Marie Ann Edgerton, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010 in the Ogden Regional Hospital due to complications following open heart surgery. She was 70 years old and surrounded by her three children.  Marie was born to Loren and Ann Walton on April 27, 1939. She was the second of six children and had one sister and four brothers. She was born and raised in Star Valley and graduated from Star Valley High School in 1958.  Marie was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She married William Edgerton in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Will and Marie lived in Afton and had three children. The family spent many fun summer weekends together camping up Greys River.  Marie worked at the cheese factory in Thayne, the school store in Afton, Strebels, and Wyoming Woolens. She loved crafts and especially loved to sew and crochet. She entered many of her projects in the Lincoln County Fair and received numerous ribbons. She would also give her beautiful creations as gifts to her family and loved ones.   Above all else, she dedicated her life to her children. She was blessed with eleven grandchildren, and they were the joy of her life. After her husband Will passed away in 2007, Marie decided to move to Farr West, Utah to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She loved being able to attend their various activities. The move to Utah brought her happiness even though she did not get to spend as much time there as she would have liked. Her family loved having her close to them, and she will be greatly missed.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband William Edgerton; her father Loren “Tuff” Walton; and her infant brother Alma Walton.   She is survived by her three children Sande (Tony) Olson of Shoshoni, Wyoming; Sherri (Lynn) Raymond of Brigham City, Utah; Dusty (Adi) Edgerton of Syracuse, Utah; eleven grandchildren; her mother Ann Walton of Afton; sister Dell Mae Walton of Afton; and brothers Dennis Walton of Smoot; Lael Walton of Labarge; Don Walton of Afton.
Marie’s funeral will be held on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Afton LDS Stake Center. There will also be a viewing that morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Walker Patterson “Skipper” Inman, Jr., died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, in Denver, Colo. He was born March 11, 1952 in Florence, S.C., the only child of Walker Patterson Inman and Georgia Polin.  He was orphaned at the age of 10 and lived with his aunt, Doris Duke, internationally known heiress and philanthropist. They remained close until her death and Walker was appointed executor of her estate.  Walker was a passionate free spirit, an adventurer and explorer — a true swashbuckler. His life was centered around his family. As a family man, his children, Patterson and Georgia, were more important to him than life, itself.  His true love and soulmate, Daralee, gave him the contentment he was searching for his whole life.  Walker traveled on his much loved yacht, Devine Decadence, from South Carolina and discovered the South Pacific. He also spent a lot of time with his nephews and niece, David, Bart, Mat and Heather.  After a major refit, he took the boat back to Hawaii, meeting his friend and captain, Brett Armstrong. The boat is now in New Zealand, where he enjoyed extensive cruising and dinner parties on board.  Walker was a gourmet chef as well as an avid gun, knife, sword and steam engine collector. He looked forward to training his camel, Sinbad.
A pyrotechnics expert, his Fourth of July firework displays were legend in the Wyoming Valley below is mountain top home in Grover.  His quiet generosity changed many lives.  He divided his time between his Grover ranch, Outlaw Acres, and Greenfield Plantation near Georgetown, S.C., that he inherited from his father.
Walker is survived by his sister, Susan; and her children, David, Bart, Mat and Heather. He will sadly be missed by his faithful mastiffs, Doolie and Doolie, Jr “DJ”; his twin children, Georgia Noel Lahi Inman and Walker Patterson Inman, III; along with his wife, Daralee Inman.  Funeral services for Walker Inman will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 1 p.m. in the Holy Family Catholic Church.  A viewing will take place from noon to 12:45 p.m. prior to the services at the church.
Services will also take place at the Greenfield Plantation, located at 2713 Choppee Road, Georgetown, S.C. on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 1 p.m.

John A. (Johnny) Evinger, a long time resident of the Star Valley and Jackson areas, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 of sudden heart failure. Johnny was born May 23, 1962 in Denver, Colo., the 11th child of Willard and Hazel Evinger.  Johnny grew up in the Denver area and attended local schools.   Johnny met the love of his life, Dianna Lynn Cole, in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1987 and they were later married. Johnny and Dianna moved to the Jackson area in 1993 and Johnny worked with local contractors painting custom log homes. They most recently made their home in the beautiful Star Valley area where Johnny started his own painting business in 2005.   Johnny enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, working and living in the outdoors.   Johnny is survived by his wife Dianna; son John; daughter Brandi; mother; five brothers; four sisters; and one grandchild.   Johnny is preceded in death by his father and two siblings. Services were held Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne.

March 4, 2010 Edition

Arlynn Clyde McCoy was born March 4, 1930 to Isabelle and Murl McCoy in Afton. He was their second child, and had an older brother, Glenn. They were both joined by a sister, Lorna, two years later.  They had four, half siblings on their mom’s side, Warren, Dee, Elda and Anthon; and two, Ruby and Carl, on their dad’s side.  Arlynn’s dad, Murl, operated the first photographic studio in Star Valley, located in a small building on the east side of the main street of Afton.  After school, Arlynn would stop by the studio and see if he could help. If his dad was printing Kodak pictures from other people’s films, Arlynn would put the prints through the three step fixing baths. his father would then give Arlynn a little money which he would run out and spend. He often stated, “money and me did not stick together very long.”  Glenn, Arlynn, Dick Jergeson, and Keith Williamson would take turns mowing the five acres of grass behind Red Dabel’s gas station. Arlynn earned enough money to get an orange pop and chug it down as quickly as possible.  Arlynn dropped out of high school a joined the Navy on Nov. 25, 1947. After boot camp, he was stationed at Barber’s Point Naval Air Station on Waikiki Beach. He was on his own at the age of 17.  By the time Arlynn reached the age of 20, he had served a tour in the Navy and the Korean War was raging. Star Valley by then had its own National Guard unit and he joined it after get out of the Navy. Company D of the 141st Tank Battalion, a light tank company, was called to active duty in 1950. After serving a couple of years in the Army, Arlynn once again returned to civilian life.  Arlynn went to Kellogg, Idaho and worked for the Bunker Hill Lead and Zinc mine. This is where we believe he received his Electrician License. From Idaho he traveled to Chicago, where he worked as an for the Sara Lee Baking Company, keeping their machinery in good working order.  Arlynn met Antonia (Toni) M Cardona and they were married on July 29, 1971. Two boys were born to this union, Lynn Clyde McCoy on March 1, 1972 and John Robert McCoy on June 7, 1974.  Arlynn also worked for Alco Druvru Publishing Company for many years. The family moved to Tampa, Fla., in November 1993. There they built a beautiful retirement home in which to spend their retirement years.   Arlynn is survived by his wife, Toni; his sons, Lynn and Robert; sister, Lorna Hall; sisters-in-law, Willie McCoy Roy, June Ason McCoy; and many nieces and nephews.  Arlynn was so looking forward to his 80th birthday, he even had invitations ready to print. He was also looking forward to the McCoy Reunion at Allred Flats in Star Valley this coming August.  Emily Dickinson’s words are appropriate: “Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me.”  We love and will miss you, Arlynn.

Metellus Royal “Roy” Holloway passed away on Jan. 14, 2010. He was born in Sheridan Feb. 24, 1923 to Metellus Reed Holloway and Lena Emily Weddle.  Roy was united in marriage to Santina Traverso on Oct. 4, 1951 in Genova, Italy. Roy was a member of the Sailors Union and worked on ships all over the world.   Being a veteran, he was given military honors at his funeral on Jan. 23, 2010, held at Schwab’s Funeral Chapel in Thayne. Roy had lived in Wyoming since 1975 and enjoyed all aspects of life in his birth state. Roy was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Fern Benson.   Roy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Tina Holloway, who misses him every day. His smile will be missed by his many relatives and friends.   Roy’s ashes are buried by his mother in Scott City, Kansas.

Bessie Annie Turner Despain loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 after battling cancer for several years.  Bessie was born to James C. Turner and Bessie Maud Danks on Oct. 16, 1929.  She was the youngest of four children.  Bessie was born in Evanston, where she grew up and graduated from Evanston High School.   Bessie was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  While attending her ward in Evanston, one of her ward members introduced her to his younger brother, Wayne Despain. After dating for about six months they got engaged and then married eight months later in the Manti LDS Temple.   Bessie and Wayne lived in Lyman for five years before Wayne’s work transferred them to Cody. After 14 years in Cody, Wayne’s work transferred them to Afton on Jan 1, 1969.    No matter where they lived, Bessie was an active faithful member of the Church, who held numerous callings in the Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society organizations.  Bessie’s greatest joy was giving service to others and taking care of her family.  If someone was sick, or in the hospital or had a death in the family, she was one of the first to arrive on the scene with fresh baked, homemade bread.  She had a great gift of being able to listen to others and keep confidences.  If you had a problem you knew that you could go to Bessie and that your problem would go no further.  Bessie was preceded in death by both parents James and Bessie Turner; two brothers Darwin and Roy Turner; one sister Alice Turner Newland.  She is survived by her husband, David Wayne Despain; their two children Alice Ann (Stephen) Shaffer; David J. (Chris) Despain; six grand children Adrienne (Byrant) Petersen; Jonathan (Amy) Shaffer; Heidi Shaffer; Peter Shaffer; Phillip (Lyndsie) Despain; Stacie (Jeff) Lewis; and three, almost four great-grandchildren.  Bessie was proud of her posterity and was looking forward to seeing her new grandson.  Now she gets to see him before any of the rest of us.  We love you mom and will miss you till we see you again.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Afton LDS Stake Center. A family meet and greet will proceed the service from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Joe Clark, a long time resident of Jackson, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.  He was born Dec. 18, 1944 in Afton, the son of Jim and Delois Taggart Clark. He married Elena Ross of Jackson on Nov. 17, 1962. Together they had a daughter, Glenda.  As a young man, Joe was a hunting guide for several years. He then went to work for Pete and Lillybelle Peters and became well known as a garbage man. He worked in the community for over 30 years hauling garbage. When Pete and Lillybelle sold the business to Lane and Dianna Ross, Joe remained as a driver for their company.  Upon retirement, Joe became a snow bird and wintered in Quartzsite, Ariz. He and Elena would return to Jackson for the summers.  Joe enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, camping and getting wood.  Joe is survived by his wife, Elena, of Quartzsite, Ariz.; daughter, Glenda (Joe) Cheslock, of Lake Havasu, Ariz.; two brothers, Steve and Brent, both of Smoot; and Irene Blair of Smoot; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a private family service at a later date.

Karon Poore, loving and devoted wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away Feb. 15, 2010, at the age of 63 at Sunshine Terrace in Logan, Utah. She faced the diagnosis and treatment of the cancer that took her mortal life with the same unwavering faith, determination, selflessness, and love that she had possessed throughout her life.  She was born Karon May Parsons on July 12, 1946, the first child of Karol W. and Nelda May Peterson Parsons, in Afton. She attended public schools in Afton, graduating from Star Valley High School, followed by graduations from Ricks College in 1966, Brigham Young University in 1968 (B.S.) and 1969 (M.S. in Business Education).  She taught high school business education courses at Madison High in Rexburg, Idaho, Star Valley High School in Afton, and Lyman High School in Lyman.  Karon married Gary A. Poore in the Logan LDS Temple in Logan, Utah, on June 11, 1983. They made their home in Lyman. While in Lyman, Karon taught private piano to many of the community’s young people. She was “First Lady of Lyman” from 1993-1994.   Karon and Gary moved to Logan in 2000, two years after he retired from teaching in Lyman.   All who knew and remember Karon remember her saintly disposition and her angelic smile. Her smile was her “signature.”   Karon was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which she served valiantly and conscientiously in many different callings, from primary pianist to Relief Society President.  Karon is survived by her husband, Gary, of Logan, Utah; mother, Nelda Parsons, Afton; brothers Walt (Pam) Parsons, Blackfoot, Idaho; Lyndon (Nola) Parsons, Afton; Teryl (Cammy) Parsons, Bancroft, Idaho; sisters Nyla (Randy) Miller, Springville, Utah; Maxine (Tim) McPherson, Nephi, Utah; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, Karol Parsons, and infant brother, Merlin.  Graveside services for family and friends were held at the Logan City Cemetery on Feb. 19, 2010.   In lieu of flowers, it is requested that people make donations in Karon’s name to the American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross.

Taylor James Amos Lysager would have been six this past Valentines Day and was looking forward to celebrating with his friends, but he passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, following an accident while he was playing.  Taylor was born Feb. 14, 2004 in Pocatello, Idaho to Jefferson and Jamie Lysager. He was a happy and eager boy who fully participated in life in spite of health challenges. He was a budding golfer and also loved swimming, dinosaurs and computer games, and he was involved in the local T-ball program.  He loved pre-school and his teachers and the staff in the  Thayne LUCDA, and he was an excited kindergarten student learning to read. Taylor loved his teachers and all who worked with him there.  Taylor was generous, made friends easily, and was loved by all.   Funeral services were held at the Thayne LDS First Ward Chapel on Friday, Feb. 12. 2010. He was laid to rest in the Thayne Cemetery.   He is survived by his parents, Jefferson and Jamie Lysager; his sisters, Reese Lysager and Justice Hammer; great-grandfather, Bob Justice; grandparents, Richard and Victoria Amos; and Howard and Emily Lysager; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.   We will all remember him and miss him, and we are grateful for his influence in our lives.

Graveside services for Karen Parsons Poore will be held in the Logan City Cemetery, located at 10th North 12th East, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010.

Joe Kasten, 65, passed away on Jan. 27, 2010 at the Star Valley Medical Center in Afton. He was born Sept. 3, 1944 in St. Louis, Mo., to Ray and Dorothy Kasten.  Joe was raised in Kansas City, Mo. In 1962 he graduated from Raytown High School. He attended the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Mo., and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1966. Joe was enrolled in the ROTC program and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve upon graduation. He was selected as one of the 16 distinguished military students in the 5th Army Area, including Missouri and Illinois. Joe earned a Master of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1967 from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.  Joe married Sheilah Sue Siglin on Dec. 29, 1967. The couple met on a blind date over the Thanksgiving weekend in 1964 and had 42 wonderful years of marriage. They had two children.  Joe served on active duty in the United States Army from 1968-1970. He was a 1st Lieutenant serving his country in Korea.  He began his professional career in the steel industry with Armco Steel Corporation from 1970-1984 in Middletown, Ohio and then in Houston, Texas. Joe continued his career with Oregon Steel Mills in Portland, Oregon from 1984-2000. He retired as Vice President of International Sales and Officer of the Corporation in 2000. Joe and his wife Sheilah, moved to Star Valley in 2004.  Throughout his life Joe was an active member of his community. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, served on the Board of Directors for Rivergate Federal Credit Union, as a City Councilor in Tigard, Ore., and most recently as a board member of the Star Valley Medical Center Foundation. Throughout his life Joe was an avid reader, enjoyed trapshooting, skiing, woodworking, making stained glass, sailing, spending time with his family and friends, and walking his beloved Granddog Bones. He was a member and deacon of the Presbyterian Church Jackson Hole . Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Jill and his father, Ray.  Joe is survived by his wife Sheilah, son Garrett, daughter-in-law Julie of Houston, Texas; daughter Shannon, son-in-law Jamey, grandchildren George, Frances, and Henry of Kiev, Ukraine; and his mother Dorothy, of Kansas City, Mo.  There will be a celebration of Joe’s life on Sat., Feb. 6, 2010 at 4 p.m at the Afton Civic Center,150 Washington St, US Highway 89.  Joe requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the Star Valley Medical Center Foundation Endowment Fund. Checks may be mailed to the Star Valley Medical Center Foundation Endowment Fund at P.O. Box 579, Afton, WY 83110.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 at noon in the Smoot LDS Church of Matthew Lancaster, the son of Dennis and Leslie Lancaster.

Gerald Searight Putnam was born to Euvern Frank Putnam and Ruth Alice Searight on Oct. 4, 1925 at home in Auburn. He was the fifth child of 12 brothers and sisters. He spent his growing up years in Auburn with his family in their home one block north of the Auburn Post Office.   He learned to fish when very young and spent a lot of hours fishing Stump Creek.  Gerald attended school first-eighth grades in the Auburn Grade School and then attended Star Valley High School in Afton. In high school he played football and was on the high school boxing team.   When he turned 18, he was drafted into the Navy for service in World War II. He trained as an airman and a gunner in a P-47 flight crew. He received his discharge papers in June 1946. He graduated from Star Valley High School in 1947. While there he met Charleen Luthi.   They were marred Feb. 24, 1948 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this union, 10 children were born.  Gerald worked at the Swiss Cheese Factory in Salmon, Idaho; Leonard Robinson Ranch in Freedom; the Swiss Cheese Factory in Thayne; and at Call Air in Afton as a machinist. Then he moved the family to Etna to manage Paul Huber’s Angus ranch. He retired in June 1988 and moved back to Auburn.  Gerald and Charleen went elk hunting up Greys River together almost every year. They loved to fish and enjoyed the outdoors together and with family.  Gerald loved to sing and passed this love of music onto his posterity.  Gerald served as cub master, stake missionary, counselor in the Young Men’s presidency, home teacher, and teach in High Priest group for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Gerald passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 20, 2010. He preceded in death by his parents, Euvern and Ruth Putnam; two brothers, Nord and Euvern, Jr.; one sister, Nora Campbell; one grandson, Michael Bernstein; and one great-granddaughter, Jada Burton.  Gerald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Charleen Putnam; his 10 children, Carlene Parker, Debra Merritt, Carola Hyde, Lanis Fluckiger, Ellen Hurd, Paul Putnam, Curt Putnam, Keri Bernstein, Dan Putnam, and Sue Rosenbaum; 50 grandchildren, and 69 great-grandchildren. His brothers and sisters, Erlon Putnam, Elain Slater, Joan Negus, Corine Nelson, Roselyn Allred, Sylvia Pead, and Ruth Swenson.

Teressa Ellen Olson Stahle, loving wife and mother, passed away on Jan. 19, 2010 while in the service of her family.  Teressa was born to Melvin and Wilda Olson in Afton  on Oct. 19, 1957. She was the youngest of seven children. Teressa graduated high school from Star Valley High School. Later, she attended Brigham Young University where she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  During her time at BYU, she met her husband, Roger Stahle, and they were sealed together in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They celebrated 31 wonderful years together last December.  After graduating from BYU, she began teaching elementary school. She spent over 25 years devoted to helping children enjoy learning and to succeed every step of the way.  More than teaching, she loved spending time with her family; husband Roger, her four daughters Mindy; Candace (Palfreeman); Ginny; Madison; and son-in-law Scott Palfreeman. She never missed out on an opportunity to cheer on and support those she loved most by going to various sport events and recitals.    Her last days were spent with her latest additions to the family: her three beautiful grandchildren (Harley Stahle, and Chase and Carter Palfreeman).  After receiving a heart transplant almost eight years ago she continued giving back by being a donor herself.   She was preceded in death by her parents.   She is survived by her brothers Larry Olson (Shirley); Laron Olson (Darleen); Mel Olson (Sue); Donnie Olson (Cindy); Lynn Olson (Carol); and sister Deniese Ord (Craig).   She will be loved and missed.  Funeral services were held in Spanish Fork, Utah on  Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010.

Noel N. Allred passed away Jan. 10, 2010 of complications following a stroke. He was 86 years old. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 in Afton.  Noel was born October 11, 1923 in Afton. He was the eldest child born to Seymour Legrand Allred and Alice May Nield.  Noel attended school in Afton and graduated from Star Valley High School. He attended the University of Wyoming until he was called to serve in the United States Navy where he received the rank of Seaman 1st Class. Most of his time in the Navy was spent in Hawaii. He was honorably discharged from the Navy at the end of World War II. He then attended Utah State University majoring in woodworking and building construction.  Noel married Beatrice McGavin on June 22, 1950 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Three children were born to this union.  Noel had many talents and abilities. He was a skilled carpenter and business man. He owned and operated a laundromat and dry cleaning business and later started Allred Appliance. He also operated the Allred family farm west of Afton.  He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served for many years as bishop.  Noel was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Eugene, his wife Beatrice and a great-granddaughter, Brynn LaRue Kuhlman.   He is survived by his son Jim (Lynne) Allred, Afton; daughter Nola (Lyndon) Parsons, Afton; son Robert (Debbie) Allred, Grover; sister Vernell Johnson, Smoot; 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Venna Kennington Barrus passed away on Jan. 22, 2010 at the age of 85 in Logan, Utah.  Venna was born on Feb. 27, 1924 to Orson and Cora Johnson and was the oldest of their six children: L.A., Shurma, Raeona, Ella Ann & Marie.  She was raised on the family homestead located on Bittercreek Road in Fairview and spent her entire life within a very short distance of the home she was born in. She lived an exceptional life in what she called her beautiful corner of the world.   Venna attended Smoot Elementary during the Great Depression and was a member of the first class to graduate from Star Valley High School after America entered World War II.   She was married to Dick Kennington on Sept. 1, 1942 in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple, and they raised their six children: Melanie (Nolan) Taylor of Afton; Jim (Dixie-deceased) Kennington of Collinston, Utah; Irene (Dallas-deceased) Jenkins of Afton; Kevan (Kathy) Kennington of Nibley, Utah, Karen (Steve) Perry of Afton; and Gary (Joyce) Kennington of Grover.  Venna’s life was characterized by hard work. She learned to work hard from an early age, and never let up.  She spent her entire life working on a farm, raising animals and crops, canning and preserving food and spent countless hours tending to her garden and growing the most beautiful flowers in the valley.  She milked more cows than she cared to count during her life, and always had a soft spot for bum lambs.  She was also a seamstress and an accomplished knitter and crocheter.  She had a special talent for making the most beautiful yarn work and was a perennial blue ribbon winner at the Lincoln County Fair for her handicrafts.  When the work was done, she loved to play the piano and sing with her children.  She taught them to sing and love music and shuttled them to every church and social event in Star Valley to perform their singing and dancing routines.     As her children grew older, she found more work to do at various valley businesses.  She worked at the Swiss Creamery, Strebbles Variety Store, as a clerk at Montgomery Wards, and spent 15 years working for Caribou 4 Corners (Maverick), where she loved her work and her co-workers.  Above all else though, she was Grandma Venna.  She was the consummate grandmother to her 31 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren and eight great great grand-children.   Venna loved the Lord, and served faithfully in the Fairview Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for over 60 years.  She set an enduring example of service to the Lord and was always willing to do what was asked of her and taught her family to do the same.    After the death of her husband Dick, Venna married Doug Barrus and they spent the remainder of their lives together until he passed away Sept. 1, 2009.  Grandpa Doug and his children: Barry (Jean); Kim (Beth); Ryan (Marge); Derena (Bob), were a wonderful and loving addition to Venna’s life.  Venna and Doug served an LDS mission together in Chicago, Illinois and spent many years as temple workers at the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.  Family and friends will gather at the Osmond LDS Church on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 to celebrate her life. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by funeral services at 12:30 p.m.  Internment to follow at the Fairview Cemetery.

Cathern (Kitty) Graham Merritt was born Feb. 7, 1949, to Delmor Bruce Graham and LaVonna Kaye Cranney Graham in Afton. She was given the name “Kitty” by her great-grandfather Bruce who called her his “little Katrina” which was shortened to “Kitty.” Her family always called her “Sis” or “Aunt Sissy.”    Her early life was spent in Star Valley at the Cranney ranch in Auburn and in Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah where her dad went to college. She grew up on the family ranch in Auburn where she helped in the hay fields and to prepare meals for the workers. She went to school in Afton and graduated from Star Valley High school in 1967.    She met the love of her life, Stanley C. Merritt, in the first grade.  He attended her sixth birthday party and informed her mother that when he grew up he was going to marry Kitty, and he did.   Shortly after high school she went to Utah to attend nursing school, which she did not like, then she went to Seattle with her friend Lueann Schwab and worked at a motel cleaning rooms until she was laid off. At that time she returned to Afton and helped her dad at the laundry until Stanley returned from Vietnam in August 1970.   They were married on Sept. 16, 1970. After a short honeymoon in Montana, she and Stanley moved to Camp Pendleton Calif., where they started their life together. While Stan served in the Navy, they lived in many places including Salem Ore., Seattle, Honolulu, Oakland, Calif., and Exmouth, Australia.    She and Stan enjoyed going crafts of all kinds, camping, fishing, and anything to do with water. She was always outgoing and with her friendly personality she made lifelong friends everywhere she went. In Hawaii Stan’s shipmates would look to her for advice and many of them called her Mother. For many years her sister, Treia, came to live with her and she looked upon her as her daughter, maybe because of the age difference of 18 years.   While in Seattle, they bought their first house together and planned to retire there until Stan received orders to Australia. She was very excided to be able to see another county. She loved Australia and often said she could live there for the rest of her life.   After a short stay in Oakland California, Stan retired from the Navy and they returned to Star Valley to be close to family. She worked for Wyoming Woolens until the business closed. During this time, she also, ran the RKade in Afton with her husband. She would spend many hours talking to many young adults giving them advice on dealing with life and guidance for future endeavors in their life.   All her life she worked hard and was willing to help anyone in need.   Kitty enjoyed ceramics, stained glass, and needlework of every kind. Her gifts of cooking, sewing, knitting or crocheting were shared with many and each gift treasured.    Her faith in the church was very strong and she loved reading and learning about church history. She was a member of the daughters of the Utah pioneers.   Kitty will be missed by her family, friends and the love of her life Stanley.  Interment took place at Auburn Cemetery.

Stanley Steed 98, passed away Jan. 7, 2010 at his home in Auburn. Stan was born Dec. 9, 1911 in Auburn. He was the second born to a family of 11 children. His parents were Franklin Burton Steed and Pearl Delora Lehmberg.  His childhood was spent in the foothills of Auburn in the summer months and the family would move down into Auburn in the winter. His formal education was all in Auburn.  He married Fontella Weaver on Jan. 28, 1931 in Paris, Idaho after a two year courtship. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple in 1948. They lived most of their married life in Auburn.   Stan worked various jobs while running his farm and ranch in Auburn. He hauled milk for Star Valley Swiss Cheese Company for 35 years. He drove school bus, worked for the Forest Service and was a guide for hunting camps. His favorite hobby was raising and training horses. He had a number of fine teams and saddle horses.
Life changed when his eternal companion, Fontella, died in 1988. He later married Trilma Anderson. She died in 1996. He then married Mabel Draney and she died in 2009.  Stan always enjoyed good health. He never retired, he was a hard worker his whole life. He was still riding horses in 2007 at 96 years old. Last summer he was baling hay. He was always very organized in everything he did. He had a great sense of humor and  he was always a thoughtful neighbor.  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a High Priest. He was a faithful home teacher for many years. Stan enjoyed his large posterity. Everyone enjoyed visiting with him and listening to his many stories.
He is survived by three of his seven children. Shelby Eugene Steed (Mary Jo Shumway), Afton; Dena Miller, Afton; Craig Wells Steed, Auburn. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 41 great-great grandchildren.   Three wives: Fontella, Trilma Anderson and Mabel Draney, one daughter, Shirley Johnson; three sons, Delmar, Brad, and Brett, two grandchildren, Tracy Booth and Kim Steed, and three great-great grandchildren preceded him in death.

Funeral services for Metellus Holloway will be held Saturday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. in the Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne.   A viewing will take place from noon to 2:45 p.m. prior to the service.

Funeral services for Gerald Searight Putnam will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at noon in the Auburn LDS Church.  A viewing will take place on Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. in Schwab’s Mortuary in Afton and again Saturday from 10-11:45 a.m. at the church.

There will be a viewing on Friday, January 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the Schwab Mortuary in Afton and from 10-11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.