The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the September 9, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
Elling Wright
Our dear father, Elling Lyman Wright, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, in Springville, Utah. He lived a full life that included working hard while growing up on a farm in Star Valley, attending school, serving in the U.S. Army, managing and owning Western-wear retail stores, working in real estate, and enjoying a lifelong love of golf.
Elling was born on September 24, 1929, in Thayne, Wyoming, to Vernessa Penrose and Lyman Wright. Elling graduated from Star Valley High School in 1947 and married his sweetheart, Lou Jean Titensor, on March 23, 1951. He graduated from Utah State University in 1953, where he studied agronomy, although growing a garden at home was not something he often did. He received a commission in the U.S. Army and served in Germany, Korea, and other locations throughout the United States. After leaving the military, Elling and Lou began working in Western-wear retail in Wyoming. When he retired from retail, he devoted more time to real estate and to working on the ranch north of Cody. In 1981, Elling and Lou began spending winters in St. George, Utah, and summers in Star Valley, Wyoming, giving him plenty of time to perfect his golf game and enjoy friends and family.
Golf was Elling’s passion. He loved being on the course and had two holes-in-one. He played in tournaments and formed many enduring friendships on the golf course. He played 18 holes several times a week until he was 94.
Elling was known as a dear friend, a hard worker, and someone always willing to help others. He was described as “always a gentleman.” He served happily and diligently in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as a bishop, high councilor, and temple worker. But of all his callings, he may have loved being a home teacher most. Elling and Lou also served a full-time mission in Toronto, Canada, and returned with many warm stories about serving in the bitter cold of northern Canada.
Elling and Lou truly enjoyed each other’s company. They were partners in their work, church service, and family life. Elling was the proud father of Clair, Jody, and Ellie Lou. He treasured his 10 grandchildren: Camille, Caroline, Scott, Tyler, Emilee, Kylee, Abby, Erin, Frank, and Erik. He is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Elling cared deeply for his siblings: Dwayne, Fred, Jan, Richard, Terry, and Dale. Their time together included sharing stories of growing up in Star Valley.
Elling will be remembered for his legacy of hard work, graciousness, gratitude, and generosity.
Information about funeral services will be available from Schwab Mortuary.
Beth Burton
Luella Beth Hoopes Burton, age 84, of Hyde Park, Utah, passed away on September 2, 2026, at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her husband, all eight of her children, and many loved ones.
Beth was born on March 13, 1942, in Afton, Wyoming, to Vearl William Hoopes and Dona Lucille Harrison Hoopes. She was raised alongside her brothers and sisters on a dairy farm in the town of Fairview, in western Wyoming’s Star Valley. Beth graduated from Star Valley High School, where she formed many close friendships that continued throughout her life.
On August 9, 1960, Beth married Ralph Peterson Burton for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. After their wedding, Ralph and Beth started their family. During Ralph’s college years, they made their homes in Laramie, Wyoming, and Blacksburg, Virginia, while raising five boys. His career took them to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Cleveland, Ohio, where they welcomed three additional children to their family, made lifelong friends and continued to enjoy family life. In their retirement years they returned west: first, to their beloved Star Valley, then Saratoga Springs, Utah, and finally to Hyde Park.
As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in positions suited to her compassionate and nurturing nature. She taught children in the Primary and Sunday School, was a compassionate service leader, and, in later years, worked alongside her husband in the genealogy library and the temple.
Through the years, Beth found immeasurable joy in being a devoted and loving wife and mother and in creating a home that was always filled with joy and laughter. She loved tending her garden, quilting, crocheting, baking, and cooking. Her generosity, compassion, and steady strength made her a source of comfort to anyone in need.
Beth is survived by Ralph Burton, her husband of 66 years; their eight children (and spouses), Blair Burton (Vicky), Brent Burton (Amy), Lance Burton (Shayne), Wade Burton (April), Bruce Burton (Kendra), Myrna Groom (Eric), Marsha Joss (Eric), and Wynn Burton (Danielle Miller); 30 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving siblings Gaylen Hoopes, JoLene Jones, Jeryl Lewis, Royce Hoopes, and VerDon Hoopes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vearl and Dona Hoopes, and her brother, Lael Hoopes.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 42 W 200 S in Hyde Park, Utah. Visitation will be held at the same location from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 4 p.m. at Afton Cemetery in Afton, Wyoming.
Sue Hopkins
Funeral Services for DeAnna Sue (Hurd) Hopkins will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Schwab Mortuary.
A Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m. prior to the service.
Roger Preston
Graveside Services for Roger Preston will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026 in the Bedford Cemetery.
A Viewing will be held at the Bedford Ward building from 12-1:45 p.m.
A Wake and Potluck Service will be held from 3-11 p.m. at Lame Dog Saloon & Preston Ranch Cow Barn, 139 Strawberry St, Bedford, WY.
