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August 4, 1957 – March 13, 2024

Make the most of YOUR dash

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 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 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, 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 to not 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, worn out, and screaming “Woo Hoo, what a ride!!!”

Val began checking off bucket list items as she and Darrel travelled 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 you were 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 & Mary Booth, her son, Austin Booth, in-laws Carl & Elaine Moudy, and all three siblings, Vickie Bowman, Allen Booth and Randy Booth.

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

In lieu of flowers, Val has requested donations be made to either the American Cancer Society or to the Make A Wish Foundation.

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 pm – 6:00 pm.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home Independence, MO (816) 796-8600