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Featured Local News Obituaries

Independent Obituaries: August 13, 2025

The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the August 13, 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.

 

Carol Davidson

Carol Davidson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Ann Burdick Warren Davidson.

She passed away peacefully on August 4 at the age of 78.

She will be remembered and honored for her deeply meaningful contributions in the field of genealogy, her passionate love of music as well as her generous spirit and willingness to help others.

She treasured spending time with her grandchildren and inspired others to appreciate nature and the beauty around them.

She was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her journey on this earth was one marked by compassion and unwavering faith.

She is survived by her children, Rachel and Wendy, and her grandchildren, Teigra, Tanya, Ephraim, Chandler, Marishka, Jeremiah, and Eleanora as well as her loving siblings, Laran and Mary.

She is remembered and loved by countless friends and family members whose lives she deeply influenced.

A memorial service was held in the Etna Ward chapel in Etna, Wyoming on August 12 at noon. A viewing was held prior to services from 10-11:45 a.m.

Interment was at the Afton, Wyoming Cemetery.

 

Marie Woodard

Marie Woodard

Marie Ethel Woodard (Byington), age 77, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, in Afton, Wyoming.

Born on March 10, 1948, in Soda Springs, Idaho, to Donald and Mary Rose Byington, Marie was raised with a deep appreciation for faith, family, and hard work. She lived her life in service to her family, co-workers, and friends, always placing the needs of others before her own.

Marie was one of seven siblings, a bond that shaped her deeply. She is survived by her sisters, Karen Olsen and Yvonne Dixon, and was preceded in death by Gwen Price, Donald Byington Jr., Stephanie Byington, and Jeri Byington. Throughout her life, Marie found strength and comfort in the close ties she shared with her family.

Marie was a devoted mother, and her five children — Robert Valentine (Laura) of Fairview, Wyoming; Mark Valentine of Afton, Wyoming; Jennifer Hyde (Mark) of Osmond, Wyoming; Burke Valentine (Jennifer) of Clearfield, Utah; and Josh Woodard (Jenicee) of Boise, Idaho — were the center of her life. Her circle of love expanded as she welcomed 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, and she was a friend and mother to countless others when they were in need.

Throughout her life, Marie balanced work inside and outside the home, excelling as a capable office manager and a dedicated homemaker. She was gifted in quilting, sewing, cooking, and gardening, using her talents to bless those she loved. Known for her competence, thoughtfulness, and tidy nature, she had an eye for detail and a gentle wit that made people feel seen and valued.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marie lived her faith quietly and consistently, serving others with humility and generosity. Her faith sustained her through life’s challenges and remains a guiding light for others.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bittercreek Ward Church (3166 State Hwy 241, Osmond, WY). Marie will be laid to rest at the Afton Cemetery (1199 Madison St, Afton, WY).

Though our hearts ache at her passing, we take comfort in the love she shared so freely and in the example she leaves for all who knew her.

 

Ted Filcher

Ted Filcher

Theodore Allen “Ted” Filcher, 47, of Alpine, Wyoming, passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2025, in a vehicle accident near Alpine. His sudden passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who loved him, but his spirit will live on in the countless memories he created with family and friends.

Born on June 28, 1978, Ted was the cherished son of Gary Filcher and Thavil Filcher. From an early age, Ted had a vibrant personality, a quick wit, and a way of making people feel welcome—traits that would carry him far in both life and career.

On April 18, 2013, Ted married the love of his life, Lisa Carnahan, in a beautiful seaside ceremony at Pueblo Bonito, Emerald Bay in Nuevo Mazatlán, Mexico. Together, they built a life full of adventure, love, and shared dreams. Ted was also a proud and devoted father to his daughter, Kaitlin Carnahan, whose happiness was always at the center of his heart.

Ted spent his entire professional life in the hospitality industry, where his natural warmth, attention to detail, and gift for connecting with people made him beloved by colleagues and guests alike. His work was more than a job—it was a reflection of who he was: someone who loved to serve, connect, and make people feel at home.

Outside of work, Ted had two great passions—football and fishing. A loyal Seattle Seahawks fan, he never missed a chance to cheer on his team, whether from the stands, the couch, or alongside friends. He was equally at peace with a fishing rod in hand, casting into quiet waters and savoring the beauty of the outdoors.

Ted was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph and Helen Filcher.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Carnahan; his daughter, Kaitlyn Carnahan; his father, Gary Filcher (Janet); his mother, Thavil Filcher (Jeff); his brother, Nicholas Filcher (Ellie); his sister, Allison Hill (Zack); his brother, Wes Olsen; and his sister, Rachel Minor (Blake). He will be forever remembered by his nephews, Emmett Hill, Miles Filcher, Kai Filcher, and Asher Minor; his nieces, Rylee Hill and Ella Olsen; and his beloved dog, Chewey.

Ted lived his life with generosity, humor, and an unwavering love for his family. Whether sharing a laugh over a meal, lending a helping hand, or celebrating the small joys of everyday life, he left an indelible mark on those around him.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable man who gave so much and asked so little in return.

 

Garrett Allred

Graveside Services for Garrett Allred will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery.

 

Todd Welker

Funeral Services for Todd Welker will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 1 p.m. in the Auburn Ward chapel.

A viewing will be held from 10:30-12:45 prior to the service at the church.

 

Richard Saxton

Richard Saxton

Leslie Richard Saxton, born on September 20, 1928, in Almy, Wyoming, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2025, in Evanston, Wyoming.

Richard graduated from Evanston High School in 1947 and pursued further education graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University.  His commitment to hard work and learning remained a cornerstone of his life.

Richard’s life was marked by love, family, and strong work ethic. Early on he married Charlotte and they welcomed two children, Christine and Rick, to their home, though they later divorced.  He later went on to find the love of his life and married Kay Ann in the Logan Temple in Logan, Utah. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage and welcomed five children into their loving home: David, Doug, Leslie Lanette, Clint, and Wade.

Richard was active in his church community, contributing as a Ward and Stake Sunday School president and serving as a counselor in the 3rd Ward Bishopric. Richard served in the Evanston community by serving on various committees and groups.

Throughout his life, Richard dedicated himself to various careers, including cattle ranching, working with quarter horses, and roles within the insurance industry. He served as a ranch hand and worked with US Steel and the US Forest Service. Richard excelled at working with animals. He received many awards as a herdsman while showing cattle.  Richard later branched out on his own running his own ranch of Hereford cattle and horses. His true love was for horses, and they were always dear to his heart, being the one activity, of riding and watching his horses that he enjoyed throughout his life. He is one of the last true cowboys.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Kay Ann Saxton; his brother, Ted, and sister-in-law, Claudine; and his seven children: Christine, Richard (Rick), David, Douglas (Jolaine), Leslie Lanette (Brian Boaz), Clinton (Susan), and Wade (Jessica). He cherished his legacy, leaving behind 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah Brigham Saxton and Clara Christine Saxton, nine siblings and their spouses, daughter-in-law Koskell, and grandson Robbie Joe.

Leslie Richard Saxton will be remembered for his loving spirit, strong work ethic, and dedication to both his family and community. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, at 12:00 noon, at the Evanston Stake Center, 721 Cheyenne Drive.  Viewing will be held Thursday evening, August 14, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Crandall Funeral Home, 800 Uinta Street in Evanston, and prior to services Friday at the church from 10:30 to 11:45 am.  Interment will be in the Evanston City Cemetery.

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