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Valli Durham
1951 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
3115 Bengal Blvd.
Cottonwood Heights, Utah
UPCOMING SERVICE
Valli Durham Obituary
1951 to 2025
Valli Durham, aged 74, passed away peacefully at her home on September 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. After a courageous seven-year battle with cancer, she was reunited with her beloved husband, Stephen Wilby Durham.
Born on March 29, 1951, in Salt Lake City to John Patrick and Virginia Gibbons, Valli filled her childhood with joy, creating cherished memories during family trips to Island Park and their beach house in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Throughout her marriage, summers were especially cherished at their lake cabin in Bear Lake, where countless memories were made with her children and grandchildren.
A dedicated lifelong resident of the Salt Lake area, Valli graduated from Rowland Hall and married her childhood sweetheart, Stephen. She earned a degree in education from the University of Utah and devoted her career to teaching kindergarten at Oakwood Elementary School, positively impacting the lives of countless children. Her passion for reading and storytelling was a gift she shared with her children and grandchildren, creating treasured moments together through literature.
Valli's optimistic spirit throughout her battle with cancer inspired all who knew her. She encouraged others to find joy and laughter in life's challenges. A passionate traveler, she explored the world but cherished her happiest moments surrounded by family, often reminding them that being together was her ultimate "happy place."
Known for her generosity, kindness, and vibrant spirit, Valli volunteered for Navajo Santa after her retirement, dedicating her time to serving others until her health became a challenge.
"Valli is survived by her brothers Mike Gibbons (wife Jennifer) and Bill Gibbons (wife Barbara), sister Vicky Hoagland (husband John), and her two sons, Nathan Durham (wife Erika and daughter Lilli) and Eric Durham (wife Katrina, and their sons Lucas and Miles). Her love and warmth will be deeply missed by her extended family, including nieces, nephews, and dear friends."
As we remember Valli's life, let us celebrate her compassion, joy, and the profound love she shared with all.
An open house will be held in her honor on November 2nd from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The event will take place at The Cottonwood Country Club, located at 1780 East Lakewood Drive.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity of your choice in Valli's honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Valli Durham
Funeral services provided by:
Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, Cemetery - Cottonwood Heights3115 Bengal Blvd. (East 7800 South SLC), Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Memories and Condolences
for Valli Durham
Sponsored by Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, Cemetery - Cottonwood Heights.
2 Entries
Cori
October 2, 2025
The world lost an irreplaceable angel, but heaven hit the jackpot. I am so happy she and my uncle Steve are back together again for all eternity. There was no one as giving, thoughtful, positive and loving as Valli. Our love of dogs bonded us closely. I will miss her birthday cards in the mail at a minimum, and her unconditional love for me the most.
Sending lots of love to her wonderful family (and her dog Todo too of course). We will make new memories at the lake in her honor. Hugs to you all. Love, Cori & Lucy
Tammy Richards
October 2, 2025
Valli's warmth, wisdom, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. I will always cherish the moments we shared. Please know that my heart is with your family during this difficult time.
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