Valerie Elizabeth Hale
May 7, 1962 - May 4, 2026
Valerie Elizabeth Hale was born on May 7, 1962, in Oklahoma City and passed away on May 4, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is survived by her husband Kevin J. Winn, her children Stephanie Winn and Henry Winn, and her sisters Beverly Moe and Barbara Chadwick.
Valerie was a force of nature and changed countless lives for the better by encouraging others to accomplish more than they ever imagined for themselves. One of her favorite ways to help people realize their full potential was to ask them, “Why not you?” She was kind, generous, endlessly supportive, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She would often make instant friends by engaging those she had just met with her warmth and interest in them. She enjoyed literature and art of any kind, and particularly loved music. She was accomplished on the flute, harp, oboe, piccolo, and piano, and was a member of the Taylorsville Symphony, Woodwind Quintet, and Silverwood Utah Flute Choir. Her love of travel was infectious, and she tremendously enjoyed traveling the world with her family.
Valerie held a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a private practice specializing in the divorce and child custody population and psychotherapy for children and adults. She was a member and past president of the Utah Psychological Association, a member of the American Psychological Association, and a faculty member of the Utah Judicial Institute. She provided training to professionals in the area of high conflict divorce, custody, and shared parenting in the United States and abroad, and was in high demand as a public speaker, bringing her warm vibrant energy and humor to every wonderful presentation.
She was an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Educational Psychology at the University of Utah, a former Chair of the Utah Psychologist State Licensing Board, and a board member of the Utah Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. She developed early intervention strategies to help families move through the separation process by creating the Mediation Based Child Custody Consultation process and co-created the class content for the Divorce Education for Children program offered through the Third District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah. She recently co-founded Oak Tree Family Assessment and Treatment with the goal of raising the standard by providing AFCC Certified training for future custody evaluators in the state of Utah and considered this one of her greatest accomplishments.
Valerie was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell lymphoma in the Summer of 2024 and fought throughout the duration of her illness like the warrior she was. She had a brief period of remission in 2025, but cancer returned with a vengeance, and she passed away at home in the early morning hours beside her loving and devoted husband, surrounded by her family. Her enthusiasm for life, literature, music and art, and the fierce love she had for her family will live on in the hearts of those who cherished her.
A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building.
A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 777 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City.
In Loving Memory
Valerie was such a warm, kind, and special person. Im lucky to have received her guidance and support for nearly a decade. She was the coolest person I’ve ever, and will ever, know. Sending lots of love to her family and everyone whose life she touched.
Amani Holder
Sandy, Utah
I met Valerie through AFCC. Two vivid memories of her that I have: We were in St. George at the AFCC conference and I shared with her that I thought that maybe I wanted to go to law school. I told her I couldn’t afford it and she said to me “we will find a way for you to do it if that’s what you want”. I ended up deciding not to go to law school but I always thought of her. She knew I could do more and be more if I wanted. Another time she sent commissioner Blomquist to my house. Commissioner Blomquist was under the impression I was someone else and we laughed it off. Val always made people smiled. Wherever she is, I know she is smiling. I will miss you Valerie but your kindness will stay with me forever. I am sending strength to her family during this difficult time. Fly high Valerie❤️
Dani B
Spokane Valley, WA
My heart goes out to Valerie's family and friends. I was privileged to be one of her therapy patients and can say with honesty that she changed my life for the better with her guidance, humor, insight and professionalism. I am so glad that the last time I saw her after I moved from Salt Lake, it was over coffee and cake, just as friends. It was that bond, beyond patient and therapist that I will always be grateful for.
Laurel Shepherd
Kihei, Hawaii
My heart goes out to Valerie's family and friends. I was privileged to be one of her therapy patients and can say with honesty that she changed my life for the better with her guidance, humor, insight and professionalism. I am so glad that the last time I saw her after I moved from Salt Lake, it was over coffee and cake, just as friends. It was that bond, beyond patient and therapist that I will always be grateful for.
Laurel Shepherd
Kihei, Hawaii
So grateful for 20 years of friendship with Valerie. She was always so positive and supportive and we will miss her so much. I wish I could be there to celebrate a wonderful life that touched so many. Sending my love to Kevin, Henry, Stephanie and all of Valerie's family and friends. Farewell dear friend.
Frank Rayburn
Mtn View, Hawaii
Valerie changed people’s lives for the better simply by being in them. No matter how busy she was, she would stop what she was doing to take your call, listen to your worries, and make you feel like you mattered. That was who she was. I met Dr. Val — “Your Pal” — when she was on KISN Radio back in 1998, and we became fast friends. With every fiber of my being and every piece of my heart, I truly believe the world was a better place because Valerie was in it. She loved Kevin with all her heart and soul. Her children were the center of her world, and she was endlessly proud of both of them. Valerie lived a life filled with love, compassion, patience, kindness, and service to others. We can only hope that legacy continues on through the countless people she touched. I still cannot believe you are gone, Val. Things will never be the same without you. Tricia Griffith
Tricia Griffith
Dallas, TX
While I met Valerie back in the early 1980’s, I wasn’t able to spend any significant time with her over the years. I do know that she played a huge role in my friend Carmine’s life and that their friendship was tried and true. I recall her brilliant sense of humor and ‘no fear’ approach to life. What a great life she led.
Michelle Hoffman
Lees Summit, MO
Valerie was such a wonderful, gifted, soul. I am so grateful that I knew her professionally as a family law lawyer. She helped me very much in learning how to better serve my clients through the AFCC organization. I will always love her remarkable spirit.
Ted Weckel
Salt Lake City, UT