In Loving Memory of Valerie Gay Smith-Fietkau
February 15, 1970 – May 11, 2025

There are rare souls who walk this earth not to take, but to give—pouring out the fullness of their hearts until the cups of others overflow. Valerie Gay Smith-Fietkau was one of those souls.

Born on February 15, 1970, in Springdale, Arkansas, to Michael Warren Smith and Charlene Gail Osterman-Smith, Valerie's journey would be defined not by ease, but by a fierce devotion to the Lord, to her family, and to a life of purpose and grace. Though she was raised in a loving home, it was not particularly rooted in faith—but Valerie found Jesus for herself at the tender age of five. At twenty-four, she was baptized, though by then she had already long been walking in the truth and light of the Gospel. She loved what she called "walking the Bible"—and she made it her mission to live in a way that would bring others to Christ, day by day, soul by soul.

Valerie's family moved to Laramie, Wyoming, during her childhood, and it was there that she would meet her future husband, Todd Fietkau. Their story began in a 10th grade English class at Laramie High School. Todd hadn't even asked her out yet, but something stirred deep within him that day: "This is the girl who will be my wife." Their high school romance was brief—only four days—but it planted a seed that God would later water in His perfect timing.

After a time apart, Todd found himself in Salt Lake City, facing trials that would bring him to his knees before the Lord. In that place of brokenness, he sought refuge in Christ. Upon returning to Laramie, he prayed a simple but powerful prayer inspired by Proverbs 5:18: Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. "Lord," he prayed, "give me the wife of my youth." Less than two hours later, while walking through the halls of the Laramie Inn, a familiar voice called out behind him: "Todd? Is that you?" It was Valerie. The friend he thought he had lost was sent back into his life—and three months later, on September 12, 1992, they were married.

Valerie never sought fame or applause—her work was Kingdom work. Her calling was her family. The world said, "Get a job," and she replied, "My children are my job." The world said, "Build a nest egg," and she said, "I will feed the poor." The world said, "Entertain yourself," and she said, "I will educate others," going on to help build a studio in a Christian school. She homeschooled all of her children, not because it was the easy path, but because it was the righteous one. Her goal was simple and profound: to raise a generation that would know, love, and serve the Lord.

Her wisdom was often mistaken for foolishness—until someone needed guidance. Her quiet strength was invisible to many—until someone leaned on it. Some saw her as fragile—until she became the anchor that held their world together. "She was a fool until you needed wisdom," Todd said. "She was weak until you needed strength. She was without value to you until you needed someone to show you your value to the Lord."

Valerie didn't speak in tongues—she spoke the language of agapi, divine love. She didn't stand behind pulpits—she stood in grocery store lines, living rooms, sidewalks, and thrift shops, gently drawing the lost toward the arms of Christ. Some called her helpless. Others called her for help.

Though she eventually lost her eyesight due to diabetes, she never lost her vision. Even as blindness set in, Valerie continued to create beauty with her hands—crafting intricate jewelry from wire, silver, and gemstones, refusing to let her circumstances define her abilities. She was determined to keep seeing in the ways that mattered most.

She adored the outdoors—fishing, walking, exploring, breathing in the wonder of God's creation. She had a passion for thrift shops, antique malls, tearooms, and dressing up for afternoon tea. She was one of the most outgoing and hospitable people one could ever meet, always ready to welcome someone into conversation or into her heart.

She had a beautiful singing voice that stirred the soul, and it was her love for music that inspired her son Todd Jr. to become a singer. Her life was music—a sweet harmony of faith, perseverance, and joy.

Valerie's love for her children was unconditional and unwavering. But she was not afraid of tough love when it was needed—gently, firmly guiding her children, and even her husband, back to righteousness when they wandered. She saw correction not as judgment, but as an extension of love.

Perhaps her greatest earthly joy came later in life—becoming a grandmother. Long before her grandchildren arrived, she dreamed of the day they would. When that day came, she cherished her role with every fiber of her being.

Valerie passed away on May 11, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, surrounded by the deep love of the Lord and the family she so fiercely loved.

She is survived by her loving husband, Todd Fietkau; her children: Kay James; Todd Fietkau Jr. and his wife Samantha; Margaret Martinez and her husband David; and Earl Fietkau and his wife Cynthia. She leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, Jaxson James and Amara Fietkau—and one grandchild yet to come. She is also survived by her sisters Christina Smith and Bethany Geifer (Ryan); her stepmother Linda Smith; her stepfather Jim Ohrmund; and many other extended family members and dear friends whose lives were changed simply by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Todd says, "She was a fool until you needed wisdom. She was weak until you needed strength. She was without value to you until you needed someone to show you your value to the Lord. You told her she couldn't change the world—until she came in, and by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, changed yours. I love you, Valerie. You were my best friend. The only thing I'd change after 33 years is to have been a better husband. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for guiding me. We thought we were guiding you, but the truth is, you were guiding us."

A graveside funeral service will be held to honor Valerie's life on Monday, May 19, at 10:00 AM at Azleland Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of a woman who showed the world what it means to walk with Jesus.

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness…" —2 Corinthians 12:9

And so she walked—in grace, in strength, in love, and into eternal glory.