Valerie E. Furlow

She was born Aug. 16, 1937, in Jamestown, a daughter of the late Conrad and Pauline Davenport Coleson.

A 1957 graduate of Southwestern Central School, she worked as a notary and performed clerical duties for North East Auto, but dedicated much of her life to caring for her home, family, and animals.

Valerie shared 66 years with her husband, Ronald “Skip” Furlow, whom she married on November 21, 1959. Together they built a loving home with their three boys, while Valerie faithfully supported her husband in his business ventures and throughout his racing career.

Val had a rare gift for creating a home in every sense of the word–through beautiful spaces, welcoming meals, and an atmosphere marked by warmth and care. Beneath her gentleness was remarkable strength, grit, and a tireless dedication to the people she loved.

In her spare times, she enjoyed golf, landscaping, playing games, and caring for their animals.

Val will be remembered for the way she made people feel known and welcome – a legacy that lives on through her family.

Surviving are her husband, Ronald “Skip” Furlow, three sons; Chris (Kim) Furlow of Stedman, Dennis (Cindy) Furlow of Blockville, and Tim (Robin) Furlow of Ripley; eight grandchildren; Brandon (Nicki) Furlow of Los Angeles, CA, Casey McGaffick of Blockville, Lindsay Furlow of Westfield, Marcey (Phil) Larson of Albuquerque, NM, Stacy (Freddie) Ibrahim of Los Angeles, CA, Travis (Stephanie) Furlow of Conneaut, Ohio, Danielle Furlow of Ripley, Tyler (Abegail) Furlow of Ellery Center; 12 great grandchildren; and siblings, Conrad “Sandy” Coleson of Lakewood, David Coleson of West Ellicott, Kathy Coleson of West Ellicott, and Charles (Wendy) Coleson of Westfield.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Candace Crocker.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm Saturday, Jan. 24 at Lind Funeral Home, where friends will be received from 11 am to 1 pm. Burial will take place in Blockville Cemetery. A dinner will be provided following at the Panama Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Chautauqua County Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

You may leave words of condolence at lindfuneralhome.com.