Valorie Rae Palmer Johnston

Valorie Rae Palmer Johnston passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the age of 91. 

Mom was residing at Edgewood Vista, a memory care facility, in Missoula. Born Feb. 9, 1934, in Eureka, Montana, her early life was spent moving frequently with her family to various mining towns. Libby became her permanent home at the age of 12.

Mom was a supportive mother who loved to provide for her family. As kids we especially loved her baked pies, cookies and cakes. Her chocolate chip cookies were famously a favorite of our friends and family.

Mom found time to help with scouting, run the concession stand at baseball games, be a decades-long election judge and volunteer at the Senior Citizens Center. Mom was a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels and recognized at the state and national level for her work with the Marches of Dimes. Mom also enjoyed seasonal camping and cross-country skiing.

Mom eagerly worked on crossword puzzles. She played in several individual and couples pinochle groups. Later in life she became a prolific quilter. Mom was proud to have been selected as a Quilter of the Year by the Libby Quilt Guild.

Mom is survived by her children, TJ Hyde; Bill (Dori) Johnston; Doug (Karyn) Johnston; two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step-great grandchildren; companion Ron Garcia; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Mom was preceded in death by her parents Rick and Hannah Palmer; husband Bill Sr.; a sister and two brothers.

A private grave-side service will be held Wednesday, July 23 in Libby. The family invites others to join them at the Libby Senior Citizens Center at 1:30 p.m. for coffee and desserts to visit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Libby Senior Citizens Center at 206 East 2nd Street, 2048, Libby, MT 59923. Or to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank all the dedicated Libby medical professionals and staff who provided care for mom.