Valarie Rae (Libby) Elligsen, was born December 1, 1938. She has an older brother and sister and was close to them her whole life. She was born in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, where she attended a one room school house until high school, which was just up the hill from her home. She and her siblings would ride their horse to school and then send it home once they arrived. She graduated from Coeur d' Alene high school in 1956. After high school she went to Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon. This is where she met the love of her life, Keith. They soon fell in love and married in June 1961. Colin was born in July the next year and Colleen in September two years later. She has six grandchildren: Aaron Elligsen (Leslye), Mariah Elligsen, Cameron Lively (Steven), Ashlynne Martin (Kage), Regan Loonstyn and three great grandchildren: Brenham, Wyatt and Abilene Lively.


Val loved the outdoors. She grew up on a dairy farm and eventually married a farmer. She spent most of her life on the farm she and Keith shared - 46 years on 80 acres. She loved animals and was surrounded by them her whole life - from cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, to her beloved cats and dogs. She had many and gained her confidence and peace from being in their presence. Her love of her animals ran deep. In 2015 they moved to 2 acres in Aurora with two dogs. She was quickly adopted by a stray cat who is still with the family today.


Val was a fierce protector and lover of her family. She worked hard and cared harder for those she loved. She was a homemaker most of her life, after raising their kids, she went to work for Loaves and Fishes. She was the manager of the Tualatin center for 14 years. She and Keith were also a part of the Singing Christmas Tree for over 30 years - with her volunteering selling CDs and merchandise. She and Keith were the epitome of volunteers and caring for those in need around them.


Val was a private person, but loved being around the energy of a crowd. She was an amazing confidant and a fierce secret keeper. Her wisdom will outlive her for years to come. As recently told to her family, "she was a spicy life force that made a huge impact on the lives of those who she touched."


Val lived a long life of 86 years and was at home in Aurora and was surrounded by her family when she finally went to be with the Lord and her dear Keith. Colin was here from Portugal and got to see her for two days before she passed. After the death of Keith two years ago, Val had a hard time without him. She slowly began to lose her zest for life and yearned to be with Keith. June 28, 2025 her wish came true.