Betty Jane Clara Suprise Valiquette, age 91, passed away at her home in Delta, Utah on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. She was born August 12, 1924 to John and Carrie Drummond Suprise in Toledo, Ohio. She had an older brother, Bob, whom she absolutely adored. Mom grew up in Toledo and graduated from Waite High School in 1942. After high school, Mom worked at Libby Owens Ford Glass Company as a secretary. She continued there until 1953. On June 12, 1946, she married her longtime sweetheart, Jack “Ernie” Charles Valiquette. Mom continued working and putting Dad through college on the GI Bill, until her first child, Sharon, was born in 1953. Two years later, their second child, Debra, was born.
Mom’s family was her world, cooking, cleaning and enjoying her family was her top priority. She was the best Mother any child could have. Mom also enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and her garden club. She was an excellent seamstress and made many of her daughters’ clothes.
After moving to Utah in 1969, she started working as a teacher’s aide at the Delta Elementary School. She loved helping the kids and teaching them. She loved every one of them. The kids affectionately called her “Mrs. V”. Her only regret is not getting her teaching certificate, because she enjoyed teaching and getting to know the kids. She always said, “I would have been a darn good teacher” and that is an understatement. Mom and Dad also served as deacons and elders at the Presbyterian Church.
In 1990, Dad retired from Brush-Wellman and they moved to St. George; enjoying the warm weather, bowling, golfing, traveling, and of course spending time with family. Mom and Dad moved back to Delta this June to be closer to family.
Mom is survived by her husband of 70 years: Jack; daughters: Sharon (Forrest) Roper; Deb (Tony) Anderson; 5 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Bob; and sister: Roberta; her “Annie”; and cousins.
Mom we love you and will miss you very much until we see you again.
A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 11:00 am, at the Deseret Cemetery. Viewings will be held at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 S. Center, Delta on Friday, 7:00-8:00 pm; and Saturday, 10:00-10:45 am, before traveling to the cemetery.