Valerie Jane Monson; 1962-2024

Valerie Jane Monson, 62, of Richland, WA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Dec. 19. Valerie was a beacon of light and kindness in the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion, resilience and hard work will live on in the hearts of her family, business and the community she cherished.

Valerie was born in Walla Walla, WA, on Sept. 6,1962. In 1965, the family moved to Selah, WA, and later moved to Sunnyside when her parents purchased the Bar-S Feedlot in Outlook, WA. After graduating from Sunnyside High School, she attended Central Washington University. Having always grown up around a feedlot, working with cattle was Valerie’s first love and passion. After college she came home to help her father, Arvid, to help run the Monson Ranches feedlot in Outlook. She was one of the first woman feedlot managers in the state of Washington.

A woman of many passions, Valerie excelled for most of her professional years as feedlot manager and animal health expert. She received great recognition as a leader in the industry for her vast knowledge of cattle health and nutrition; often working closely with the veterinarians on all aspects of cattle care. Valerie also purchased all the feeder hay. Every hay seller in the Pacific Northwest that ever dealt with Valerie knew she was a solid negotiator. She knew how to buy and sell, and those who worked with her respected her tenacity and grit. She brought that same energy and passion to manage the wine production facility in 2004, after selling the feedlot in Outlook.

Her garden was a reflection of her vibrant spirit, blooming with life and color, much like the love she shared with those around her. Valerie also had a passion for motorsports and loved her cars and motorcycles. Valerie spent most of her spare time supporting and loving her six nieces and nephews, who knew they could always go to her for support and advice. Her unconditional love for them was unwavering, and she was always their biggest fan.

Valerie will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the many lives she touched throughout her journey. Her spirit will continue to inspire those she left behind, guiding them with love and light. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility she so dearly loved.

Valerie is survived by her mother, Suzanne Monson; brother, Bill (Darci) Monson; and sister, Molly (Rob) Stutesman; as well as her six nieces and nephews, Grant (Damaris), Taylor (Ty), Allison (David), Blake (Kirston), Makenzie and Luke; and her two great-nieces, Suzy and Caidyn. She was preceded in death by her father, Arvid Monson, and her aunt, Sally Villaume Dern.

A celebration of life for Valerie will be held on Jan. 22 at the Goose Ridge Tasting Room in Richland, WA. The celebration will be from 3-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Tri City Cancer Center.