Surrounded by her loving family, Tammy “Lupie” Lynn Valverde—who owned Lupie’s Daycare and lived in Cherryvale, Kansas, all her life—passed away quietly on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Mercy Hospital located in Joplin, Missouri. She was 50 years old.
Born on August 13, 1976, in Independence, Kansas, to Rick and Debra Valverde, she graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1995. For the past 15 years, she operated her daycare, treating the children in her care as her own and building meaningful bonds with countless families through patience, arts and crafts, and compassion.
Community Involvement and Personal Life
Outside of her professional work with children, Valverde maintained a deep connection to her hometown, generously giving her time and efforts to support the community. In her personal time, she enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and KU basketball with her family, spending time with friends, and relaxing while watching her favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. She also held a special bond with her nieces and nephews, taking great pride in their lives and accomplishments.
Survivors and Memorial Services
Debra Valverde of Independence, Kansas, her mother; Rick (Cheryl) Valverde of Cherryvale, Kansas, her father; her sisters Tabatha (Wally) Snodgrass, Nichole (Cody) Smith, and Terry (Randall) Romans; alongside her brother Nick (Corinna) Valverde, are the survivors of Valverde. She is also remembered by numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
At the Cherryvale Community Center situated in Cherryvale, Kansas, a memorial service to honor Valverde is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to take place right after at My Place. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryvale Food Bank or the Lupie Valverde Scholarship Fund via the Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
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