For more area obituaries, please visit Schwab Mortuary.

For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society.

DeVonna Frasier

DeVonna Rae (Campbell) Frasier 28th, 1947 in Deadwood, South Dakota to Cecil and Laura (Henwood) Campbell. A sister, Glenna Mae (Campbell) Weaver would be welcomed to the family on December 5, 1951. DeVonna passed in the comfort of her home on July 5, 2025.

As a child, DeVonna grew up in the Black Hills of Spearfish South Dakota. She loved to ride horses and help on her grandfathers ranch. Her father was a teacher for the defense department schools and was subsequently stationed in Noremburg, Germany where she attended and American high school, graduating in 1966. The family got to explore much of Western Europe, with DeVonna citing Switzerland, Austria and France as favorite memories.

Upon returning the the U.S. she attended Black Hills State College.

A daughter was born, Stephanie Ann, on November 11, 1967 and a son followed, Glen Alan, on September 24, 1968. She met Lyle Thomas Frasier around this time and a third child, Scott Thomas was welcomed to the family on February 8, 1972.

In 1972 the family moved to Star Valley and DeVonna began to raise her family.  She worked at various jobs and made a great many friends.

DeVonna was an avid bowler since youth and served in all league positions at a local level, eventually being elected to the position of President of the Wyoming Womens Bowling Association in 2003. In 2010 she was inducted into the Wyoming United States Bowling Congress Wyoming Bowling Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service.

DeVona is preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother in law Harry “Skip” Weaver.

She is survived by her three children, her seven grandchildren, Ashley, Andrew, Shawn, Ryan, Brandon, Lexi and Kyler and two great grandchildren, Calvin and Russell.

A celebration of  Life will be held later in the fall.

Ned Eddins

Dr. Orland Ned Eddins 

February 2, 1932 – June 7, 2025 

Ned was an amazing man with a wide variety of interests – in each he exceled. A father, veterinarian, horseman, certified horse show judge, skiing instructor, author, historian, and award-winning wildlife photographer. A vault of knowledge in his many areas of expertise. A teller of stories many historically accurate, some just fun tales. A wonderful friend to many.

Ned received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Utah, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. He practiced veterinary medicine while completing a post-doctoral research grant on equine reproduction.

His enduring legacy will be his research and publications in two diverse fields. During his 20 years of practicing veterinary medicine, he advanced techniques in equine reproduction and nutrition. In addition to publishing scientific papers, he lectured at multiple universities in the United States, Japan, and Brazil. In his later years he developed an intense curiosity about mountain men, the Rocky Mountain fur trade, western expansion, Plains Indian culture, and his own ancestors’ histories. He founded an educational website to publish his numerous articles and photographs, www.furtrapper.com, and wrote two historical novels: Mountains of Stone and Winds of Change. He also contributed to and served on the peer review committee for The Rocky Mountain Fur Trade journal, and received the Award of Excellence from the Jedidiah Smith Society. Ned insisted on genuine authenticity by riding a horse and leading a pack of mules over many of the same trails as those of mountain men, explorers, and his ancestors, over 190 years ago.

Born in Afton, Wyoming, to Orland Gilby Eddins and Isabel Ada Sessions. He is survived by son Doran Bart Eddins and his wife Irma Hernandez Eddins, daughter Susan Kim Eddins and ex-husband Daniel Betts Beringer, grandchildren Miranda Rene Granda and husband Louie Granda, Matthew Paul Jio, and Karson Eddins Beringer, and brother Albert (Bert) Sessions Eddins and wife Gayle Larson Eddins. He was preceded in death by his son David Bret Eddins.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on July 23, 2025 at the Afton Tabernacle 347 Jefferson Street. Followed by the dedication of the grave in the Afton cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Ned would like donations made to the National Indian Education Foundation NIEA.org

Ernest W. Potter

September 16, 1943 –

November 21, 2024

A Celebration of Life for Ernie Potter will be held at 1pm on August 2, 2025 at the Alpine Civic Center. Lunch will be served, please bring a side dish or dessert to share along with your stories.

Veldon Izatt

Our loving father, Veldon C. Izatt, age 89, returned to his Heavenly home with his eternal companion by his side at the Birch  Creek Assisted Living Center in Smithfield, Utah on July 10, 2025 after bravely facing the challenges of dementia. Veldon was  born August 17, 1935 at home in Turnerville, Wyoming to Leslie and Delia Elizabeth Crouch Izatt. He was the youngest of four  boys, born to a family of strong and devoted brothers- Lenord, Keith and Stanley- who were lifelong friends and examples of  brotherly love.

His family moved to Freedom, Wyoming when he was about 3 years old when his father, Leslie, acquired a sawmill, the  Freedom Lumber Company. Veldon found so much joy working there alongside his dad, siblings, children, nephews and even  a few nieces. The sawmill became more than just a place of work, it was where family and purpose came together.

He attended Freedom Elementary and then went to Junior High and High School in Afton, Wyoming where he graduated in  1953. Ten years later, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference, he returned to school. He attended  Ricks College (currently BYU-Idaho) and later Brigham Young University, where he majored in history and received a  Bachelor’s degree in education. Just one week after graduating, he accepted his first teaching position at a girls reform school  in Caliente, Nevada. It was there that his passion for teaching and compassion for youth truly increased, as he devoted the  next 30 years to education, ultimately finishing his career at Star Valley High School.

He married his life-long sweetheart, Veloy Aldine Hemmert, on July 20, 1954 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were married  just 10 days shy of 71 years. Together they raised five children who cherished their father with all their hearts. He wasn’t just  a teacher in the classroom, he was a teacher at home. He led by example, showing those around him the value of hard work,  the importance of spending quality time with family, and the healing power of laughter. He believed that even in life’s most  difficult moments, a shared smile or a good laugh could help lighten the load.

Veldon served in many positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with his role as Bishop being the most  influential. Together with his beloved wife, he served a full time mission in the Rochester New York mission from March 1996  to March 1997, laboring faithfully in the Buffalo and Warsaw areas. His dedication to temple service was profound as he  served 17 years in the Idaho Falls Temple and nearly two years in the Star Valley Temple, offering countless hours in humble  service. Our dad’s unwavering testimony stood as a beacon of strength and profound example to everyone around him. He  was a man of deep faith, quiet strength and constant love. He lived his life with integrity, kindness and deep devotion to his  family. His presence brought comfort, his words offered wisdom, and his example left a legacy that will guide us forever.

Veldon loved the great outdoors, especially the mountains, where he found peace and joy. He also had a great love for singing,  a passion that began in his childhood with Mrs. Rose Hanson, a little German neighbor who would sit for hours in the backyard  singing with him and sharing songs that sparked his lifelong joy for music. His voice was so effortless and full of joy. Many  can remember being in church and hearing Veldon’s strong and clear voice, rising above the entire congregation. For Veldon,  music was a part of who he was, a gift he shared freely, lifting spirits with every note.

Our beloved woodsman and extraordinary teacher is survived by his precious companion, Veloy Aldine Hemmert Izatt, 5  children: Lorene (Steve) Spencer, Jed (Kathy) Izatt, Dena (Kim) Luthi, Dale (LouAnn) Izatt, and Lisa (Rigo) Chaparro; 37 grandchildren; 50 great grandchildren; 1 brother: Stanley (Sandra) Izatt. He was preceded in death by his parents and  siblings: Leslie Izatt, Delia Elizabeth Crouch Izatt; Lenord and Carma Izatt, Keith and Gayle Izatt and Mona Izatt; one great  grandson: Keelan Pond; 3 nieces and two nephews.

A viewing will be held Friday, July 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Schwab Mortuary in Thayne, Wyoming. A viewing will also be  held on July 19 from 9:30 am to 10:45 a.m. followed by the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. in the Freedom Ward chapel. The interment will be in the Freedom, Wyoming Cemetery.

Rhea Bills

Rhea Dawn Bills

November 2, 1948 –June 21, 2025

Rhea Dawn Bills passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, at the age of 76. Born November 2, 1948, in Brigham City, Utah, Rhea lived a vibrant, fearless life full of adventure, love, and resilience.

Rhea’s journey took her from Monroe, Utah, to Newhall, California, and eventually to Star Valley, Wyoming, where she made her home for the past 35 years and was deeply cherished by the community. She was known for her bold spirit and colorful life—she ran with bikers, lived among Native communities, and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, working as a roughneck in the oilfields, as well as serving others with strength and humor as a waitress and bartender.

Rhea married Bear in 1964, Doug Bills in 1986, and Dale Stewart in 2021. Through it all, she remained a loving matriarch whose proudest joy was her family. She is survived by her two daughters, six granddaughters, two grandsons, three great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson. Her legacy lives on in each of them.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother Del Rea, her younger brother Lindy Bodtcher, older brother Scott Baldwin, and younger sister Diana Flanigan.

Rhea found joy in beauty—whether in nature, art, or the presence of her grandchildren. Her unique light and fierce love left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her.

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Virginia Radford

Virginia Ann Radford was born April 17, 1938, in Porterville, California to Robert and Virginia Marshall. She passed away July 11, 2025, in Afton, Wyoming after a short illness.

Virginia had an adventurous childhood, traveling across the country with her family for her father’s work before settling in Arco, Idaho as a teenager. There, she met the love of her life, Lyal Radford. After a whirlwind two-week romance, they eloped to Elko, Nevada when she was just 16. It was the beginning of a lifetime love story.

Their life together was full of travel due to Lyal’s work in construction. Virginia gave birth to their first child Angela in 1956 and welcomed Lyal Jr. (Fred) in 1962. In 1972, they adopted Kenny, completing their family.

The Radfords moved to Jackson, Wyoming in 1964, where they lived for 27 years. Virginia worked at several local businesses, including the Ranch Shops, Toppers Steakhouse, the Antler Motel, and finally the trust department at Jackson State Bank. She was known for her dedication, work ethic, and loyalty.

In 1991, they moved to Star Valley Ranch. Retirement didn’t slow Virginia down. She and her close friend Liz Beck became deeply involved in community volunteer work. Virginia played a key role in the American Cancer Society, Star Valley Health’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Gifts of Joy gift shop, and was instrumental in fundraising for the new hospital. She later served on the hospital’s Board of Directors, continuing her service well into her 70s.

After Lyal’s passing in 2012, Virginia remained active. She enjoyed attending her great-grandchildren’s games, playing cards with friends, and spending winters in Florida and Nevada with her daughter Angela. She embraced every season of life fully and with grace.

Virginia was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. In her final months, she faced congestive heart failure and peacefully chose to reunite with her beloved Lyal on July 11.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, in-laws, son-in-law, three brothers, and many other cherished family members.

She is survived by her children: Angela and companion Ken, Lyal Jr. (Fred) and wife Brandi, Kenny, and bonus daughter Sheila Keating and husband Richard, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many loving friends and extended family.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, July 19th at 2:00 p.m. at the Ucon Idaho Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Star Valley Health Auxiliary, the Thayne Senior Center or the Holy Family Catholic Church in Thayne, Wyoming.

Marvin Anderson

Marvin John Anderson

March 14, 1951 – July 7, 2025

Marvin John Anderson, 74, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, Patricia (Patty),and his family. Marvin’s life was marked by steady faith, quiet service, and a deep and unconditional love for all who knew him.

Marvin was born March 14, 1951, in Utah to Weldon F. Anderson and Louise Stephenson. He and his twin sister, Mary are the youngest of six children.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Sheldon.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marvin served in the Arizona Mission, where he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with dedication and compassion. Some of the many church callings he had were Primary and Sunday School teachers , High Priests Group Leader, and Young Men’s Counselor.  Marvin and Patty served as Ordinance Workers in the Logan and Star Valley Temples. They were also Missionaries at the Caribou County Jail in Soda Springs, Idaho, teaching the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program. He considered this his most meaningful calling, where he and Patty helped many individuals come unto Christ.

Marvin also served in the Army National Guard, demonstrating quiet patriotism and commitment to his country, both before and after his mission.

Marvin and Patty were married and later sealed in the Jordan River Temple. Their marriage was a beautiful example of unity, devotion, and gospel-centered love. Patty lovingly called him “Marvy” or “Marvy John,” and their relationship was a source of strength, joy, and laughter.

Combined, Marvin and Patty have five children, Jason (Stephanie) Anderson, Jamie (Chris) French, Krista (Les) Sims, Kathy (Austin) Robinson, and Kimberly Warner. They also have 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Marvin made no distinction in love between his children and stepchildren—he embraced each of them as his own. The same was true for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a steady and loving presence in their lives. He was a loving brother and cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews and had a special way of making everyone feel important and loved.

Early in his life, Marvin worked as a milkman. He later became known for cutting and delivering firewood from the mountains—a job he did with both grit and heart, often alongside family. Eventually, he entered the tool business, working with his twin sister before founding his own wholesale distributing company, which he operated for more than 30 years with integrity and reliability. Marvin loved to fish and to work. He was always happiest with a project in front of him—whether it was fixing something, building something, or helping someone. His family affectionately called him “Messy Marvin,” and his to-do lists and scattered tools were part of what made him who he was.

He lived with kindness, humility, and a deep loyalty to God and family. His love for Patty was enduring and visible to all. His hugs, humor, and hard-earned wisdom will be remembered by all who knew him.

If you ever heard Marvin sing “Me and My Teddy Bear,” you’re something special. Patty still has that little bear. And if you can still hear him singing it—count your blessings.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to hospital staff, ward members, and dear friends who provided support in Marvin’s final days. Thank you to all who have reached out with love, memories, and kind words. Marvin’s life was a legacy of quiet service, faith in action, and unwavering love. His example continues to shine in the lives of his family, friends, and all those he helped along the way.

GodSpeed

Funeral Services: will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 Viewing from 6:00–8:00 PM at Sims Funeral Home, Soda Springs, Idaho on Friday, July 18, 2025 Viewing from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at the Soda Springs Latter-day Saint Church 361 South 3rd East, Funeral at 12:00 p.m.

Interment to follow at the Bancroft Cemetery. Military funeral honors will be rendered.