Valerie Vaughn (1946–2022) was a lifelong Salt Lake City resident whose passion for community and advocacy left a lasting mark. After a diverse career that included retail, public transit, and state service with the Utah Geological Survey, Valerie devoted her retirement years to leadership and activism. As an active member of the Liberty Wells Community Council, she championed projects that improved parks, schools, and neighborhood safety. Her proudest accomplishment was founding the Liberty Park Farmers Market in 2017, which quickly grew into a thriving hub for local growers, families, and neighbors.

Valerie was also a proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, working to create more visibility, inclusivity, and opportunities for connection. Known for her energy, laughter, and action-oriented spirit, she was a “doer” who left every place better than she found it. She shared her life with her wife of nearly 36 years, Kimm Harty, and delighted in time with her daughter Jodi, her grandchildren—who affectionately called her “Grandma Wow”—and her wide circle of family and friends. Valerie’s legacy lives on in the vibrant community spaces she helped create and in the countless lives she touched through her service and advocacy.