Valerie Gaffke Boylan

1965 - 2023

Victorious Valerie.

Valerie "Val" Jean (Gaffke) Boylan left us at 5:55pm in room #5555 at Huntsman Cancer Institute on October 31st, after a 2.5 year fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She passed with her husband and eldest daughter at her side, knowing the rest of her children would be there soon. She faced her battle with cancer the same way she faced life, with hope, true grit, strength, beauty, and fearless determination. She never failed to bring laughter, joy, and life into the room she entered, lighting up the lives around her even in her darkest and most trying times. She was glowing until the very end.

Valerie was born on February 27th 1965 in Great Falls, Montana, to William "Bill" and Wilma Gaffke. Valerie grew up on Bridger drive with her older siblings Mike and Kathy and younger brother Tony in Bozeman. She spent her childhood summers playing and working on the family ranch on Love Lane. She attended Bozeman High School, participated in cheerleading, graduated in the class of 1983 and afterwards spent a year abroad in New Zealand. From 1985-1989 Valerie attended University of Montana completing her Bachelor's in Business and Management. During this time she discovered her passion for outdoor sports and excelled in skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and fly fishing.

In the summer of 1989 Valerie met Gregory Boylan and they fell deeply in love. They married on May 25th 1991 in Big Sky, Mt with a lifetime of adventure to follow.

With her husband, Valerie became a mother to 6 beautiful children: Rebecca, Madalynn, Savanna, Sean, Boyd, and Joseph. Along with her 3 grandchildren at the time of her passing, she considered her kids her legacy in life. Valerie's joys in life included downhill skiing, being a mother, the music of Nathaniel Rateliff, and being a notable friend and member of her rural communities across Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming.

At the age of 56, Valerie was suddenly diagnosed with AML. Although a serious snd threatening diagnosis, she faced leukemia with bravery and grit. She was a beautiful example of faith, fight, and grace through her battle. She was a woman that changed the world around her, with Montana in her heart and an adventurous soul. To the faithful and beautiful wife, cancer survivor and hero, loving mother to 6 children, and so many other beautiful things: thank you for your fight. You have inspired us all.

Valerie had a powerful yet discreet faith in Jesus that positively effected everyone around her. Although we mourn her passing, we acknowledge that she was welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father with great joy and peace.

In addition to her husband and children, Valerie is survived by her parents, William Gaffke and Wilma Wortman, and her brothers Michael and Anthony Gaffke.

Please join us for a graveside service at Noon, Saturday, November 25th, at the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman. A reception and celebration of Valerie's wonderful life, faith, and legacy will follow at 2:00 pm at the Baxter Hotel, 105 W. Main Street, in Bozeman, Mt.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28