Bethany Faye Valentin

Bethany Faye (Ruttan) Valentin, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2026. Her life was cut far too short at the age of 34. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 28, 1992. After graduating from high school in Jacksonville, Bethany pursued her passion for helping others. She attended Southwestern University in Missouri, where she graduated early, and then continued her education at Barry University in Miami, Florida, earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Bethany began her career as a social worker at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, and most recently worked as a Mid-Shift ER Social Worker at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. Bethany was unforgettable. Her infectious smile, unmistakable laughter, and love for the Lord, people, and life drew others to her wherever she went. Her laughter was contagious and could bring light into even the hardest moments. She was blunt, unfiltered, and never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. Fierce in every way, she had a presence that commanded attention, but beneath that boldness was a heart that loved deeply. She was fiercely loyal and a true defender of her friends and family. When Bethany loved you, she loved you hard. She found joy and freedom in the things she loved most—riding her motorcycle (especially with her fellow sister riders in The Litas and Bougie Riders), baseball, kayaking, hiking, volunteering in her community, and getting lost in a good book. Whether she was helping someone in need, sharing an adventure, or simply sitting and talking, Bethany had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and special. The impact Bethany had on the lives around her will extend far beyond the hurt and sorrow of her untimely passing. She is survived by her parents David (Sharon) Ruttan and Charlene (Michael) Reed, siblings Anna, Chad, Allyssa and Nicholas, several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bethany’s funeral service will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.at Farrar Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jordan Wiggins of Jacksonville, Florida, officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 10:00am to 11:00am prior to the service. The interment committal service will follow at Dandridge Memorial Gardens with Pastor Carl Dennis presiding.

ARRARNGEMENT BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE, TN