Raeann Dorgan Valdez

HAMILTON - RaeAnn Dorgan Valdez of Hamilton, Montana, died at 69 years of age on October 24, 2022, of a sudden cardiac event in her home.  RaeAnn was born at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital to Jerome “Bud” and Lucille “Lucy” Dorgan on July 14, 1953.  She was the 4th of 7 siblings and had many stories about their station wagon adventures as a child.  RaeAnn graduated from Hamilton High School in 1971 and after a brief stint at the University of Montana, she enlisted with the US Army.  In 1974 she married Walter “Butch” Niederhauser, and they were together stationed in Nurnberg, Germany.  Here, RaeAnn had her first child, Angelika “Angie”, and they had many good days exploring western Europe in their VW van.  RaeAnn and family then moved to Oahu, Hawaii and spent years on the beautiful beaches.  Here she obtained her Associate of Art degree at Leeward Community College and married her second husband, Alexander “Alex” Valdez, with whom she had her second child, Alika.  However, Big Sky country was calling RaeAnn home and she moved her family back to the  Bitterroot and Missoula Valley in the 80’s.  She attended officer training with the US Army in Virginia, becoming a first lieutenant, of which she was very proud.  The family settled in Missoula and RaeAnn married her third husband, Keith Owczarek, and had her 3rd child, Joshua “Josh”.  She completed her bachelor’s degree and started her much loved career as a devoted teacher and educator.  Rae Ann was happiest in the classroom and was passionate about working with children.  The family then moved to Arizona where she completed a master’s degree in education and became a reading specialist.  She especially enjoyed working with children who struggled with school, recognizing the importance of early intervention, academic supports and mentoring.  She worked on the Fort Apache reservation, making a significant impact in this community of children.  As her own children were grown, RaeAnn took the opportunity to complete her years of service in the US Army and headed back to Germany as a teacher.  She spent those years in Stuttgart with her 2 beloved dogs, Shadow and Shadie.  Alas she very much missed her stateside family, including now multiple grandchildren, and headed home in 2012.  She completed her days of retirement in her hometown of Hamilton, enjoying river walks, Trapper Peak views, her church community at the Assembly of God, visiting local cafes, and spending time with old friends from her high school days.

Rae Ann had a huge heart and loved deeply.  She had a strong faith in God and greatly cherished connections with her family and friends.  She was known for thoughtful cards and little gifts, as she was always thinking of others.  She was incredibly supportive and loved unconditionally.  She lit up the room with her smile, always having an amazing amount of positive energy and gratitude.  RaeAnn, “Oma,” especially adored her grandkids and so valued her time with them playing games, reading books and doing puzzles.  Rae Ann also really loved dogs and wanted to rescue all of them!  She had many special companions through the years- Sparky, Blue, Shadow, Shadie, Ranger, and Teddy.  As we look through all the old photos, we are grateful for many good times in the great outdoors, camping, hiking, and playing in the lakes and rivers.  Oma, we love you to the moon and back!

Rae Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Lucy Dorgan of Stevensville.  She is survived by her 3 children and 6 grandchildren who are heartbroken from her death- Angie Ostrowski (Sean), Alika Valdez (Lauren), and Josh Owczarek, Ellie (11) and Lucy (11) Ostrowski.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at the Assembly of God, in Hamilton. Donations can be made to the Assembly of God Church or Bitterroot Humane Society. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com