VALERIE MARVEL HOBBS was born on November 21, 1931, in Ogden, Utah to Edward Stehley Dana and Nellie Knight. She was the youngest of 9 children. She lived most of her life in Ogden, Utah. She had beautiful red hair and was tall and slender. She worked various jobs as a young woman. She ironed, cleaned, and cared for the children of others. She was not afraid of hard work. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1950.

Valerie met Jack Lee Hobbs, while he was serving in the military at Hill Air Force Base, on a blind date. He was from Indiana and not a member of her church, but they quickly fell in love and were married on August 4, 1950, in her parent's home in Ogden, Utah. They had little money, but they decided they wanted to be together even if they were poor. They began their married life in Ogden, Utah but lived for a period in San Antonio, Texas and Charleston, South Carolina due to Jack's assignments from his military employment.

They were blessed to have four children Stephen (1951), Michael (1955), Marilyn (1962), and Carol Ann (1966). They moved into a new home in Sunset, Utah in 1956, where they raised their family and resided nearly all their lives. Jack continued his employment with Hill Air Force Base his entire career while Valerie helped contribute to the family income by babysitting the neighborhood children. They all loved her for her kind patience, and loving manner. She treated them like they were her own children.

Jack and Valerie were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on December 16, 1960. Stephen and Michael were sealed to them on the same day. This was a dream come true for Valerie! She had been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all her life. She had wanted a temple marriage since she was a child. She faithfully served in church callings throughout her life. She served about 40 years in the Primary organization, sharing her strong testimony and love with the children. She also served in the Relief Society organization and the handicapped mutual. She was a dedicated and faithful visiting teacher (present day ministering).

Valerie had an amazing ability to understand, empathize with, love and serve others. She was a friend to everyone! She was a good bargain shopper and helped stretch the family money to meet living obligations. She had continued to supplement family living expenses by babysitting and working as a cook at Sunset Jr. High once her children were in school. She was a light to the students she served during lunch.

She supported her children in their educational, recreational, and other pursuits throughout their lives. She was always building their confidence, teaching them to work and listening to their many adventures. She dedicated her life to caring for her handicapped son Michael. They were joined together in a bond of love and service. She continued as his caregiver from birth until just a couple of years before her passing. He even moved into assisted living with her until she entered memory care. She wanted him with her until the day she died.

Valerie left this mortal existence on March 9, 2025, at 5:06 pm in St. George, Utah with her family around her as well as her missionary daughter, Marilyn, present through facetime from Germany. She now has all her capabilities restored: her beautiful red hair, her memory, her hearing and her functioning body.

Valerie left a lasting legacy of faith, love, unselfish service, kindness, and a determination to endure to the end of her mortal journey. She loved the Lord, Jesus Christ! Her children are happy for her! She has been reunited with her eternal companion, Jack. She is with her parents and siblings and other loved ones. She is home! We, her children, have absolute faith that we will see her and be with her again! For we are blessed by the atonement of Jesus Christ and sealing ordinances in the house of the Lord.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Jack Lee Hobbs, her parents Edward and Nellie Dana, her siblings Gertrude Burton, Leland, Melba, Edward, Max, Kenneth, and Carl Dana. She is survived by her sister, Beth Russell, her children Stephen (Kathy), Michael, Marilyn Petersen (Scott), Carol Ann Guest (Curt) and 14 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. Even now, Valerie is with great-grandchild 31 who will be born in a few short days!

Valerie will be deeply missed by her children and grandchildren and by many that knew and loved her. We express gratitude for her caregivers over the last few years.

Her funeral services will be held Friday, March 14, 2025, Viewing 10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Funeral 11:00 a.m. at Leavitt's Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah, with her interment to follow at the Ogden Cemetery.