The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the July 30, 2025 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
For more area obituaries, please visit Schwab Mortuary.
For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society.
Vance Harmon

Vance Mont Harmon age 55 passed away in his home with his loved ones peacefully on July 24, 2025. Born on July 17, 1970 in Afton, Wyoming son of Orson Mont Harmon and Mae Harmon. He grew up around horses. He loved guiding, hunting and fishing.
Vance is survived by his mother Mae Harmon, son Blake Willis Harmon, daughter Erin Call, brother Val Harmon, sister Nikki Iannelli, two grandsons Karsen Vance Harmon Call, Kayden Harmon Call, as well as his nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral at the Fairview Cemetery was held on Monday July 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Rachelle Christensen

Rachelle Gae Christensen, 58, passed away on July 26, 2025 in her home surrounded by her family after a two year battle with cancer.
She was born to Reid and Iris Smith in Montepelier, Idaho on April 7, 1967. Her family lived in Nounan, Idaho before moving to Firth, Idaho in her early elementary years. She enjoyed growing up on the farm, helping her family, and participating in pep band as a teenager. As a young adult she graduated from a dental assistant program and worked at a local dentist office.
In the spring of 1986 she met Kelly Dee Christensen at a mult-stake dance. They were married on October 27, 1987, in the Idaho Falls Temple. After 10 years living in Shelley, Idaho, Kelly and Rachelle moved their family to Afton, Wyoming.
Rachelle loved serving in church callings and the community. She served in many callings including primary teacher, primary president, and Relief Society president. She loved music and plays and sewed many costumes for the high school musicals. She also spent many summers in charge of the Afton West fair booth. Kids she taught at Afton Elementary school would often come up to her and say “hi.” She was an incredible woman and wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents Iris and Reid Smith. She is survived by her husband, Kelly Christensen; by her children Devin (Sara) Christensen, Shalisa (Joel) Hazelett, Logan (Megan) Christensen, Lindsey (Daniel) McCormick, Kalli Christensen, Brelle Christensen; by her siblings Brian (Clari) Smith, Nancy (Terry) Hopkins, Kent (Joan) Smith, Drew (Holly) Smith, Paula (Gary) Lund, Denise (Paul) Welch, Denae Smith, Bruce (Allison) Smith, Cory (Coleen) Smith, Colette (Jeff) Hansen; and by her nine grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on August 8, 2025, 5-7 p.m. at Schwab Mortuary, 44 E Fourth Ave, Afton, WY, 83110.
Funeral services will be held on August 9, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the West Hills Ward Chapel, 104 Johnny Miller Drive, Afton, Wyoming 83110.
Services can be viewed live online by liking the Schwab Mortuary Facebook page.
Alice Turner

Alice Pope Turner, 92, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully and gracefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Gooding, Idaho.
Alice was born on June 27, 1933, in Lewiston, Utah, the fourth of eight children to Clive Arden Pope and Sylva Harrison. She spent her early childhood in the beautiful Bear Lake area, where she developed a deep and lasting love for the lake and its surroundings. Her family later moved to a ranch outside Cokeville, Wyoming, where Alice learned the lifelong value of hard work, resourcefulness, and the importance of family unity.
At just 17 years old, Alice met the love of her life, her handsome cowboy, Keith Turner. They were married on January 7, 1952, in the Logan, Utah Temple. Together they built a lifetime of laughter, love, and enduring companionship. They raised six children and created a home filled with warmth, hard work, laughter and joy.
In 1972, Keith and Alice settled in Gooding, Idaho, where they began a dairy farm and became the proud owner-operators of Turner’s Service Station. Alice was known for her dedication, resilience, and hands-on approach to everything she did.
A lifelong and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alice served diligently in many callings. She gave her whole heart to every assignment and every person she served. She believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well—and worth finding joy in along the way.
Alice had a gift for making life fun. She loved music, dancing, games, sewing, and hunting for bargains—but nothing brought her more happiness than her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy and most treasured accomplishment.
She is survived by her children: Cathy (Ed) Maloy, Carol (Cliven) Bundy, Charles (Stacey) Turner, Cindy (Bart) Dance, Tracy (Jack) Dalin, and Trudy (Chris) McGinnis; her siblings: Evan Pope, Clayton Pope, Starlene Holm, and Merlyn Sandberg; 39 grandchildren, over 125 great-grandchildren, and many more on the way.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Keith E. Turner; her parents; her brothers Ladd and Clive; and her sister LaFond.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Gooding Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing was held Friday, July 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Demaray Funeral Chapel in Gooding, and again one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment took place at 4:00 p.m. that afternoon at the Garden City Cemetery in Garden City, Utah—right next to her sweetheart and overlooking the lake she loved so dearly.
David Tremelling

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of David Bruce Tremelling, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, who departed this life on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on May 2, 1955, in Rock Springs, Wyoming; the son of Gerald Tremelling and Vienna Maki. David was a cherished resident of Bedford, Wyoming.
David grew up in Rock Springs, attending local schools and graduating from Rock Springs High School in 1974. His journey through life was marked by dedication to his work and family. David was the proud owner and operator of D/T Hot Shot Service, serving his community with commitment and diligence for ten years.
Mr. Tremelling was a devoted christian and was a member of Emmanuel Bible Church in Star Valley. He was an avid Wyoming Cowboys fan, he loved fishing and really enjoyed the time he spent building his cabin in Bedford. David was a true Wyomingite.
David is survived by his loving mother, Vienna Tremelling of Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was a devoted brother to Douglas Tremelling and his wife Helen, and Glenn Tremelling and his wife Sandy, all residing in Rock Springs. David was a cherished uncle to his nephew, Glenn Tremelling II, and his companion Cortney Garris, and his niece, Ashley Cordova and husband Robert, both of Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was also a proud great-uncle to Kai Tremelling. Numerous cousins also mourn his loss and remember him fondly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Tremelling, whose memory he held dear throughout his life.
David’s warmth, humor, and kind spirit touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Following Cremation, a Celebration of Life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3309 Sweetwater Drive, Rock Springs, Wyoming.
The family invites those who wish to express condolences and share memories to do so at www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
Rest in peace, David. Your legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew you.





