Valerie Aughney

Valerie Ann Secor Aughney, 72, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. At the time of her passing, she was living in Helena, Montana, where she had moved in recent years to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Born March 27, 1953, in Bozeman, Montana, to Lyle and Mamie Secor, Val was a fifth-generation Montanan whose ancestors were pioneer settlers of the Bozeman and Helena areas. She was raised in Three Forks alongside her older sister, Linda Secor Doust. Their mother, Mamie, taught English at Willow Creek High School, instilling in both girls a lifelong love of learning, reading, and community. A proud Willow Creek Bronc, Val graduated from Willow Creek High School in 1971 and went on to earn a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Montana State University in Bozeman, becoming a devoted, loud-and-proud MSU Bobcats fan for life.

After college, Val co-owned the Village Mercantile, a clothing store in Three Forks, with close friends, and later married Jim Aughney. Together they welcomed three children-Kyle, Kurt, and Kelly. After Kelly was born, the family relocated to the Flathead Valley, settling in Ferndale, where they owned and operated the Ferndale Market. After several years, they sold the store, moved back to Three Forks, and later divorced but remained united in their love for their children.

Back home in Three Forks, Val built a respected career in Human Resources at the Holcim Cement plant, where she was known for her fairness, strength, and unwavering integrity. She later spent six cherished years working in HR at Montana State University, bringing her professional life full circle within the Bobcat community she adored. Val also served her community through extensive civic leadership, including serving on the Three Forks City Council and serving as President of the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce. She was deeply proud to support and advocate for the town that shaped her and her family.

Yellowstone National Park was Val's refuge. She visited the Park frequently, finding comfort and renewal among its geysers, wildlife, and sweeping valleys. A longtime member of the Museum of the Rockies, she took considerable pride in supporting Montana's history, science, and natural heritage.

More than anything else, Val lived for her family. She was extraordinarily close to her three adult children, Kyle, Kurt, and Kelly, who were her best friends and the greatest joy of her life. In Helena, she treasured being near them and pouring love into her seven grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy, pride, and laughter into her life.

Val is preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Mamie Secor. She is survived by her sister, Linda Doust of Atascadero, California; son Kyle (Jacki) Aughney of Mesquite, Nevada; son Kurt (Jess) Aughney of Helena, Montana; daughter Kelly (Trevor) Little of Helena, Montana; and her grandchildren Connor, Dylan, Cooper, Bridger, Audrey, Kylie, and Cooper. She also leaves behind many cousins, friends, and former colleagues who will miss her laughter, generosity, and big heart.

Services

A public viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th at K&L Mortuaries - Three Forks.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 15, at 11 a.m. at the Three Forks United Methodist Church, with a graveside service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Museum of the Rockies or the American Cancer Society.