Valdie Burkholder hospitalized

February 25, 2012

Valdie Burkholder (left), and grand-daughter Mikkel Becker. Valdie Burkholder, a vibrant and active Bonners Ferry icon despite being in her late 80s, was hospitalized Friday after suffering a cardiovascular event, possibly a mild stroke. According to her daughter, Teresa Becker, they were dining at Under the Sun when the episode occurred, and she was taken immediately to Boundary Community Hospital, where family friend Dr. Chuck Newhouse was on emergency room duty. "He did a wonderful job," Teresa said. After getting her condition stabilized, she was transported by ambulance to Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d'Alene, where she was admitted in Room 221. Teresa said a CT scan was performed while in Bonners Ferry, and an MRI is being done today at KMC to pinpoint the cause of the episode. Depending on what they find, Teresa said, she could undergo surgery as early the middle of next week. Valdie's granddaughter, Mikkel Becker, is staying at the hospital with her. "Please keep Valdie, Rockey and the rest of us in prayer," Teresa said.