Valerie Anne Ramsdell

January 10, 1948 – December 17, 2025

Valerie Ramsdell was born January 10, 1948 to Bruce and Valerie Prosser in Bethesda, Maryland. After a long 10-year fight, she succumbed to Alzheimer's on December 17, 2025 in Medford, Oregon. She was joined by brother Craig in 1950. Her father was a career, highly decorated, Marine Corps officer, so they were transferred coast to coast several times. They ultimately settled in Salem, Oregon. Valerie attended South Salem high school, where her future father-in-law was vice-principal. She attended Linfield College and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Agricultural Business. She worked at the Oregon State Employment Department for most of her career, where she was named Manager of the Grants Pass office. She retired from that position in 2010.

Valerie met and married the love of her life, Del Ramsdell Jr., in 1974. They lived in Salem, Turner, Medford, Central Point, and Rocky Point Oregon. She was fearless, and they had a full and adventurous life. They loved to snow ski, water ski, go off-roading, and house boat on Lake Shasta.

In 1987, Valerie became the first woman to compete in the World Championship White Water Jet Boat Race, which was held in Oregon that year. She won Class B and placed third overall. She also won two US Jet Boat championships in B class. She loved beating the men who raced against her.

Valerie is survived by husband, Del, brother, Craig, and numerous extended family and friends.

Valerie lived a life full of love, life, and adventure. (She even once – but only once – jumped out of a perfectly good airplane!)

At her request, Valerie will be cremated, and her ashes scattered on Shasta Lake, and rivers upon which she had raced. A memorial gathering will be held in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations in her name to the Medford Food Bank (Access, 360 Aviation Way, Medford, Oregon 97504, telephone 541-799-6691.)