soft, comforting scratch, other times a playful tickle up the spine. She filled many moments with song, singing catchy tunes like “Marezy Doats” and “A Bushel and a Peck,” the words of which still echo in the memories she made. Thelma was a faithful member of the Judah Church of Christ, where she lived out her faith through service. She cooked meals, visited shut-ins, and encouraged others in worship with her beautiful contralto melodies. Above all, she lived her life in such a way that people knew she was a follower of Jesus—not by words alone, but by the way she loved, served, and remained steadfast. Kind, generous, thoughtful, compassionate, loyal, and an admirable caregiver, Thelma’s character was perhaps most clearly seen in how she cared for others. When her own mother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, Thelma never wavered in her love, dedication, or devotion. The steady presence she offered so freely to others became the very thing returned to her tenfold at the end of her life.
On March 7, 2014, Thelma experienced a medical event that changed the course of the next twelve years. A grim prognosis from doctors was met with prayer warriors storming the gates of Heaven. Hour by hour, miracle upon miracle, her husband and family fought alongside her as she worked to regain independence and lost skills. Thelma’s first word spoken in the hospital after her stroke was “Home.” From that moment forward, Larry made it his mission—no matter the cost—to bring her home. By the grace of God alone, he was able to do just that. Larry was a caregiver to “the most beautiful lady in the world” for nearly 12 years, and when Thelma’s mission was complete, Larry was given the honor of walking his bride down the aisle once again—this time to her Eternal Home. The fingerprints of God were evident throughout Thelma’s story, and all glory is given to Him for the testimony lived and witnessed through her life.
Thelma is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Larry Valentine; daughters Jennifer (Daniel) Bartlett of Springville and Jill (Scott) Teter of Boonville; son James (Guyanne) Valentine of Citrus Heights, California; grandchildren Kayla Umphress-Hoffman, Kevin (Heather) Umphress, Keri (Jacob) Boren, Hailey Valentine, Nathaniel (Gabby) Bartlett, Ashton Valentine, Emily Bartlett, and Eli (Hannah) Valentine; great grandchildren Logan, Juddson, and Bradleigh Umphress, and Vincent and Lorien Hoffman (their father JR); brother Ronald Hoffman of Texas; sister-in-law Rena Valentine; and dozens of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, James Harvey Hoffman and Bertha Belle (Grimes) Hoffman; her stepfather, Lee Porter; her brothers Rex and Lawrence; a few grandbabies that never made it earthside; several extended family members and in-laws; and special friends who became family within the body of Christ.
The family would like to thank everyone involved in helping Thelma receive excellent care over the past twelve years. Thanks especially to Southern Care Hospice for partnering with our family so we could allow Thelma to live out her final days in the comfort of her own home. Out of fear of missing any of you, please know that we remember you all and thank you for the countless time, energy, resources, and love you have shown our family. Our prayer is that our God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary. The funeral service will take place on Thelma’s 83rd birthday, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Judah Church of Christ, with visitation there from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Clear Run Cemetery in Bridgeton, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Avoca Park and Recreation Office, P.O. Box 12, Avoca, IN 47420, or donating books to your local Little Free Library in Thelma’s memory. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
