VALERIE L. HAUGEN (nee RODEBAUGH) age73, of St. Louis died peacefully on December 20, 2009.  Born June 15, 1936 in St. Louis, she was the daughter of Harry and Marie Rodebaugh.

She is survived by her daughter, Gwendolyn Haugen (Paul Olitsky); brother, Harrison Rodebaugh; sister-in-law, Caroline Rodebaugh; nephews, Joseph (Mary Friedman) and Paul (Pam) Rodebaugh; cousin, Donna (Charles) Burgee and their children, Rene (Dean) Chamness, Thomas (Michele) Burgee, and Ramona (Dave) Midgett.  She also leaves behind additional extended family members and many dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her sisters, Virginia Donovan and Constance Rodebaugh.

Valerie grew up in St. Louis and Wood River, Illinois.  She was a Roxana High School graduate.  Valerie worked as a secretary and retired from service with the Department of Defense in 2001.  Following retirement, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii to live near her daughter.  In 2006, she and her daughter returned to St. Louis where she enjoyed spending time with family and Cardinal’s baseball.  She will be remembered for her artistry, friendship, overall love of life and generous spirit.

Please join us for a celebration of her life to be held from 2-5 p.m., with a remembrance service beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in the chapel of St. Louis Cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Valerie’s memory to The Smile Train www.smiletrain.org/goto/valerie.haugen or Senior Dogs 4 Seniors www.seniordogs4seniors.com