Valerie Jean Yule Walther

"A little light just left the world ..."

MISSOULA – Valerie Yule Walther, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and true daughter of Montana, passed away at the age of 87 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015.

Born Valerie Jean Yule to James B. Yule and Margaret (Sullivan) Yule in Missoula, Val attended the old Roosevelt Grade School, Missoula County High and the University of Montana before graduating from the University of Washington with a nursing degree.

While in Washington she met her future husband, Peter E. Walther at a dance for naval officers and nurses. They were married in 1951. They raised their children, Peter, James and Jonathan while Peter was stationed in California, Florida, South Carolina and Maryland. In Maryland during the 1960s, Valerie and Peter were responsible for integrating their son's local Cub Scout and Boy Scout organizations.

In 1967, the family moved back to Missoula to be near Val's mother, Margaret Yule. Val resumed her nursing career, working in the Intensive Care and Coronary Care Units of St. Patrick Hospital. She was instrumental in organizing, sustaining and winning a seven-year struggle to bring collective bargaining for nurses to St. Patrick Hospital. She was published in professional nursing journals on the topics of nursing and coronary care. She served on the board of the Montana Nurses Association, served as a member of various committees and, in 1981, was named Montana Nurse of the Year. After 24 years at St. Pat's, she retired in 1991.

Upon retiring, Val continued to pursue the things she loved to do. A life-long Episcopalian, she ran the antique booth at the annual rummage sale for years, scouring the local estate and garage sales for bargains. A fanatical Lady Griz fan, she was an annual season ticket holder who never missed a game whether at home or by her radio. A lover of holidays, she hosted many family gatherings. Her Scotch shortbread at Christmas was famous. Fourth of July might have been her favorite: her garage decked out in red, white and blue, every nutritionally-suspect food imaginable laid out and lots of fireworks for the kids to set off! She loved games of all sorts, especially bridge.

Val was proud and knowledgeable about her family, past and present. Her father was Scottish from the Choteau area by way of Canada. Her mother's family were Butte Irish. She loved to tell the stories of early Missoula while growing up through the Depression. In later years she spent hours playing and teaching with her grandchildren. And everyone knew she would never forget a birthday or a holiday. Her love and joy in her family was enduring and unforgettable.

Val was preceded in death by her father James Yule and mother Margaret Yule. She is survived by her sister Jamie Yule; her sons Peter (Jaci) Walther, James Walther and Jonathan (Doris) Walther; grandchildren, Jesse Caton, Dane Miller, Kalen Walther, Raina Walther and Anna Dsenis and great-grandchildren, Braden Caton and Avery Caton as well as close personal friend, Jacquie Hofmann.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church on Monday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. in Missoula. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Missoula Food Bank in Val's name.

Read Valerie Jean Walther's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.