The following are obituaries and death notices that appeared in the August 20, 2009 edition of the Star Valley Independent.

Madelle (Sally) Elizabeth Abbott of San Dimas, Calif., died on Aug. 6, 2009 at Pomona Valley Hospital of pneumonia due to Leukemia.  Sally was born, July 3, 1932 in Seattle, Wash. Sally graduated UC Berkley with a BA degree in Sociology.  In 1955 she married Spencer Earl Abbott and they moved to the Charter Oak/San Dimas area to build their life together.  Sally was a perpetual volunteer. She spent 16 years as a Camp Fire Girl Leader with five years specializing in teaching the leaders how to cook outdoors with the girls. Additionally, she volunteered for Charter Oak School District, Boy Scouts, La Verne YMCA and 4-H.  Sally was a Home Economics Teacher at Chaparral Middle School in Diamond Bar from 1976 to 1990. Her love of cooking and sewing was infectious to all.  Sally traveled the West Coast and Mexico for over 50 years joyfully with her husband and family in their motor home every summer visiting family and friends.  They purchased a property in Forest Dell in 1978 and for over 30 years enjoyed Star Valley during August and September.    One of Sally’s favorite things to do was to roam the yard sales in order to meet new people and see new areas of the Valley. She especially enjoyed hosting family and friends in her beloved mountain paradise.  Sally is survived by her husband, Spencer Abbott. Her sister, Carol Widrig of Seattle,  and sister in-law, Patty Widrig of Gig Harbor, Wash. Her three children: Kathleen Bennet and husband Ed of San Dimas; Raymond Abbott of San Dimas; and Jill Serna of Henderson, Nev.  She is also survived by three grandchildren; Bryce Hulet, Danielle Serna, Kevin Serna and two great-granddaughters; Taylor and Trinity.  Sally will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and friend to all that she met. We who loved her are grateful for her life and her example.  She will be greatly missed.  A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 30 at Todd’s Memorial Chapel in Pomona, 570 North Garey Avenue, with lunch following at the Sheraton Fairplex.  A private interment at La Verne Cemetery was held Aug. 13, 2009.

Orlean Sizemore Perkins,  84, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother went peacefully asleep on Monday, Aug. 11, 2009 at Rocky Mountain Care in Evanston, where she had resided for the past 15 months.   Orlean was the youngest of three daughters born to Walter Carl Eugene Sizemore and Gladys Kirstina Poulsen. She was born on March 5, 1925 in Soda Springs and spent her entire life in Cokeville.  Spending her young life during the depression years set the tone for Orlean’s life. Many who “rode the rails” in search of work were fed on her parents’ back porch. Few if any were ever turned away. Orlean was a quiet, unassuming person who served anyone struggling whether family, friend or stranger.
Although her life in Cokeville was lived quietly she was a very strong person, shedding few tears for herself, and working to dry everyone else’s. She was a cow girl in her early years, a waitress, and later a business partner to her husband in an auto repair business in Cokeville.  Orlean married James Richard Perkins on June 1, 1946 in Paris, Idaho. It was an elopement because Richard could not believe she had agreed to marry him and wanted to hurry before she changed her mind. The marriage was later solemnized on July 8, 1963 in the Logan LDS Temple. They were married 63 years.  Orlean was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving as a Primary teacher, a visiting teacher and a ward missionary.  Richard and Orlean were the parents of four children; Nyle Richard of Maine; Larry James of Fort Hayes, Kan.; Lynette (Keith Nate); and Craig Eugene of Pocatello,.  She is survived by her husband James R. Perkins of Cokeville, her children, and also by an older sister. Verona Kemp, of Sandy, Utah.  Orlean was preceded in death by her parents, one older sister, Alene, a granddaughter, Laura and a great grandson.   Her posterity includes 14 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren who she loved very dearly.  Funeral services were held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009. Interment took place in the Cokeville Cemetery.

Duane Keith Hyde passed away peacefully while tending to his beloved ranch in Auburn on Aug. 6, 2009.   He was born Oct. 6, 1937 to Keith and Ruth Hyde of Auburn.  Duane Graduated Star Valley High School and attended collage at Utah State University.  Duane was a active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.   He spent 46 years of his life working for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and in those years he built a reputation that couldn’t be matched. He retired in 2002 with the number one badge in the state.  Duane married Shirley Atha Neild in the Auburn Church in 1957. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1961. Together they resided in Newcastle, Douglas and Pinedale Wyoming while he was working as Game Warden. In 1971 Duane was transferred to Afton where he worked as the local Game Warden for the next 31 years of his life. This would also be the place where he would pass on his enthusiasm for life and the outdoors to his three sons.   In 1980 Duane bought the property he would build his home on north of Afton. He loved spending time there building fish ponds, planting trees and building their house.  In 1994 Duane purchased part of his father-in-law’s ranch in Auburn. This is where he loved to spend his time. He continued to work the family ranch until the time of his passing.   During his retirement, Duane spent many days with his brothers, sons, grandchildren, friends and dogs hunting many different states for birds and fishing many different lakes and streams all just to enjoy the time with others and be outdoors.   He passed his love and knowledge for the outdoors and wildlife on to everyone he became friends with, which were many. His work ethic was to always give ten percent more than anyone else, and to take pride in everything you do. This showed up in everything Duane accomplished. He took great pride in his sons and enjoyed spending time with them and their families.   Duane is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley; their three sons, Dan, Dave and Robert; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by one brother, Terry and both his parents Keith and Ruth Hyde   Memorial services were held Monday Aug. 10, 2009 at the Afton Tabernacle building. He was laid to rest peacefully in the Afton cemetery.

Robert Glenn Barngrover’s earthly journey was finished on Aug. 6, 2009. His life began April 25, 1919, in Hugo, Colo. He was the eldest in the family followed by one brother and two sisters.   His exciting college years were followed by military duty as an officer in the U.S. Navy after which he became a practicing attorney.  Robert enjoyed and appreciated classical music and his life was akin to a great symphony with a lifetime of blessings. Barney considered his family and friends his greatest blessings.  He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Jean.  He is also blessed with a family of four children: Janet Wolf; Nancy Vaughn; Roger Barngrover; and Ronald Barngrover with their spouses and children.  With Jean, he extended his family to include her three children: Patrick Clark; Paul Clark; and Elizabeth Ramos with their spouses and children.  Barney’s walk embraced many righteous causes for he never hesitated for one second to stand up and voice concern and/or indignation for social and human value issues.   He was relentless with his typewriter, even notorious at times as he fought for pure drinking water for Star Valley Ranch and so many other worthwhile causes.   Robert has indeed left us a living, loving, lasting legacy of memories with his beautiful cabin in trust for all the family.  A memorial celebration of life will be held at his beloved homestead cabin at Star Valley Ranch in Wyoming on July 25, 2010.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Robert (Barney) Barngrover. Please send stories, photos and other memorabilia to be used at the Celebration of Life to Elizabeth Ramos, 4564 Theresa Street, Fremont, CA, 94538.

David “Dave” A. Taylor passed away peacefully at home, Aug. 10, 2009 after succumbing to his brave battle with cancer.  He had his loving wife, Linda, and faithful companions, Sascha and Rizzo, at his side.  Dave was the youngest child born to Hal and Margaret Taylor on Oct. 28, 1953 in Burley, Idaho. This was also where Dave attended school and graduated from Burley High School.  During the summertime, the family would herd sheep to Thayne until the sheep business was traded for  a more sedentary lifestyle at the motel in Alpine.  Dave married his wife Linda on March 14, 2008 in a small ceremony in Rawlins.  He was always fascinated with “big rigs” and ultimately became a truck driver.  There was a long list of companies where Dave had worked.  He took any trucking jobs he could get before he graduated high school.  After graduating, Dave worked for Clark Construction, Burgraff, Purple Sage, Circle A, Andris, HK, and many more.  As of most recently, Dave was employed by Highland Enterprises of Rawlins until the cancer forced him to quit driving truck in May of 2009.  Dave was a lover of life and a very witty person. He was cool, calm, and collected, and if quick thinking was needed he rose to the occasion.  Though you wouldn’t guess it by looking at him in his trucking attire, Dave was one of the most intelligent people you’d meet.  He was never boisterous, but had a talent for choosing words that would bring a general to attention.  He was a man among men and one to be admired.    He had a knack for always being able to bring a smile to anyone’s face, as he really enjoyed the art of teasing.  Even grumpy people would meet Dave, and within minutes he would have them laughing.  His cool, composed approach to life had the appearance of being easy going, yet it was definite and pre thought.  He had a special way of slicing through the bull and getting down to the nitty gritty.    He was a kind, considerate, fair and forthright individual.  His presence will be missed.   There were no children born to Dave, but he was the proud father of many spoiled dogs.  Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Hal and Margaret Taylor, and his dogs Trouble, Toosh, Teesh, and a few Beagles.   Dave is survived by his wife Linda Taylor, kids Rizzo and Sascha,  sister Gai Sue Sterling and brother Benjamin Hal Taylor. Nieces and Nephews; Deana Clayton, Nancy Uli, Wes Watterson, Bob Watterson, JT Lindsey, Jessica Taylor, Brandy Taylor, Kelly Taylor, Kristy Hartnett, Beau Taylor, Amanda Taylor, and numerous great nieces and nephews.   There will be a memorial service for Dave in Alpine, at the Alpen Haus park and gazebo area.  It will start at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009.  Anyone who would like to attend is welcome, and will have the opportunity to share any special memories that you might have.   We will miss you Dave, but  forever keep you in our thoughts!

Josephine Nellie Megeath passed away peacefully on Aug. 12, 2009.  Jo was born in Mountain View, Wyoming on July 19, 1918, to Timothy Theadore “Ted” and Isabelle Madeline “Belle”  Rochford, delivered by her Great Grandmother Hicks. She spent most of her childhood at the Old Fort in Fort Bridger with her two brothers. Jo graduated from Mountain View High School in 1936.   Jo married William Adison “Bill” Megeath on Dec. 12, 1938; they had four children: Peggy Elaine; Paul Edward; Russell Alan “Rusty”; and A. Jean “Jeannie.” The family lived in Evanston were she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which she lived with for 68 years. But Jo was too stubborn to be left behind, she continued to live a full life raising her children, working at Cornets and City Drug, golfing, bowling and playing  cards. Jo was very involved as a member of the Presbyterian Church. She also cared for her parents in their elderly years.
In her senior years Jo and Bill headed south, finally settling in Circle City Arizona where they purchased a home. Jo spent most of her time visiting with her friends and neighbors and caring for her citrus trees and yard. She even took a road trip across country in 1989 from Arizona to Rhode Island.  The last ten years of her life was spent living in Star Valley  with her daughter  Peggy, were she enjoyed her cats, playing pinochle and watching some of her great grandchildren play.  Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lester T. and Roger Samuel, husband Bill and son in law Jim McJunkin.   She is survived by her children; Peggy Mcjunkin, Afton; Paul (Joanne) Megeath, Clermont, Fla.; Rusty (Lacey) Megeath, Evanston; Jeannie (Dale) Gardner, Evanston,; Nephew Barry Rochford, Evanston; 15 Grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.  In Lieu of Flowers donations should be made to the National MS Society.   Graveside services will be held at the Fort Bridger Cemetery on Aug. 21, 2009, at 11 a.m.

Memorial services for John Henry Lecoeuvre were held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 at the Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne.

Funeral services for Delman A. Johns will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009 in the Third/Fourth Ward LDS Church in Afton at 10 a.m.  The family will greet friends prior to the service.