Valerie Jean Booth

In Memory
08/04/1957 to 03/13/2024

1975

2022

Valerie Jean Booth, age 66 of Independence Missouri passed away at her home from cancer.

Valerie was born on August 4, 1957, at the University of Kansas. She attended William Southern Grade School, Palmer Junior High and graduated from Truman High School in 1975.

Val’s daughter Michelle was born in 1978. Loving her and raising her was her biggest joy.

Val loved playing pool. She began as a player on an all-women’s team for the American Poolplayers Association (APA) in the mid 1980’s. Shortly after, she also joined a mixed team. From there the challenge of getting better was a big inspiration for her. Steve, her best friend of over 30 years that she met through pool, became her mentor.

Val’s son Austin was born in 2001. Luckily, Val’s mother was able to get to know him for the first few years of his life, and he gave her such happiness.

In December of 2006, Valerie and Darrel began dating and moved in together in 2007. In 2008, Austin was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). While receiving such a life-changing diagnosis was devastating, Val and Darrel were up to the challenges ahead of them.

Val not only advocated for Austin until he was old enough to advocate for himself, but she also advocated for all kids with muscular dystrophy for the rest of her life.

Val married the love of her life, Darrel, in December of 2009.

In 2019, Val was diagnosed with stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer. For the first year, she underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and an unsuccessful attempt to remove the tumor surgically. However, in 2020 she was declared to be in remission and remained so for a little over a year. The cancer returned, this time in the stomach. She resumed chemotherapy for almost another year when she was blessed with the second miracle of remission.

The cancer finally returned in 2023; this time, it was spread throughout her abdomen, with little to no hope of any remission, even with treatment. Val opted not to undergo any further treatment options. Instead, she wanted to go out on her own terms.

She would say life has not been a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up and worn out, and screaming, “Woo Hoo, what a ride!!!”

Val began checking off bucket list items as she and Darrel traveled to several of the locations on her list, making beautiful memories together.

If Val loved you, she loved you with everything she had. If you earned her trust, you were lucky. If you were friends first, and she called you family or “framily”, you were very special to be included in that category and family to her. All she wanted in life was to make someone happy or make life better for others less fortunate. The “pay it forward” concept became very important to Val.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Mary Booth; her son, Austin Booth; her in-laws, Carl and Elaine Moudy; and all three siblings, Vickie Bowman, Allen Booth, and Randy Booth.

Survivors include her spouse, Darrel Moudy, daughter Michelle Stock, stepdaughter Chasity Moudy, and stepson Jeremy Moudy; eight grandchildren, Owen Stock, Oliver Stock, Bradley Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Matthew Rocha, Gabe Rocha, Isaiah Moudy, and Isabella Moudy; and one great-grandson, Grayson Anderson.

Val has requested donations to either the American Cancer Society or the Make-A-Wish Foundation in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life will be held at Val’s favorite meeting place: Fun House Pizza, located at 13992 US 40 Highway, Independence, MO, on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Obituary submitted by the family.