Catherine Lucille Vale died peacefully on Sunday, January 17, at the age of 102 (and a half!). Born to Lawrence and Emma (McBrayer) Boyer on May 2, 1918, Catherine and her older brother Ralph grew up in Gallatin, Missouri. At a Halloween dance in 1938, Catherine met Carl Vale. After a Valentine's Day proposal, they married in April 1939 and eventually moved to Tulsa, OK to raise their children (and to be closer to Carl's family). Carl and Catherine were married for over 56 years, until his death in 1996.

While working in the administrative offices of Warehouse Market in the late 1940s, Catherine found herself intrigued by accounting. Beginning in 1957—and until her retirement in 1986—she worked at Tulsa Teachers Credit Union. During nearly thirty years of service, Catherine rose to the position of director (1975-1986) and president (1983-1986). Her vision and untiring efforts helped shape TTCU into the institution it is today, but her care and concern for others defined her many roles at the credit union. Colleagues recall that she even picked up and delivered groceries and medicine to members with special needs.

Above all else, Catherine believed in family first. An energetic square dancer and bowler with husband Carl, she also enjoyed many years as an active member of First Christian Church. There was always a bountiful harvest from Carl's large backyard garden, but in addition to new potatoes and green beans, Catherine also made heavenly fudge and the best Swedish rye bread this side of Stockholm. She became an avid traveler in retirement, visiting Hawaii and the Holy Lands with Carl, and Europe for her 80 ^th birthday (and daughter Sandra's 50 ^th ). An expert rose gardener, she also volunteered for many years with both St. John's Hospital and Green Country Hospice. In her early 90s, Catherine read weekly to students at the elementary school in her neighborhood.

Catherine is survived by her son, Richard Vale and his wife Nancy; her daughter, Sandra Brown; three grandchildren (Jennifer, Spencer, and Alex); and three great-grandchildren (Jacob, Hudson, and Julian). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Miller Hospice or Zarrow Pointe.

To view Mrs. Vale's Funeral Service, please cut and paste the following link into your web browser: https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=161126375096652