Born in Okanogan, Washington, Ogden received her bachelor's degree in sociology from Washington State University.[3] She worked as a non-profit management consultant and adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark College and Portland State University. Ogden served in the Washington House of Representatives from 1991 until 2003 as a Democrat and served as Speaker Pro Tempore.[4] She served six terms as State Representative.[4] Ogden died of cancer in 2014.[5][6]
She married Dan Ogden in 1946. They met while attending Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. The couple had three children, Jan, Patti, and Dan.[1]
During her 12 years as State Representative, Ogden fought for state-run schools for the blind and deaf.[3] Ogden pushed to improve standards of students learning braille and instructors teaching braille at the Washington State School for the Blind.[1] Proud graduates of Washington State University, Val and Dan helped to bring the branch campus to Vancouver.[7] The Washington State University Vancouver campus was established in 1989.[8] The entire Ogden family is deeply rooted in Washington State University; Val, Dan, two of their children, and two of their grandchildren have received degrees.[3]
She served as executive director of YWCA Clark County from 1985 to 1989.[9][1] While serving as State Representative, she directed $300,000 of funds for the YWCA's capital campaign.[9]
She was involved in the non-profit Camp Fire USA, doing national consulting for Camp Fire Girls.[10] Ogden was an expert in non-profits and was often consulted for help when Camp Fire and other agencies needed help.[1]
Ogden was active with several civic groups, including the Council on the Homeless, Human Services Council, the Clark County Mental Health Board, and Southwest Washington Center for the Arts.[4][7]