Valda J. Raker

Valda J. Raker, 89, of Clarks Summit, died on Monday in Mountain View Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born December 14, 1932 in West Pittston, Val was the daughter of the late David and Florence (Richards) Huthmaker. She graduated from West Pittston High School, class of 1950.

Val was lovingly called “Grams” by her 6 grandsons, grand-daughter-in’law’s,  and all of their friends. A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her gentle, kind nature brought a smile to everyone’s face.  Her career involved banking, civil service, and  opening and operating the first Suburban Casuals store on Pittston Avenue in Scranton.  After that location closed, she continued on in the retail business helping her daughter, Carol, at the Suburban Casuals in Dickson City.  Val lived an active life and enjoyed bridge, tennis, water aerobics and spent many winters in Singer Island Florida. She was a member of Hickory Street Presbyterian Church in Scranton. 

Surviving is one daughter: Carol Selige and significant other, Michael Alexander, of Clarks Summit; Val’s fiancé of 35 years:  Atty Leo McCormack and his daughter Dr. Pat McCormack of Scranton;  grandsons Gavin Finley and wife, Jessica, of Savannah, GA,  Brett Finley and wife, Ashton, of Charleston, SC, Jason Finley and fiancé ,Charlotte, of Atlanta GA, Stephen G. Selige Jr. and wife, Ashley, of Clarks Summit, Christopher Selige and wife, Jessica, of Clarks Summit, and Tyler Selige stationed in Fort Bragg, NC; six great -grandchildren, Chappell, Alice, Kevin, Eleanor Finley, and Samuel and Emerson Selige; one brother, Robert Huthmaker and sister-in-law Sylvia of Florida, nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by daughter, Nancy Finley, two sisters, Dorothy Carver and Grace Huthmaker, and brother David Huthmaker.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mountain View Care Center for all of the love and care they have given her over the last several years.

 A celebration of Val’s life will take place at Hickory Street United Presbyterian Church at a later date and will be announced accordingly. A private cremation will take place at Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hickory Street United Presbyterian Church, 435 Hickory St, Scranton, PA 18505. To leave an online condolence, visit the funeral home website.

Jennings-Calvey is honored to serve Val and her family.