Valerie Ferne Soltys

Valerie Ferne Soltys of Erickson, MB passed away April 25th, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 71.

Valerie was born on June 17th, 1954, in Erickson, MB. She was the only daughter of Roger and Leona Larson. Her baby brother Maurice Verne was born in 1959. He was, in her mind, her first baby. Valerie was raised on the family farm in Hilltop and lived there until she married Alan Soltys on October 14, 1972. Alan and Valerie started their family in 1978 with the birth of their only son, Clayton. He quickly became her new favorite person.

Valerie started her lifelong career in finance at the Erickson Credit Union in 1972, right after graduating from Erickson Collegiate High School. Over the years she advanced up the financial ranks, all the while keeping her little family on the go by helping at the family hardware store and with Clayton in many activities. In 2006 she became the General Manager of the Erickson Credit Union and retired in 2017 after 45 years of dedicated service.

She was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Erickson since1993 and was recently awarded with lifelong membership status. Valerie was a big part of all the legion events, including, but not limited to, weekly Bingo, Remembrance Day Services and the new Puzzle Nights. She was also on many other local boards over the years including the Erickson Recreation Association, Erickson Chamber of Commerce, Erickson Curling Club, The Little Valley Jamboree and countless more. In 2010 Val served as Mayor for the Town of Erickson for a 4-year term. In 2014 she was awarded the Westman Women of Distinction Award. This was a very fitting award that recognized her extensive career and lifelong volunteerism in the Westman region.

Val was an amazing mother, grandmother, relative and friend. After retiring, she was able to spend even more time with Clayton, Kathy and her cherished grandsons Parker and Cooper. She was well known in hockey arenas, school gyms and baseball fields in the area as one of the best fans. The boys could always count on her love and support; she was always there when they needed her. Even if it was last minute or less than convenient for her, nothing was more important than what they needed.

Val was always busy with something. If she wasn’t helping with a function or supporting the boys, she would go to a local concert or a drama production and spend time with the people she enjoyed. She had such a “Joie De Vivre” and loved traveling. She had many trips of a lifetime all over the world with her family and friends. Even though she had some health concerns, she never let it stop her from living her best life.

The space that Valerie has left behind is too big to describe. She was so important to so many people, both personally and professionally. While we can’t possibly fill her shoes, we can walk in them proudly, holding her close and knowing that her love lives through those who love her.

Valerie was predeceased by her father Roger Larson, mother Leona Smith (Lofgren), stepfather David Smith and husband Alan Soltys.

She is survived by her son Clayton (Kathy), Grandchildren Parker and Cooper, Brother Maurice Larson (Bob Riccardi), as well as numerous extended family members.