Valerie Ditch Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Valerie Ditch

September 21, 1953 - November 27, 2016

Obituary For Valerie Ditch

Valerie Ditch, longtime resident of Grande Prairie, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2016, at QEII Hospital, at the age of 63 years.

Valerie will be lovingly remembered by her partner Ken Kostuk, son Jonathan Kostuk (Denise Logan), daughter Cassandra Kostuk (Lee Hurst), granddaughter Anya Hurst, mother Irene Ditch, brother Rod and his children: Kirby (Todd) Aldred, Hayley (Cody) Woolsey and Marina Ditch; sister Lorinne (Gerry) Balsdon and her children: Chelsea (Cory) Smith and Sean (Robyn); sister Corinne Dalen (Peter) and Corinne’s daughter Aleah (Kris), Peter’s sons: Dustin, Mark and Kyle; Michelle (Herb) Dalen and their children: Michael (Lynsey), Elizabeth (Chris) and Matthew (Holly); Angela Ditch and her son Zachary Webber (Taihler) and step-daughter Julie (Gary) Schau; six great-grand nieces and nephews: Mick, Leo, Oaklynn, Sophia and Maisie and Raphael; as well as many members of a large extended family.

Valerie will be remembered for being a woman who was passionate about creating a life rich in relationships. She delighted in creating a meaningful connection with everyone she met. She loved that she had strong roots and a huge family here in the Peace Country.

A firm believer in “always being in the right place at the right time”, Valerie flowed through her days with grace and gentleness. She took time every morning to gently embrace the day as she sipped her coffee or soaked in the bathtub, with her favorite radio station, CKUA, playing in the background.

She loved to recount stories of how each of her days would unfold, sharing the details of who she had bumped into while roaming through the grocery store or what sorts of great nature shot opportunities had arisen that she could paint later. She absolutely loved books, gardening and travel as well.

Valerie was an artist to the very core of her being. Her intuitive ability to notice beauty, details and connections in absolutely everything around her, resulted in many incredible works of art. She was a long time member of the Grande Prairie Guild of Artists and Peace Watercolour Society.

An avid supporter of arts and culture, Valerie was the quintessential social butterfly. She delighted in supporting her family and friends creative pursuits, attending as many live music events, art shows, plays, and other artistic performances as she could possibly fit in. She didn’t like to miss anything!

Valerie was predeceased by her father Dorman Ditch; grandparents: Clarence and Annie Richards and Stuart and Lola Ditch; and her sister in-law Debra Ditch.

An ECK Memorial Service followed by a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 4:00pm, at Teresa Sargent Hall, (9839 103 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB). Attendees will be invited to enjoy a walk through the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie after the service to view a selection of Valerie’s art work along with the current exhibition on display in the Gallery while the hall is prepared for the Celebration of Life.

Cremation has taken place, overseen by Oliver’s Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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Condolences

June 24, 2021

McCallum Mike/Debbie

Condolences on the loss of your family member.
June 24, 2021

Balsdon Sharon

Dear Ditch Family, We are so sorry for your loss. She was a very wonderful, kind and caring person and we're sure you will miss her very much. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Hugs to you all. Ron & Sharon Balsdon
June 24, 2021

Pickard Brenda

I'm so Sorry of Val's Passing! My Condolences and Prayers to the Family. Love and Hugs!!
June 24, 2021

Steinke DIane

I very sorry to hear of you and your families loss. Sending lots of love and light.
June 24, 2021

Kardas Dale

Ken,. So shocked and saddened by the news of Val's passing. I'm sorry you have to deal with your incredible loss and sadness. My sympathies are with you. Dale Kardas
June 24, 2021

Gustavson Neil & Debra

Neil & I send our deepest sympathies to you and your families. Val was a beautiful person inside and out. She is gone too soon. I know that she will be deeply missed. What a beautiful smile. Rest in peace my dear Friend. Neil & Debbie Gustavson
June 24, 2021

Argenti Marino

I was saddened to hear the news My deepest condolences to all the family members. I have know Ken from many years back in Ontario. I remember several of his his visits back here, to introduce us to Valerie, Jonathan, and Cassandra. She will be remembered for her warm smile and her artistic nature. She Smiles on us all. Peace be with You.
June 24, 2021

Dudley Linda

Johnathan, Cassandra,and Ken: So very sorry to hear about the loss of such a beautiful soul and loving Mom. My deepest sympathy to all the family. Cherish the memories and celebrate the wonderful times with Val. Linda (Shreve) Dudley, Chatham, ON
June 24, 2021

Golding Ferdie

My heartfelt condoleances go out to your families on this occasion., & I had just re-connected with her about a year ago. I am shocked beyond belief, I share your grief.
June 24, 2021

Buitenhuis John

Ken and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Val. Our condolences to you all. John and Debbie Buitenhuis

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