Ann Valder Papers (MS-00319)

Editor and Journalist Ann Valder and her family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957 where she became involved in community activities by volunteering in schools, churches and civic organizations. In 1958 she became a supervisor for Welcome Wagon and then worked as "Kathy Keno," where she handled promotional activities for Radio KENO. She later conducted a weekly television show until she was employed at the Las Vegas Review Journal newspaper as a columnist in 1964. She was then appointed as assistant women's editor and food editor. After nine years she moved to the Valley Times as women’s editor. In 1977 she returned to the Review Journal as assistant society editor, a position she held until her retirement in 1983.

In addition to her paid employment, Valder donated time to many causes, including First Presbyterian's youth group, the West Charleston Elementary PTA, Girl Scouts, March of Dimes, Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society. She assumed the responsibilities for public relations, volunteers and corporate fund-raising for Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital and co-founded the Hospital Foundation. Valder did fund-raising for the Kidney Foundation, Planned Parenthood, the University Medical Center's Auxiliary, the Southern Nevada Museum, and a host of other civic groups. She was involved with Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a member of the Mesquite Club, the Press Club, Altrusa, and DOVIA as well as a frequent judge for local cooking competitions. She participated nationally as a judge for the Betty Crocker cook offs. In addition, she served on panels for the Beef, Lamb, and Wool Councils. Even after her retirement she continued to contribute articles for the "Out and About" column in the Las Vegas Sun newspaper.

Ann Valder passed away on June 15, 1987.