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Verlaine ‘Val’ Salstrom, 90

She liked to be called Val. Named after the French poet Paul Verlaine, she was born Dolores Verlaine Bateman in Webster City, Iowa, on Oct. 28, 1928, to Leigh and Francis (Yoke) Bateman. Her mother took her to grow up on Wrangell Island in Alaska early in life.

Val moved to Seattle, Wash., where Bill Salstrom soon met her, swept her off her feet and carried her away to live in Lacey, Wash. Bill and Verlaine “Val” Salstrom raised four children there. They lived in the home that Bill built for 58 years and were married for 67 years. They have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who love her very much.

Val made each member of her family feel special. Every single holiday and birthday was a magical, special event. Throughout the years, she never failed to remember everyone’s favorite foods. Her chocolate chip cookies and rice krispy treats were world-class.

You should have seen her spectacular garden! Colorful rhododendrons grew to over six feet. Azaleas were in every color of the rainbow. Val made holiday pies and applesauce from the apple trees that grew in the backyard.

She loved to go camping every summer with family and friends. She closed each perfect day by the beach surrounded by her loved ones.

Val Salstrom was a Christian. Her concern, love and caring for others was recognized by all who knew her. She will be missed.

Val is survived by her husband, Bill Salstrom; her children, Sandi Salstrom, Judi Sharrett, Gary Salstrom, and Debbie Salstrom. Her grandchildren include: Mathew Salstrom, Justin Hood, Sean Salstrom and Genna Lief, and her great-grandchildren are Madison, Jacob and Macy.

Val died peacefully at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at the age of 90 years. Private services are being planned, with interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Washelli, Wash. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.