Valerie Rasmussen Knowlton

Valerie Rasmussen Knowlton, beloved by all, left her earthly home peacefully on January 23, 2025. Valerie is an exemplary mother, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and eternal companion. 

Valerie was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in November of 2021. While cancer beat her body, her soul was stronger and more beautiful than anything cancer could take or tarnish.

Valerie always had a gentle nature. Valerie’s love and kindness disguised her profound strength and grit. These traits were evident in the cancer battle as Valerie became a hero and a beacon of light and strength. Val battled fiercely, yet always true to her angel self, loving and lifting others while fighting for her life. 

Valerie had many sources of happiness and purpose in her life. Most importantly, her relationships with family and friends. Valerie was treasured and strengthened by her husband, Dallas, through the impossible and difficult journey. She is survived by three talented and amazing children, Kadence, Hadlee, and Beckett, who will forever be her joy. 

Valerie is survived by her parents, Dale and Becky Rasmussen, and her siblings, Jason (Alicia) Rasmussen, Tiffany (Curtis) Larson, Tyler (Ashley) Rasmussen, and several nieces and nephews. Valerie enjoyed her early life experiences living in “the Basin” with her immediate and extended family. She treasured memories of her father’s dairy farm, her experiences raising animals, and building furniture. She is a proud member of the Cousins Club and always enjoyed trips back to Roosevelt. 

Valerie met Dallas early in college. It was a time when online dating was risky and taboo. To avoid it, the two decided to go on a “blind date” that just happened to be set up by the worldwide web. Their love story became evidence for online dating. 

By marriage, Valerie is survived by Shondell Swenson (Mike Baxter), Brandt Knowlton, Andrea (Shawn) Bailey, Korinne (Rob) Bouwhuis, and even more nieces and nephews who love her dearly. 

Valerie was also a very engaged friend and active member of many communities. Her circles included church and school groups, neighbors, and her oncology treatment community of care providers and fellow patients. On multiple occasions, Valerie embraced cancer patients just beginning their treatment. Val enjoyed “making her rounds,” showing love, encouragement, and hope to replace their worries and fears as people joined this community, that she never wished anyone had to join and that, nobody would ever choose to join.

Our family wishes to thank all in these communities. The nets of support offered were a beautiful window into who Valerie was. Countless gestures of service and support created the miracles that happen when love is returned for love. That is the truest spirit of Valerie Strong. 

Val, we’re forever on your Team. We are better people because of you. We love you. We will make you proud. We will, “go and live!”

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 31st, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, located at 1585 W 300 S in Syracuse.

Another viewing will be at 315 E Chelmes Way (2200 S) in Clearfield on Saturday, February 1st, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Following at 11:00, there will be services to celebrate the life and love Valerie had and shared.