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Vallie Pearl Harper Goots, 100, of Elkins, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, hard work, and selfless service to her community.
Born on Feb. 12, 1926, in Randolph County, West Virginia, Vallie was the only daughter of Arlie and Texie Jane Harper. She graduated from Elkins High School in 1943 and soon began a life that would become defined by quiet strength, unwavering compassion and a deep commitment to helping others.
She married John Goots and together they built not only a successful family business, but also a home filled with love. As co-owners of Goots Produce, John and Vallie faithfully served businesses and families throughout Elkins, Randolph County and the surrounding communities for many years. Their business became known not only for quality produce but for the friendships they cultivated along the way.
Before helping operate the family business, Vallie worked at Stanfordás Jewelers, Montgomery Ward and Tygart Valley National Bank, where her warmth made lasting impressions on coworkers and customers alike.
For more than seven decades, she quietly dedicated herself to making her community a better place. She believed that helping others was both a privilege and a responsibility. Whether welcoming visitors at the hospital, preparing meals for grieving families, mentoring fellow volunteers, planting flowers to beautify her hometown or offering a kind word to someone in need, Vallie lived a life of service rooted in humility and love.
Her commitment to civic life began in 1952 when she joined the Woman’s Club of Elkins. Over the next 74 years, she became one of the organizationás most devoted members, serving as president for two terms. She was honored as a life member and was nominated for the prestigious Jennie Award in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service.
Her dedication extended to the Davis Medical Center Auxiliary, where she volunteered for 33 years, beginning in 1987 and generously contributed more than 8,200 hours of service. As treasurer of the Auxiliary, she faithfully supported its mission while greeting visitors, comforting patients and offering reassurance to families during difficult moments.
As a devoted member of St. Brendan Catholic Church, she worshiped faithfully and served generously. She was a former president of the Holy Rosary Guild and organized funeral luncheons for parish families for many years.
She also gave generously of her time through the Randolph County Senior Center, where she remained an active participant and served for 29 years on the Committee on Aging. She believed in supporting older adults and helping them remain engaged, respected and connected within the community.
As president of the Emma Scott Garden Club, Vallie combined her love of nature with her passion for civic improvement. Her direct involvement in several important community projects encouraged neighborhood pride throughout Elkins.
In 2019, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows honored Vallie as an Outstanding Community Volunteer, recognizing that her generosity had quietly touched countless lives throughout Randolph County.
Perhaps no celebration better reflected the impact of her life than the one held on her 100th birthday in February 2026. Family, lifelong friends, civic leaders, church members and neighbors gathered to celebrate not only a remarkable milestone, but a remarkable woman. During that celebration, the City of Elkins and the Womanás Club of Elkins honored Vallie for a century of life defined by volunteerism, leadership and compassion.
Vallie found her greatest joy in watching children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and flourish. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Goots; her parents, Arlie and Texie Jane Harper; her brothers, John Harper and Grover Harper; and her grandsons, Christopher Owens and Christian Markley.
She is survived by her loving children, Rosemary Goots Markley, Barbara Goots Owens and her husband, Rod, John Harper Goots and his wife, Kristie, and James Thaddeus Goots and his wife, SueAnn. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren, James Markley (Chastity), John Owens, Jeff Owens (Stephanie Anderson), Greg Owens (Katherine), Derek Dieringer (Brianna) Nicole Brengel, David Dieringer (Samantha), James Goots (Brittany), Ashley Goots, Nicole Goots, Gabrielle Goots, and Jenna Goots; along with numerous great-grandchildren.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, caregivers and healthcare professionals, and members of St. Brendan Catholic Church whose kindness and compassionate care enriched Vallie’s life.
Through her faith, generosity, leadership and decades of volunteer service, she leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire the Elkins community for generations to come.
Her life reminds us that greatness is often found not in public acclaim, but in quiet acts of kindness repeated faithfully over a lifetime.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Elkins. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Friday. Fr. Babu and Deacon Raymond Godwin will be the Celebrants and interment will follow in St. Brendan Cemetery.
The family request memorial contributions be made to the “Burn the Mortgage Fund” c/o St. Brendan Catholic Church, 181 St. Brendan Drive, Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Mrs. Goots.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Vallie Pearl Harper Goots.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.