Valerie Ann Rick, 75, of Bern, Kansas, passed away on February 10, 2025,  after a short battle of pancreatic cancer at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, Kansas.

Born on November 26, 1949, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, Val was the daughter of Arlie and Rose Marie (Scuhoman) Rick. She grew up on a dairy farm, where she spent her early years working the fields and gardens alongside her parents. Val attended Country Corner School, a one-room schoolhouse, through the sixth grade, and then went on to Hillsboro High School, where she proudly became a part of the Tigers community.

In her early career, Val worked at the Ray-O-Vac plant in Wisconsin before moving to Wichita, where she was employed at the Cessna plant. She later moved to Hillsboro, where she managed the local Pizza Hut, and eventually made her way to Hiawatha, Sabetha, Seneca, and finally settled in Bern. There, she worked for over 40 years at CR Industries, later known as SKF, retiring as a Quality Control lead on the night shift.

In addition to her work at SKF, Val was a trusted and dedicated community member. She worked for Ray and Golda Miller with their Jersey Giant chickens, mowed lawns for local residents (at one point caring for 19 properties), and ran a local trash service known as “Val’s Trash Service” for the people of Bern.

Val was known for her love of leisure and hobbies. She enjoyed fishing, playing pool, darts, and bowling—sponsoring the “Pop-A-Tops” team. Flea markets were a favorite, as well as trips to the casino with her best friend, Karen Bradley. Val’s interests also included collecting Miss Piggy memorabilia and vintage beer and bar signs.

Her time in Kansas connected her with the Bradley family, with whom she shared fond memories of trips to the family farm. Together, they enjoyed milk cows, haying, yard games, card games, country cruising, and bar hopping.

Val was preceded in death by her parents, Arlie (2015) and Rose Marie (2018).

She leaves behind her cherished Chihuahua, Pennie Sue, as well as cherished friends, Gary and Karen Bradley, and the entire Bradley family. She is also survived by her aunt Shirley and cousins in Wisconsin.

Val will be greatly missed by all who knew her for her vibrant spirit, her work ethic, and her kind-heartedness.

The family will visit with friends from 5 to 7 P.M. on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials are for and recommended to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital and or the Humane Society, sent in care of the family.