Valerie Sue Gill, 80, of Minford, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
Born on January 4, 1945, in New Boston, Ohio, to Archie and Marcella (Shearer) Swearingen, Valerie lived a life filled with kindness, creativity, and service to others. She dedicated her time and talents to her community—helping at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen and Pantry, singing joyfully in the church choir, and lending a hand with Habitat for Humanity and the Ladies Guild.
Valerie was a gifted craftswoman whose hands were rarely still. She loved sewing and crocheting, often creating beautiful keepsake wood crosses that she shared as heartfelt gifts—many lovingly turned into necklaces. Her kitchen was another place of joy, where she cooked delicious meals and filled every gathering with warmth. A lover of nature, she found peace while camping and had a special fondness for collecting honeybees.
She retired from Big Bear after many years of dedicated service as Head Clerk in the Sweet Shoppe, where she was known for her cheerful spirit and hardworking nature.
Valerie’s legacy of love continues through her daughter, Christina Shaw, and her husband, Homer, of Oak Hill; her beloved companion, Kevin Rase of Minford; her brother, Steven Swearingen, and his wife, Pat, of Louisville, KY; daughter- in- law, Donna Gill; and her nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She is reunited in Heaven with her parents, Archie and Marcella.
Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John Gill in 2014, and sons Jeffrey and Brian Gill.
Valerie’s life was a testament to faith, compassion, and joy. She touched every heart she met and leaves behind a lasting example of what it means to love deeply and serve selflessly.
Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11:30 AM, by Father Stephen Smith. Visitation will be from 10:30- 11:30 AM at the church, under the direction of D.W. Swick Funeral Home in Sciotoville.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at DWSwickFuneralHome.com