A. Valene (Olson) Couch

Alice “Valene” Couch, 95, (The Cottages) of McCall, passed away on November 9, 2019.  The Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., December 23, 2019 at McCall Community Congregational Church.  Pastor Char Havlicak will be officiating.  Burial will precede at 1 p.m., November 29, 2019 at the Veteran’s Cemetery, Boise, Idaho.  Arrangements and transport are being handled by McCall Funeral Home, Inc.

Valene was born on a homestead near Fairfield, Idaho on September 8, 1924 to Hugo and Elva Olson.  She graduated from Wendell High School in 1942 and attended Heavy Equipment School in Weiser, Idaho.  She was hired as a civilian crane operator at the Bremerton Navy Shipyard.

Valene met and married the love of her life, James H. Couch, a Marine who had just returned to Seattle from Guadalcanal, on November 27, 1943.  They were married almost 72 years.

After World War II they moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where they built their home, raised their five children, and lived for 70 years.

Valene had several occupations throughout the years, but retired as an insurance broker.  She cultivated beautiful roses, a backyard fruit orchard and a big garden.  She preserved each harvest for her family.  She had a lovely voice and sang in her church’s choir.  Valene enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  She played cards and other games, went camping, and traveled throughout the U.S. and beyond.  She loved to read and keep up on current events.  She volunteered at St. Luke’s Magic Valley for over a thousand hours after retirement and was active in her church ministries.

Valene is survived by her son, James H. Couch II (Carmel) of Mountain Home, two daughters, Toni Sheldon (Jeff) of McCall, Holly Kelley (John) of Bend, Oregon, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her son Robert L. Couch (Cathy) of Eagle, her husband James H. Couch, and her daughter Cheryl Biegert (Brad) of Meridian.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Heartland Hunger Center.  The family of Valene Couch wishes to thank The Cottages of McCall for their tender loving care the past 10 months.

If desired, you may leave a note or condolence for Valene’s family at www.mccallfunerals.com