Carrie Valdez

In loving memory of Carrie, we reflect on a life beautifully lived, filled with love, compassion, and unwavering strength. Carrie passed away peacefully on June 30th, 2024, surrounded by family who held her dearly. She never once gave up in her 5 yearlong battle against cancer and held her head high with never ending humor.

Born on March 30th, 1974, to Don and Linda Piper, Carrie grew up with her brother Willie Piper residing in many US states, where she developed a deep-rooted sense on independence, grit, and a spit fire attitude that defined her life's journey. Her early years in life were inspired by a nurturing coach and teacher in Texas that inspired her passion for sports, being active, and a competitive nature.

As a young adult, Carrie met the love of her life, Dan, and together they embarked on a journey of love and partnership that spanned nearly 30 years. They built a successful ranch in Colstrip, MT, filled with joy and laughter, raising two wonderful children: Addy and Zach. Raising Addy and Zach was her greatest accomplishment. Carrie was the heart of the family, selflessly dedicating herself to their well-being, always offering guidance, support, and boundless love.

Beyond her role as a devoted mother, Carrie was known for her love of golf, coaching, birdwatching, and gardening. Her warm smile and compassionate demeanor touched the lives of all who knew her, whether through her time at the many hospitals where staff could not help but adore her, or her generous time committed to the Colstrip AAU Volleyball program that she founded and nurtured into success.

Carrie's legacy of strength and resilience will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her long battle with cancer never deterred her from living life to the fullest, even when the challenges would cripple most. A complaint never slipped from her mouth as she conquered setback after setback, modeling true grit and sacrifice for the ones she loved. She leaves behind a cherished memory in the heart of her beloved children Addy (Ryan) and Zach, husband Dan, brother Willie (Tara) Piper, other Linda Piper, and countless friends and family members.

Carrie is preceded in death by her beloved father, Donnie, and mother and father-in-law, Bev and Roy Valdez. While we mourn her passing, we find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with them in eternal peace.

In this time of sorrow, we find solace in the memories we shared and the lessons she imparted. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will live on in the lives she touched, forever guiding us with her love and wisdom.

A celebration of Carrie's life will be held on August 17th, at Ponderosa Butte Golf course where all who loved her are encouraged and invited to honor her with and round of golf. Post-golf celebration will be held at the Moose Lodge at 1:00 pm to further cherish her legacy and memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the new Carrie Valdez Memorial AAU Volleyball Scholarship Fund in her honor. There is an account set up at First Interstate Bank.

The family would like to thank all the Dr's and Nurses that helped care for Carrie along this journey. Dr. Jones and Dr. Flouro and their teams at Huntsman's Cancer Center. Dr. Fiddler and all the amazing nurses at Frontier Cancer Center. All the nurses on 3 Fortin at Intermountain Health. Darlene Sanders and the staff at Colstrip Medical Center. Carrie truly appreciated every single person that helped take care of her throughout her cancer battle.

Though Carrie has left our living world, her love, legacy, and light will always be with us in the birds, blooms, and beautiful sunsets, for now and always.

Rest in peace, Carrie. You will be deeply missed and always lovingly remembered.