Valerie Sue Thompson Short born to Tom Thompson and Shirley (Reppe) Benes, October 4, 1958, in Lewistown, MT. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on, December 5, 2018.
Valerie was known for many things, one of which was her strong work ethic. She began working in Junior High babysitting and working at the Winifred Cafe. She continued through High School and into college. Valerie was also a Sunday school teacher and played piano for her church and several school programs.
Valerie grew up in Winifred, MT, attending all 12 years of school, graduating in 1976. She then went on to receive her Associate of Arts Degree from Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University Billings) in 1978.
On March 28, 1981, Valerie married Charles Short, at St John’s Lutheran Home, so that her Grandma Zeta could attend. Valerie and Charles resided in Wyoming for 4 years, where they had their first daughter, Dawn Michelle, born on May 10, 1984, in Gillette, WY.
Together they moved to Roundup, MT in 1985. Their second daughter, Brittney LeAnn was born March 18, 1986, and had the distinction of being the first baby born at the Roundup Memorial Hospital in 1986.
For 25 years Valerie received great joy in knowing she assisted those in need with help with their rent. She started working at Homes on the Range in Roundup, and then moved to Billings, MT in 1992 working for the Housing Authority. In 2000, she moved to Helena, MT where she completed her career working for the State of Montana Department of Commerce. She began working in the Housing Division, and in 2010 transferred to the Community Development Division, TSEP Program. She always said she went from making sure the homes of her clients had water and toilets that worked, to making sure the water was running to the building and the toilet water left the building like it should.
Valerie was baptized into the family of our Lord Jesus on May 10, 1987, which changed how she looked at life. She found a peace that she didn’t know was possible, which she carried to her final breath. Active with her church family she treasured serving as a Sunday School Teacher, helping with VBS, playing piano and singing in choir.
Valerie was diagnosed with cancer on October 23, 2017. She fought a very hard battle. She had the honor of traveling to India just weeks after her diagnosis to teach a group of ladies on Faith. She was a true representation of what having Faith looks like.
If Valerie were here today, she would tell you that her most important role and title was that of Nana. She loved them very much, loved being a part of their activities, going to movies, plays, taking them on vacation, and eating out with them. No matter what she had going on she always made time for them. She was very proud that her grandkids were able to know their great-great-grandparents, along with three great grandparents.
Valerie is preceded in death by her father Tom Thompson, step-mother Dorothy Thompson, step-father Sam Benes, brother Kevin, grandparents: Earl and Zeta Thompson and Tom and Marion Reppe, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She is survived by her mother, Shirley Benes, daughters: Dawn (Forrest) Kramer, Brittney Short (Kenny Johnson), grandchildren: Dallin Alair Short, Carmine James and Destry Rose Kramer. Sister, Audrey (Eric) Rydbom and family, step-brothers: Gary, Larry, Jim, and Jerry Lyon and their families; step-sisters: Sharon Warn, Debbie Russell, Holly Bohler and their families, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends she made throughout the years.
Valerie’s final selfless gift was that of sight, as she was an organ donor and was able to donate her cornea’s. Our wish is that they can see the world the same way that she did.
Our family invites you to a Celebration of Valerie’s life on, Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 2:30PM. Services will be held at South Hills Baptist Fellowship, 12 John St, Montana City, Montana. Reception, fellowship and refreshments to follow. Burial will take place at a future time in Winifred, MT.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to the St Peters Health Cancer Center or the charity of your choice in honor of Valerie. Please comment below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Valerie.
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Debra Demarais says
I miss my best friend already. We took many a fun-filled trip while working together to attend various conferences and workshops. She accepted my being “finicky” and I accepted her being a “lefty”. I enjoyed watching the grandkids grow up through the many photos and stories she shared. My heart is truly broken and I will miss my friend for quite some time. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Debra
Elva Arthur says
So sorry to hear of Val passing. She was so kind and sweet.Peace be with her family at this difficult time. You are all in my prayers. Sincerely,Elva Arthur
Debbie Morrison says
I will always feel blessed to have worked with Val all these years. I’m glad she took my phone call so many years ago and decided to apply for the Project Based Section 8 Program which brought her to Helena. She was an asset to any program she worked for and the Department was so lucky to have had such a dedicated and hard worker. I enjoyed all of her stories about her grandchildren – she was so very proud of them! My sincerest sympathies to Dawn and all of Val’s family. Your mom’s spirit will live on in all of you. I pray that through your tears you will find comfort in your memories of her.
God bless all of you.
Debbie
Jennifer says
Val’s openness to all that she was experiencing was part of her enduring character. She was honest and upfront about all things. I count myself blessed to have known her and will miss her, especially the stories and pictures that she loved to share about her family. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and especially her precious grandchildren that meant so much to her. – Jenn
Anonymous says
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Valerie S Short.