Valinda Jean Sutliff

Valinda Salo Sutliff

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Valinda Salo Sutliff, a proud Native woman, a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother who lived her life with quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering kindness. Valinda left this world peacefully in November 2025, surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving.

Valinda carried her Indigenous heritage with pride and grace, grounding herself and her family in the traditions, resilience, and values passed down through generations. She had a rare gift of making everyone feel seen and cared for—her gentle presence, soft smile, and listening heart brought comfort to all who knew her. Her family was her world, and she poured every ounce of herself into them.

She is now joyfully reunited with her beloved son Robert Mel Sutliff, her cherished mother Alberta Salo.—held once again in the loving arms of the Creator.

Valinda will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her compassion, her quiet wisdom, and the boundless love she gave so freely.

She is survived by:

• Her son Jeremy Sutliff and his wife Isabelle

• Her treasured grandson Jace

• Her father Melvin Salo

• Her brothers Tony Salo and Curt Salo (Tammy)

• Her uncle Albert and aunt Debbie

• Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will carry her spirit forward

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, December 5, 2025, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake.  Family will be greeting friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial at Linwood Cemetery, Linwood Township, MN.

We ask that you honor Valinda’s memory by holding your loved ones a little closer and living with the same kindness, strength, and grace she showed every day of her life.

May her spirit walk in beauty.

May her memory be a blessing.

Rest peacefully, Valinda. You are loved beyond words.