Valerie Lundeen
Valerie Lundeen was the longtime wife of retired actor/novelist, Ronald Pierce Ely widely known as Ron ely -who is best known for portraying Tarzan in the 1966 NBC series.
Valerie Lundeen who was married to the actor for over three decades was tragically found dead at the couple’s home in Santa Barbara. According to reports Valerie and her actor husband live at exclusive Hope Ranch property, Valerie is said to have been stabbed to death. She was 62.
A suspect was killed by a deputy at the scene after cops were called to the residence due to a family disturbance.
The 81-year-old actor has been reported as safe by the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s department.
Ely, a Texas native, featured in a number of TV appearances during the 1960s but found his break playing the lead role in the 1966 NBC series Tarzan. He also played the title role in 1975 movie Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.
As well as a career studded with occasional parts on TV, Ely hosted the Miss America pageant between 1979 and 1981.
He retired from acting in 2001 but did return for a part in a TV movie called Expecting Amish in 2014.
Ely embarked on novel writing career during the 90s and wrote two mystery books involving the fictional private eye, Jake Sands. Night Shadows was released in 1994 and East Beach one year later.
Valerie Lundeen was a former beauty queen, she was crowned Miss Florida. She represented Miami at the 1981 pageant and went on to compete at Miss USA later that year. She attended Miami Palmetto High.
Valerie met Ron after he served as host for the Miss America pageant in the early 80’s. They became husband and wife in 1984. Ron was previously married to Cathy Ely from 1959 until 1961.
During their decades long marriage, Valerie and Ron welcomed three children; daughters Kirsten and Kaitland, and son, Cameron. During an interview, Ron Ely revealed he retired from the business because he wanted to spend more time with his wife and children. He then decided to work at home so he could ‘be with the kids all through school and be able to attend their sports games’
Kristen Ely studied English language at University of Southern California and also Law at Pepperdine University. According to social media, she is a former Event Coordinator/Designer at Kiki E. LLC and the creator, Editor, Blogger at Blonder Ambitions. In addition she is listed as the founder at The Gild.
Kaitland Ely is the Founder of Sweet Southern California, the blond is married to Jason Sweet and together they have a toddler son, Jaxon.
