Valerie Jane Boatright, 67, died on January 9, 2020 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND surrounded by family and friends.
Valerie was born November 5, 1952, the daughter of Benny C. and Mildred “Millie” Boatright at Bismarck, ND.
In 1953 the family moved to Jamestown, ND when Val’s Father and Mother opened a jewelry store called Boatright Jewelers. Val attended school in Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown High School in 1970. In High School Val enjoyed spending time with friends and swimming at the Jamestown Dam. Her true passion was Gymnastics. She traveled and competed successfully at many meets.
After high school Val attended and graduated from Moorhead State College, Moorhead MN with a degree in education. While at MSU Val became a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and made many wonderful lifetime friends. The girls spent hours playing cards, attending social functions, practicing for Songfest, and of course studying.
Upon graduation Val taught Physical Education and Coached for a year in Little Falls, MN. She then decided to return to Moorhead State College to pursue her Master’s Degree. When an opportunity became available with the Fargo Police Department working with Juveniles she decided to take a new career path in law enforcement where she worked from 1977-2007. During that period, she became the first woman sergeant in the history of the Fargo Police Department.
Valerie was an outgoing person who had a twinkle in her eye, her energy was infectious, she was spirited and strong, and had a great sense of humor. You would recognize her laugh anywhere. Val loved to golf and played almost daily at Forest Hills Golf & RV Park, her summer home, or the course at her winter home at Pueblo El Mirage in AZ. She had made many friends at those RV Parks and will be missed.
Valerie is survived by her sister, Lynn (Galen) Anderson, Mesa AZ, the love of her life, Jim (Duck) LeDoux and his two boys Nick and Jack, Fargo ,ND, sister-in-law, Cindy (Randy) Boatright, Wahpeton, ND; Aunts Sally (Lester) Laub, Bismarck, ND, and Dallas (Dale) Boatright, Fargo, ND, Uncle, Keith Boatright, Satellite Beach, FL; and a niece, Shanna Massey (Zach) Johns and son Jackson, nephews, Jonathan (Erin) Massey and sons Aiden and Jacob, Ben (Anita) Boatright and daughters Lexi, Bri, and Elly Davis Boatright, Adam (Katie) Boatright, Dustin (Haley) Boatright and many cousins and their children.
Valerie was preceded in death by her Father, Mother, and brother, Randall “Randy/Boat” Boatright.
Valerie’s family and Duck wish to thank the wonderful medical staff at Sanford Medical Center for the comfort and caring they gave Valerie.
Visitation: 4-6:00 P.M. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
