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Dorothy "Val" Walters, born February 20, 1925 in Farmington, MO to Marie and Herman Valle and a resident of Albuquerque since 1948, passed away on Monday, August 28 after a brief but courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. Preceded in death in 2004 by her husband of 52 years, George Walters, Val is survived by son, David and wife, Janet of Albuquerque; daughters, Deborah Stephenson of Mill Valley, CA, and Lisa Walters of Albuquerque; as well as beloved grandchildren, John Stephenson, Mackenzie and Mitchell Walters; her brother, Jean Valle of Wichita, KS; and sister, Donna Ogle of Solon, IA. After a year's college at Cape Girardeau, MO, Val joined the WWII war effort as a riveter on the C-47 transport plane at McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, MO, where she was also a photographer's fashion model with Todd Studios. She later enrolled at the University of Missouri, and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in Advertising. Val was a member of Gamma Alpha Chi national honor fraternity in advertising and Alpha Chi Omega, national social sorority. After graduation she joined a radio station in the St. Louis area as salesperson and copywriter where she also broadcast a daily women's program and a remote "Man on the Street" series. Val moved to Albuquerque in 1948 after accepting a position at KOB radio as Program and Advertising manager. She was a committee member of "Community Chest", predecessor to "United Way", and a Cerebral Palsy Board member. For many years Val was a Fashion Show commentator and model, including an early Mademoiselle show at Tingley Auditorium on the UNM campus. An active member of Beta Gamma Beta alumni of AXO, she served as president and in various advisory positions to the active chapter on the UNM campus. Having been blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, Val was a soloist and active choir member in her church beginning in 1938 and later at community events in Albuquerque, including radio and television, and a member of Albuquerque's early "Symphony Chorus". After her marriage in 1951 she became a full time wife, mother, homemaker and hostess - her most fulfilling role. Many a friend, family member, sorority sister, fellow choir member, and George's business associates fondly remember the fabulous parties and dinners she hosted at their home throughout the years. Continuing to be active in community service, Val was a founding member of Redeemer Lutheran church where she also served as a member and past president of their Women's Guild. For many years she was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran, and later joined Faith Lutheran where she enjoyed many hours of friendship, fellowship, and worship. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, caregivers and hospice workers who tended, assisted and cared for Val, and especially wants to thank Vernita McKinney for so lovingly caring for both George and Val during their final months. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), 383 Main Avenue, 5th floor, Norwalk, CT 06851. Services will be held on Thursday, 11:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel with Pastor David R. Breidenbach of Faith Lutheran officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel on Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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