Valerie Catherine Sarff

Valerie Catherine Sarff (nee Johnson), age 66, passed away suddenly at her home in Rexford, Montana on the 24th of September 2024. 
 
Valerie was born in Duluth, Minnesota on May 29th, 1958, to Marvin and Suzanne Johnson (nee Andler) and resided in Duluth for many years prior to relocating to Montana, where she resided for 30+ years with her husband, Jack.
 
She was a 1976 graduate of Duluth Central High School. Valerie was employed at the 6th Ave. IGA from 1976 to 1988. She earned a certificate in Gerontology from The College of St. Scholastica in 1986. She then moved into social work with St. Louis County Social Services from 1989 to 1997 as well as worked at the Women's Coalition in Duluth, MN in 1997.  She earned her BA in Sociology from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Valerie remained in social work for the remainder of her career.  Starting in 1997, she worked at Stillwater Therapeutic Services. She helped a great many children and families over the years in Western Montana until her recent retirement.
 
Valerie loved her devoted beagle, Hawk, spending time with family and friends, berry picking, making jam and various herbal salves to give away as gifts, gardening, cooking, music, swimming and summers at Island Lake. She was a beautiful, kind soul who was cherished by all who knew her.
 
Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Suzanne Johnson (nee Andler), husband, John (Jack) A. Sarff, and brothers, Kurt A. Johnson and Mark T. Johnson. 
 
Valerie is survived by her stepsons, Vincent Sarff (Wendy) of Kalispell, MT and Garrett Sarff of Dalton, GA, step-grandson Jackson Sarff of Camp LeJeune, Jacksonville, NC; Uncle Peter Andler of Little Falls, MN; Uncle Michael Andler of Duluth, MN, and her maternal first cousin, Julia (Andler) Lucente of Duluth, MN and Stuart, FL.
 
"Gone from our sight, but never our memories. Gone from our touch, but never our hearts."
 
No services will be held per request by Valerie. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Eureka. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com. 

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