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

Cecil Dana

Cecil Robert Dana, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, faith, and quiet strength.

He was born on January 20, 1939, in Afton, Wyoming, to Cecil Howard and Faye Haderlie Dana and was raised in Star Valley. He developed a lifelong love of farming, the outdoors, and working with his hands.

Robert (Bob), as he was more commonly known, graduated from high school in 1957 and continued his education at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming and at Utah State University. In 1960, he answered a call to serve a mission in the Southern States, where he blessed many lives through his faith and service. He also served in the Wyoming National Guard for 8 years.  He married the love of his life, NaDene Wright, on September 16, 1963, in the Logan Temple.

He spent 36 years as an Industrial Arts teacher in Grace, Idaho and Cokeville, Wyoming, where he influenced generations of students, teaching not only woodworking and welding, but also the value of hard work and doing things right. He also coached football and wrestling.

Bob faithfully served his community as a town council member and as a member of the local fire district. He also served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was a builder in every sense of the word—homes, furniture, a sawmill, and most importantly, a strong and capable family. Summers were often spent logging in the mountains, where he passed on his work ethic and love of the outdoors to his children. He was known for his craftsmanship, determination, and his belief that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing right.

He is survived by his wife, NaDene, and their six children: Nanette (Ken) Cook, Danielle (Dave) Bown, Kyle (Katie) Dana, Nicole (Jason) Astle, Ranelle (Jason) Edwards, and Joelle (Russell) Hatch; 25 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren (with three more expected); and his siblings: Kirk (Dannette) Dana, Burke (Donna) Dana, Elwin (Bonnie) Dana, Sherlene Dana, Suzanne (Bill) Aullman, and Faylene Christensen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Howard and Faye Haderlie Dana; his brother, Richard Dana; sister-in-law Carolyn Taylor Dana; nephew Gregg Dana; niece Shannon Dana; and many other beloved family members.

Bob will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and the lasting impact he had on his family, his students, and his community.

Rex Bateman

Rex Herbert Bateman was born on March 5, 1931, in Etna, Wyoming, to Catherine Lauretta Lindsay and Wiffen Delbert Bateman. He passed away on April 12, 2026, in the same home, surrounded by his family.

Rex went to grade school in Etna and high school in Afton. He spent his early years helping his father and brother running the cattle and sheep ranch. He herded sheep over the mountains next to Prater into Greys River.  In high school, he played the alto saxophone, boxed, and had many adventures with friends such as driving his jeep up to the star on the hill above Afton and to Lake Alice before there were any forest roads.

After high school, he attended Ricks College and then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas-Louisiana Mission. He then joined the Navy, serving on the USS Lexington during the post-Korean War era, where he had the opportunity to hike Mt. Fuji in Japan. He loved to travel and considered his time in the navy as another mission.

Once discharged from the navy, Rex married Alice Valene Thorn, with whom he had eight children.  After her untimely passing, he married Doreen Sant Smith. She brought three children into the family, whom he adopted, culminating in the birth of their daughter, Jeni. Rex and Doreen loved taking family vacations and watching people’s faces as 11 children crawled out of their camp trailer.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Rex held various church callings. He and Doreen found joy in serving at the Idaho Falls Temple. Their mission to Nauvoo, Illinois, was a highlight of their golden years.

Doreen passed suddenly in May of 2020 leaving Rex to carry on their legacy. He loved his family very much and is survived by his sister Verdena Bunderson; 11 children: Nolan (Joy) Bateman, Claudia (Don) Baker, Marilyn (Robert) Weber, Tammy (Steve) Bell, Marsha (Morgan) Mitchell, Tara (Corey) Holm, Richard (Brenda) Bateman, Tim (Wendy) Bateman, Steven (Becky) Bateman, Rosemary Sellers, Jeni (Craig) Fetkavich; 58 grandchildren, 73 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by both of his wives; his son, James Rex; grandson, Christopher Bateman; and granddaughter, Jodi Lee Baker Norwood.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 18 at the Thayne Wyoming Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A viewing will be Friday night April 17th from 6-8 pm at the Thayne Schwab Mortuary with another viewing Saturday from 9:30 am to 10:45 am with the funeral following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, Please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund in his memory.