Ingalls – Valerie J. Denton, 74, died January 11, 2026 at her home in Ingalls, Kansas. She was born on September 17, 1951 at Healdsburg, California the daughter of Artino and Leola (Pulse) Muzzin.

She married Bruce Denton on April 10, 1993 in Reno, Nevada, he survives. She was a devoted wife to Bruce and especially proud of the 15 years they spent team driving trucks for Werner Trucking traveling across the United States and Canada. She was especially proud that they drove over one million miles accident free while driving the truck. A woman of strong faith, Valerie volunteered faithfully at her church, cooking breakfast nearly every Sunday. She also loved her garden and dearly cherished her six cats.

She was a member of the Cimarron First Christian Church of Cimarron.

She is she survived by her beloved husband Bruce Denton of 33 years, brother David Muzzin and wife Linda Vale; her sister Laurie Keikkala and husband Jim; Bruce's sons, Luke Denton of Fresno, CA and Ben Denton and wife Jennifer and Jennifer's children; Marine Corporal Gaven Denton and wife Daniella, and Zoey Jade, whom Valerie loved and cherished as her own. She is also survived by her Uncles Louie Muzzin, Angelo Muzzin and Bino Muzzin. Valerie was a strong, generous and thoughtful woman with a warm sense of humor. As the oldest sibling she was a protector and mentor to her brother and sister and remained a constant source of love and support. She loved her nieces: Christy Richardson, daughter of David and Ruth Baugh, Anna Fox, and Grace Hale, daughters of Laurie. Valerie was a strong generous love and support throughout their lives. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial service will be held at Cimarron Christian Church on Monday January 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM with Mr. Kyle Lawson presiding. A breakfast will be served following the service. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled Veterans in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.