Valerie West Bussio

It is with heavy hearts and deep fondness that the family of Valerie West Bussio announce her passing on May 30, 2026. Born on November 27, 1934, in Pleasant Grove, UT. Valerie was full of energy, light, and laughter. A loving homemaker by trade, Valerie made her home not just a place to live, but a haven of warmth, love, and humor for all who entered.

When greeting Valerie and asking how she was doing, her answer would inevitably be "I am almost perfect." and she was to us.
You knew you were a friend if you walked in the back door.

Valerie was born at home during the great depression. Her diapers were made of flour sacks. She lived on a 5 acre farm where they raised their own food and preserved it for the winter months. Recess was her favorite part of school. She especially enjoyed May Day when they would wind the May pole.

World War II came and Valerie's father was drafted into the army leaving her mother to raise 5 children and work the farm. Money was tight so Wilma, her mother, began working the midnight shift at Coreleson's Cafe. Valerie began working at the cafe at the age of 12. As the only girl, Valerie helped her mother with the cooking and caring for her brothers. Valerie worked the midnight shifts at Coreleson's Cafe on weekends during high school. It was here that she met Aldo Bussio (Bush) who would deliver eggs early in the morning.

Bush went into the army in 1950 and came home in 1952. Valerie and Bush became engaged in 1953. On May 4, 1956 they were married at her mother's home after "I told Bush if we did not set a date, I was going to be an airline stewardess. (I had been accepted.)"

Valerie was a beacon of love and giving. Her greatest joy was her family. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she was known to start water fights, cheat at cards, pull pranks and gather everyone together for Sunday dinners, holidays, Camp Bushberry, and reunions.

Valerie's goals in life were "to have a family and a nice warm home and a car. My life has been so much more than I expected."
Valerie's days were spent in doing good. She touched many lives with her compassion, generosity and fun. Her smile and sense of humor will be missed.

There are many fond memories of adventures that include camping with the Judds, sleeping on the roof of a houseboat under the stars at Lake Powell, camping at Flaming Gorge, and snowmobiling at Strawberry. Many summers were spent with Chuck and Margaret where the shenanigans never ended.

Valerie found joy in quilting. She specialized in hand pieced, hand quilted miniature quilts. 'Why miniature?' one might ask. Because as she would say, "I work in miniature so I will finish a quilt." Her creativity was not confined to the realm of quilting alone. Valerie's love for her home was immense, and she spent many happy hours keeping it updated and lively.

She leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love, carried forward by her children Tamera (Alex Larsen and late husband Kerry Chipman), Vincent (Angela Winegar), Tori Trevino, Gina (Kurt Johnson) and their families, which include 17 grandchildren, and 22 (soon to be 24) great-grandchildren.

Valerie was preceded by her parents, Sherwood West and Wilma Hebertson, her siblings Jack, Leonard, Everett, and Farrin; her husband Aldo Bussio, son-in-law Kerry Chipman, and grandson Anthony Bussio.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Holland, Karla, Rosie and all those who cared for Valerie this past year and a half allowing her and Bush to stay at home. We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you.

For those who would like to celebrate Valerie's life and pay respects to the family, there will be a viewing on Monday June 8 at 9:30 am with the funeral following at 11:00 am. Both the viewing and funeral will take place at Nelson's Mortuary in Provo. 4780 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at https://nelsonmortuary.com/obituaries/valerie-bussio-2026. This will be followed by a burial at East Lawn Memorial at 12:30 pm MDT.

We encourage you to share your favorite memories and photos of Valerie on her memorial page.