The late Linda Stewart Ripley “made a cake every week,” a love of baking that she passed on to her daughter, Valerie Ripley Bass. As a businesswoman Valerie may not be able to make one every week, but come friends or family birthdays or special occasions, there is always one on the table. Friends even get to request their favorite.

“I was born and have lived in Onemo for the past 60 years,” Valerie said. She grew up in a family of good cooks. “I learned from my grandmother and mostly from my mother. I love to cook but don’t always have the time.”

For 41 years Valerie has served the public as a beautician, operating her shop Hair Creations in Mathews. Yet Valerie’s love of cooking continued and grew as the years have gone along.

Valerie and her husband John reside in Valerie’s grandmother’s home built in 1762. It is just a hop, skip and jump from Valerie’s homeplace. Later, son Tyler Bass made his appearance and family ties grew even stronger. During the time her mother was no...