Valrie Dale Thompson, 69, of Oakdale, California, passed away at her home on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, surrounded by her family, Eva; her friends Danielle, Rachel, and Gwen; and her neighbor, Joel. She left this world the way she wanted to – in a deep sleep with no pain and in complete comfort. The stage 4 kidney disease and congestive heart failure she’s been battling took her life just a few weeks shy of her 70th birthday.
Valrie is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Joan Thompson, and her sisters, Vivian and Vickie Thompson. Valrie did not have any children of her own but is survived by a long line of extended family: her cousin Andrea Shipley and Andrea’s three children and grandchild – Icea Mutter, Maria Mutter, Donald Edwards, and Eva Shipley. Valrie has left behind many godchildren, sisters-by-choice, and loving life-long friends. She also left behind a very special family friend, Mickey Peabody, that the Thompsons knew for over 50 years.
Born April 17th, 1955, in Los Angeles, California, Valrie went on to graduate from Oakdale High school in 1973. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree from San Francisco State University with credentials in teaching and family counseling. Valrie spent her first six years teaching at a small Native American reservation, volunteering her time to coach, counsel, and mentor children. Valrie is quoted in an article from the Center for Human Services – Hutton House: “I was living and working on a Native American reservation, and I was trying to teach world history to kids who were living in environments where there was alcoholism and drugs.” The bulk of Valrie’s career was spent as the program manager at the Center for Human Services – Hutton House, based in Modesto, California. She spent her time in many places in the Bay Area, Modesto, Native American reservations, and her hometown of Oakdale. Valrie was an example of patience, love, caring, and kindness; these qualities were paramount in her 30-plus-year career of helping troubled children, teenagers, and young adults. Coming from rough situations like extreme poverty, homelessness, and severe hunger, the youth that Valrie worked with looked up to her as an inspiration in their lives. They all left an indelible mark on her heart. When asked if she had any specific clients that really impacted her, she responded in all seriousness, “Five thousand. Five thousand of them … There’s some kids who I’ll never forget their names. Every kid – I’ll never forget their eyes.”
As she approached retirement age, Valrie continued to help her community and do good for others. In retirement, Valrie volunteered her time at Soroptimist Group in Oakdale, helping women and young girls. She helped in fundraising events for college grants, clothing drives, and other philanthropic endeavors within the community. Valrie was known to have a tomboy heart by her family and friends. She loved being with animals, working on the ranch, and generally spending time outdoors in the sun with those she loved. Her compassion, caring, and hardworking nature, as well as her involvement in the community, were recognized by the City of Oakdale with a lifetime achievement award. Valrie will forever be missed by those she’s left behind. Always willing to go the extra mile to help those in need, Valrie went out of her way to bring a smile to others’ faces and uplift everyone around her. We will never forget.
Funeral/Memorial services will be held at Thompson Ranch on May 17th, 2025 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Center for Human Services 2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., Ste. I, Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 526-1476.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
April 16, 2025
