Ruth Elizabeth Valerien

Ruth Elizabeth Valerien, age 81, passed away on January 26, 2019.  She was a resident of Colorado Springs for 24 years.  She had previously lived in Virginia, Nebraska, California, and South Dakota. She was an Air Force wife and homemaker.

Ruth was born on January 16, 1938 to Leonard Muckey and Georgia (Coutts) Muckey in Neligh, Nebraska.  On January 5, 1965 she married Captain Robert G. Valerien, in Neligh.

Ruth was a life-long gardener and loved to watch birds in her yard.  She bowled for many years.  She served her family and her community throughout her life: as a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, and band booster.  She belonged to several churches over the years, and was active as a lay minister, an education coordinator, and a choir member.  Most recently she was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her children: Barbara Ann Valerien (Greg Neely), Robert G. Valerien Jr, Therese Louise Valerien, and Michael Colin and Jennifer Dianne Valerien; her siblings: Jack L. Muckey (Patricia) and Jean Ann Nohavec (Robert); sister-in-law, Lucille Morrissette; and her granddaughter, Cathryn Amber Salisbury-Valerien.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband; her brother, Loyd D Muckey; and her brother-in-law, Ronald Morrissette.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 4210 Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs.  A reception will be held following the memorial.

Memorials in Ruth’s name may be made to the Calvary United Methodist Church or to The Military Officer’s Association of America, www.moaa.org/donate

Private inurnment will be held at the Old Glory Columbarium at the Shrine of Remembrance.