Valerie Cox

Valerie Anne Cox (Flittie), 70, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, three and half years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She died at Touchmark in Prescott, AZ where she had been a resident in the memory care unit for the past two years. The family is grateful for the care she received there, and for those members of the staff that developed a particularly close relationship with her.

Born on September 4, 1954, Valerie was the first child of Douglas Flittie and Betty Flittie (Conklin). She was born in Wessington Springs, SD and grew up on a farm northwest of town. She was proud of being a country girl.

Valerie graduated from Wessington Springs HS and attended the University of SD for two years. There she met Ken Cox at the DU fraternity. A relationship formed quickly, and, on August 11, 1974, Valerie and Ken were married at the United Methodist Church in Wessington Springs. The next day, they were on the road to Madison, Wisconsin where Ken attended graduate school and Valerie completed her degree in Speech Pathology.

On May 21, 1976, just as she completed her classes, Valerie gave birth to Anne Elizabeth Cox. Andrew Douglas Cox, followed on August 24, 1978. The family moved to Chesterfield, Virginia in April 1980. There Valerie enjoyed her role as a mother and homemaker and supporting her kids in youth sports. She assumed leadership roles in AAU girls basketball and ran local, regional and state wide basketball tournaments years for many years, years beyond Anne's participation.

In 2003, Valerie and Ken moved to Derwent, a secluded and tranquil place at the end of a country road in Powatan, VA. Valerie was a country girl once again. During this time, Valerie developed a passion for photography. Animals were her favorite subjects. Chief among them was her border collie, Tristan, who she trained to be a therapy dog.

In 2022, Ken and Valerie moved to Touchmark in Prescott, AZ. There, they could be closer to family and Valerie could receive the care she needed.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Ken, her children, Anne and Andrew, her granddaughters, Isabele Craig, Quinn and Claire Cox and her brother, Douglas.

A graveside ceremony will be held at the Flittie family plot in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Wessington Springs on a date yet to be determined. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home.