It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Valerie D. Tilden, 79, who passed away unexpectedly early Saturday, December 7, 2024, at North Kansas City Hospital. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend and will be greatly missed.
Born on May 9, 1945, in Columbia, Missouri, to Thurman and Laura Mathis, Valerie was the fifth of seven children. She was raised in Moberly, Missouri, and graduated from Moberly High School in 1963.
She met the love of her life, Walter, on a blind date, and the moment he saw her, he declared, “I’m going to marry that girl.” True to his word, they were married on May 6, 1967. Together, they built a beautiful life in Kansas City, Kansas, and over the next seven years, they welcomed three children: Richard, Deborah and Michael. Saturday mornings became their special weekly date, filled with breakfast and grocery shopping, a tradition they cherished even more as their children grew older. Walter lovingly called her "Sugar," a name so natural that many assumed it was her given name, as he never called her anything else. One of their shared joys was ordering her dream car—a Monte Carlo Super Sport—customized with every detail she wanted. They also made it a tradition to attend a pre-season Chiefs game every year, sharing their love for football and time together. Sadly, their marriage was cut short when Walter passed away in 1990 at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that Valerie carried with her for the rest of her life.
Out of high school, Valerie worked as a bookkeeper. After the passing of Walt, she worked at Blockbuster, where she became a store manager in KCK. She was an avid reader, loved her crossword puzzles, and she enjoyed various crafts, including yarn crafting, hook rugs and diamond paintings.
In addition to her husband, Valerie was preceded in death by her sisters, Rita Hines and Maurine Kroll, and her brother, Wayne Mathis.
She is survived by her children: Richard Tilden (Jamie), Deborah Tilden, and Michael Tilden (Elizabeth); five grandchildren, Amanda Tilden-Hensley (Tanner), Lesa Holgerson (Levi), Selah Tilden, Adam Tilden, and Kira Tilden; two sisters: Sandra Downing and Ibia Davidson; and her brother, DeWayne Mathis.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 am, with Visitation at 10:00 am at Porter Funeral Home, 1835 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, Kansas. A graveside service will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.