Valerie Joy Cookson

Valerie Joy Cookson, 73, of Dover, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital in Dover, following a sudden illness. Born January 24, 1952 in Dover, she was a daughter of the late John Wilbur and Edna Nellie (Regotter) Cookson.

Val grew up in Tuscarawas County and was a graduate of New Philadelphia High School. She spent 15 years living in Florida until returning to our area in the fall of 2024. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker who cherished the time that she spent with her family. Locally, she had attended Alliance Church of God in Dover and was an auxiliary member of V. F. W. in New Philadelphia.

On June 20, 1969, Val married the love of her life, Lorenz John “Skip” Gustin, who survives her at their home. She is also survived by her daughters, Angela (Chops) Weston and Julia (Richie) Davis; grandchildren, Chelsea, Jordon, Alyshia, Mitchell, Jada, Annette, Raleigh II, and Alex; many great-grandchildren; her siblings, John Allen (Judith) Cookson, Brenda (Robert) Henning, Annette (T.D.) Hirning, Mike (Jennifer) Cookson, and Mark (Brenda) Cookson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was especially close with her granddaughter, Chelsea, as she developed a special bond with her while acting as her caregiver during a hard-won battle with cancer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three granddaughters, Reese, Rachel, and Karlea.

In keeping with Val’s wishes, cremation is planned without a public visitation. Her family will celebrate her life privately.