Valetta Jo Sirls, 81, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at her home.
Valetta was born in Benton, Kentucky, on March 7, 1945, to the late Rob English and Nettie Ham. As a young girl, she was later adopted by the late Charlie and Elta English. After graduating from Benton High School in the early 1960’s, Valetta continued her education at Draughons Business College in Paducah, Kentucky. After college, she began her career as a CNA working for Calvert City Convalescent before eventually transferring to Lourdes Home Health until her retirement.
She was free-spirited and always ready to take off on an adventure or a vacation, especially to the Smoky Mountains. She was personable and never met a stranger. Valetta enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also loved researching and spending time doing genealogy and locating her past family members. Her positive attitude, kindness, and love of laughter were magnetic and drew everyone to her. Valetta was selfless and found purpose and joy in helping others. This quality was also exhibited in her membership at Briensburg Church of Christ and her ministry serving alongside her friends with the Ladies Laboring & Love for the Lord.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, William Douglas Sirls; her two daughters, Kim Jones (Milton) of Calvert City and Sherri Howell (Brad) of Benton; her seven grandchildren, JoAnna Purdun, Amber Sirls, Sammy Phelps, Nicholas Jones, Nathaniel Jones, Jocelyn Dykes, and Colin Howell; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one son, Mark Sirls; seven sisters, Irene Smith, Louise Groennert, Rosie Sinkler, Sue Filbeck, Jean Youngblood, and Virginia Hancock; her four brothers, Ralph Ham, Winford Ham, Robert Ham, Jr., and Charlie Ham; one grandson, Christopher David Jones; and her parents, Rob and Nettie Ham and Charlie and Elta English.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Briensburg Church of Christ, 2349 Benton-Briensburg Road, Benton, KY 42025.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann with Bro. Gary Knuckles officiating. Burial will follow at Benton Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Valetta’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.
