Tammy "Lupie" Lynn Valverde

Tammy “Lupie” Lynn Valverde, of Cherryvale, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 13, 1976, in Independence, Kansas, to Rick and Debra Valverde.

Lupie was a lifelong resident of Cherryvale, Kansas, and a 1995 graduate of Cherryvale High School. She had a kind and caring heart, a feisty personality, and a laugh that could fill a room. Throughout her life, she found her greatest happiness in bringing joy to others, especially children.

For the past 15 years, Lupie was the proud owner of Lupie's Daycare, a place that became much more than a business to her. Caring for children was not simply her profession, but one of her greatest passions and proudest accomplishments. She welcomed each child with open arms, treating them as if they were her own and providing a loving environment filled with kindness, laughter, and cherished memories. Through her patience, compassion, and genuine love for children, Lupie became a special part of the lives of countless families. The bonds she formed with her daycare children were truly meaningful to her, and the love she gave so freely will be remembered for years to come.

Lupie also had a deep love for her hometown of Cherryvale and took great pride in giving back to the community she called home. Throughout her life, she generously gave her time and efforts to support her community and the people in it. Her willingness to lend a helping hand and make a positive difference reflected the caring and selfless person she was. Cherryvale was more than just where Lupie lived; it was a community she loved and was proud to be a part of.

Outside of her daycare and community involvement, Lupie enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and KU basketball with her family. She loved spending time with her friends, doing arts and crafts, especially with the children in her care, and relaxing while watching her favorite Hallmark Christmas movies.

Being an aunt was another role Lupie held close to her heart. She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews, taking great pride in their accomplishments, keeping up with their lives, and making sure they always knew how much she loved them. Whether she was cheering them on, teasing them with her big personality, or simply spending time together, she created memories they will carry with them forever. Family meant everything to Lupie, and the love she had for each of them was immeasurable.

Lupie is survived by her mother, Debra Valverde of Independence, Kansas; her father, Rick (Cheryl) Valverde of Cherryvale, Kansas; her sisters, Tabatha (Wally) Snodgrass of Independence, Kansas, Nichole (Cody) Smith of Cherryvale, Kansas, and Terry (Randall) Romans of Independence, Kansas; and her brother, Nick (Corinna) Valverde of Cherryvale, Kansas.

She is also lovingly remembered by her nephews, Zach Snodgrass, Colan Snodgrass, Cooper Smith, Johnny McGuire, Nick Valverde Jr., and Baxton Valverde; her nieces, Isabelle McGhee, Cayla Valverde, Ricci Smith, Laikyn Valverde, and Mallory Valverde; along with four great-nephews and three great-nieces. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends, and the many daycare children and families whose lives she touched throughout the years.

A memorial service honoring Lupie will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Cherryvale Community Center in Cherryvale, Kansas. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at My Place in Cherryvale, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cherryvale Food Bank or the Lupie Valverde Scholarship Fund and may be left with or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 216 East 4th Street, Cherryvale, Kansas 67335.