"I'm sorry for your loss. May God give comfort and help to the family and friends of Valda at this distressing time. Isaiah 41:13. "
In loving memory of
Valda Santee
December 5, 1940 - April 20, 2016
Valda Santee, 75, Our beloved mother and friend passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton, Iowa. Valda was born on December 5, 1940 in Hampton, IA to Gilbert and Doris (Harlan) Oleson. In 1958 she married Donald Gene Santee and together they had 4 children, Kevin, Dawn, Cheryl and Vashni. Valda was employed by Maytag where she retired to travel the country with her husband Donald and eventually came to settle down in the small town of Lime Springs, IA. Valda was an avid swimmer and enjoyed watching and cheering on her favorite college teams in any sport. A unique and caring soul who enjoyed puzzles, a good book and playing board games with her family. She was the embodiment of family. She will be greatly missed.
Valda is survived by her husband Donald Santee of Lime Springs, Iowa, and children, Kevin Santee (Denise) of Kesley, Iowa, Dawn Littlefield (Michael) of Dover, Minnesota, Cheryl Santee of Des Moines, Iowa and Vashni San Antonio (Pedro) of Ann Arbor, Michigan; 15 grandchildren, many great grandchildren; sister Phyllis Griffin of Austin, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Valda is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Marlys Petrie and Eunice Oleson; two brothers, Vail Oleson and Gary Oleson; one grandson Christopher David Smith.
Special thanks to the caring staff at St. Croix Hospice, New Hampton, Iowa.
Tributes
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"Her smile and laugh was definitely contagious!! And will always be remembered. I also remember the times she stopped to see her brother Vail (my Gpa Vail). Always smiling and laughing. Love and miss you, Great Aunt Valda. Thoughts and prayers to allā¤"
"Her laugh when I was a kid growing up her laugh and smile were always contagious!! Love you and miss you Great Aunt Valda "
"I always admired Zelda for her courage finishing high school when she also had all the responsibilities of her family. She had a radiant smile, and a gracious attitude. My sympathy goes out to all of her family. "
"I graduated from high school in 1964 with Valda and remember her as a dedicated student who set an example for learning at any age! I've also followed her on Facebook and will miss her posts. Condolences to her family!"