Valerie Pearson

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Valerie Proctor Pearson, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family in Rathdrum, ID on January 6th, 2021. Valerie was born on October 26, 1946 in Panguitch, UT to Romona McIntosh and Thomas Sevy Proctor, the third of four children. She was married to Rodney Sim Pearson, of Circleville, UT, on March 13, 1965 in Panguitch and the marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Temple on June 18, 1966.

Valerie and Rodney have been married for over 55 years. They initially met at a church dance when Valerie was 13 and Rodney was 17 (although he claims that he thought she was 16 at the time). Sparks flew and love was kindled but Rodney soon enlisted in the Navy and reported for duty in California. Years later in 1963, while on leave, he visited Valerie. After six hours together he stopped the car and said, “Valerie, I’m serious! Will you marry me?” After talking things over for a while, Valerie relented and said “Yes!”. Rodney returned to the Navy and shipped out overseas, but he saved up for a diamond ring and sent it to her six months later. The two married in 1965 and started a love story that would take them across the western United States and bless them with 5 children and 18 grandchildren at present.

The young couple’s first six months of marriage were spent in San Diego, CA while Rodney served in the Navy. When he was honorably discharged from military services, the two moved to Las Vegas, NV where they eventually owned and operated two service station. Four of their five children were born during their time in Las Vegas. On one of their many summer adventures, the young family visited North Idaho and fell in love with the beauty and peace they encountered, and Valerie and Rodney decided that they wanted to raise their family there. In 1980 they sold their service stations and began a trek north without purse or scrip to their new home in Dalton Gardens, ID. Upon arriving, they realized that work would be difficult to come by. Rodney, ever useful and industrious, found work in the automotive service industry and then in the silver mines near Kellogg, ID and eventually spent much of his career at Washington Water Power (Avista) where he retired as Foreman of the North Idaho Transportation Department in 2005. In North Idaho, Valerie and Rodney were blessed with their fifth and favorite child, Juliana Joy.

Valerie was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints her entire life. Much of Valerie’s time and efforts were spent loving and caring for her children and grandchildren and serving in the congregations where they worshiped. She had many callings and responsibilities over the years and gave tirelessly of her time, talents, compassion, wonderful cooking skills, and legendary writing abilities to let others know that she cared about them and that they were not forgotten. She also contributed a column in a local newspaper called Valerie’s Voice where she shared her knowledge and wisdom with her readers.

Valerie was an ideal mother and grandmother. Perhaps her greatest legacy was always making time to help and support her children and grandchildren whenever she was needed. Everyone in her life knew that she was always there with a listening and sympathetic ear and hands ready to hug and hold or scratch the back of her grandkids when they needed a break from playing. She knew how to have fun and not sweat the small stuff and her home was always a refuge for her family and friends. Valerie loved the outdoors, reading, camping, exploring, road-tripping, and going for rides, especially with her beloved companion, Rodney.

Valerie exhibited remarkable grace and grit in the way that she endured physical pain and illness. Although it was readily apparent to those around her that she suffered greatly, especially in her final years, complaining was not a part of her nature. She was quick with a smile, a laugh, a positive thought, or a caring remark even amidst personal pain. Her quick wit and happy nature made everyone around her feel good, one of her remarkable gifts. Valerie will be deeply missed by all that she loved and who in turn loved her. She was our caregiver, confidant, nurturer, councilor, loyal friend, and beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

Valerie is survived by her sister, Shana Rae Witters; her brother, Max Proctor; her husband, Rodney; her five children, Tami (Jack), Valaney (John), Tom (Colleen), Kimberly (Jeff), Juliana; and her 18 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Perry Kim Proctor.

Funeral services will be held on Friday Jan. 15th at 10:00 a.m. at the Rathdrum LDS chapel at 15151 N. Meyer Rd., Rathdrum, ID 83858. A viewing will be held prior to funeral at 9:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be held following the funeral services at the Pinegrove Cemetery at 6693 ID-53, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

Funeral Services can be seen by clicking link: https://youtu.be/obBCphRxM9w