The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the July 15, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
Leslie Nebeker
Leslie Naomi Nebeker, age 68, passed away on July 6, 2026. Born on January 22, 1958, in Afton, Leslie was the beloved daughter of Ken and Meleese Nebeker.
Leslie was a devoted mother to Jeremy Wilkins, Justin Wilkins, and Landon Wilkins, and a proud grandmother (Nana) to Presley and Derrick Wilkins.
Throughout her life, Leslie embraced many careers, each reflecting her strong work ethic and caring nature. She worked at the family drive-in, sewed scripture totes for Angela’s Totes, and later served for many years as a rural mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. Retirement was never a time to slow down for Leslie. She continued serving others by driving for AARP, helping veterans get to their medical appointments, and later drove a shuttle between Jackson and Salt Lake City.
Leslie had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her bright smile and heartfelt laugh were infectious and impossible to resist. She sincerely listened, remembered the little details that mattered—favorite restaurants, hobbies, and special interests—and always found ways to brighten someone’s day. Her generosity knew no bounds. Whether it was offering a helping hand, giving her time, or baking one of her famous pies as a thank-you for something as simple as shoveling her sidewalk or clearing her driveway, Leslie believed kindness should always be returned with gratitude.
Her home was the neighborhood’s favorite stop on Halloween, where countless children looked forward to trick-or-treating each year. Leslie had a remarkable ability to make every person she met feel important, welcomed, and loved.
A born adventurer, Leslie lived her days with curiosity, courage, and heart. She loved walking, and friends often saw her out each morning, sometimes making the journey all the way to the Star. She had a lifelong love of horses and rarely passed up an opportunity to try something new—once riding a racehorse. She picked up rollerblading, snowboarding, bicycling; and at 57, she went skydiving. On her motorcycle, she got a real kick out of the biker name her riding buddies gave her: Tinkerbell, or “Tink” for short. She was also an accomplished seamstress whose creativity showed in everything she made, and she found real joy on the dance floor.
Leslie’s greatest legacy is not found in the miles she drove or the many jobs she held, but in the countless lives she touched. She had an incredible way of making people feel loved, appreciated, and capable of more than they believed possible. Her compassion, generosity, adventurous spirit, and unwavering kindness will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Meleese Nebeker, and her sister, Amy Nebeker. Leslie is survived by her sons, Jeremy Wilkins, Justin Wilkins (Chrissy), and Landon Wilkins; her beloved grandchildren, Presley and Derrick Wilkins; and her siblings, Christine Welchman (David), Eric Nebeker (Tonia), Sue Helm (Dee), and Ed Nebeker.
She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and the many people whose lives were made brighter simply because Leslie was part of them. Her memory will live on in every act of kindness, every homemade pie shared with gratitude, and every person who chooses to make someone else feel as special as she always did.
Earl D Miller
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earl Denman Miller, who departed this life on July 4, 2026, at the age of 84. Earl was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and cherished member of the Miller family.
Born on May 26, 1942, Earl was the son of Viola Florence Draney and Denman Hector Miller. He grew up in Afton, Wyoming, and graduated from Star Valley High School in 1960. After high school, Earl completed Army boot camp and married Glenna Louise Lloyd on September 23, 1961. He then served in the U.S. Army as an SP4.
Earl and Glenna welcomed two children into their family: their daughter, Michal Louise Miller, on September 10, 1964, and their son, Earl Chad Miller, on July 1, 1967. After leaving the Army Reserves, the family settled in Denver, where Earl drove city buses, helped build the Chatfield Dam and Eisenhower Tunnel, and rebuilt city streets. He later provided for his family as a freight truck driver and member of the Teamsters Union. Earl finished his career driving tour buses across the West, a job he enjoyed immensely. He was also honored to drive buses during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, where his skill and professionalism made him a valued driver for the International Olympic Committee and Olympic athletes.
Earl and Glenna traveled as far as their motorhome would take them and lived a beautiful life as traveling campground hosts. Earl loved Glenna deeply and cared for her until her death in 2015.
On April 22, 2017, Earl married his high school sweetheart, Tomie Loy Call Schreiber. Together, they enjoyed an adventurous retirement filled with traveling the globe, sharing sweet moments while serving in their local temple, and spending time with their families.
Earl was known for his strong work ethic, his ability to make friends wherever he went, and his unwavering dedication to his family, church, and community. He found great joy in the outdoors, especially fishing, camping, and traveling. He also loved flying small planes and treasured the freedom and adventure it brought him. Earl was a man of many words and talents, and he touched countless lives with his warm smile, boisterous sense of humor, and warm hugs. He was the dictionary description of “Jack of all trades”.
Those who knew him closely also saw his sentimental side, which was evident in the care he showed to those he loved. Earl is survived by his wife, Tomie Schreiber-Miller of Saratoga Springs, UT; his children, Chad Miller of Denver, CO, and Michal Brannan of Saratoga Springs, UT; his grandchildren, Curtis Brannan of WA, Jessica Brannan of WA, Daly (Josh) Brownlow of South Jordan, UT, and Travis Miller of Denver, CO; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Denman and Viola Miller; his sisters, Eleanore Kennington, Ruth Kennington, and Joyce Olson; and his first wife, Glenna Miller.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 270 W. Harvest Hills Blvd., Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Utah Valley Hospital and Aspen Ridge Home Health and Hospice. Their kindness, compassion, and loving care meant so much to Earl and his family.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his laughter, kindness, and love for family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Earl’s memory to help with expenses. Venmo @chad-miller-169
Kimball Gardner
Kimball Bert Gardner, 79, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026, at his home in Dammeron Valley, Utah. He was born on February 6, 1947, to Bruce Low and Ada Mae Rodgers Gardner during a brief stay in Sonoma, California. He was welcomed by his big brother Dexter, who quickly became his best friend and protector. After returning to their home in Afton, Wyoming soon came two beautiful sisters, Nanalee Eko and Jane to the family.
Star Valley, Wyoming was his home, and Kimball loved being near the beautiful mountains and rivers that surrounded him. He and his brother Dex traversed every square inch of the valley. They, along with other childhood friends, played out many shenanigans in the neighborhood of 2nd Avenue (which was nicknamed “Hell Street”).
Kimball attended Star Valley Elementary and graduated from Star Valley High School. He earned honors in football and wrestling, which he loved. He attended Ricks College in Idaho playing football and graduated with an associate’s degree.
Kimball started working on the ranches of his dad and grandfather. He spent much of his time outfitting with his dad and family, bringing many hunters to the nearby mountains in hopes of trophy deer and elk. He later moved to California and worked at Save on Drugs with his Uncle Dee Gardner. He worked in the ski industry building the trams at Squaw Valley, CA and Snowbird, UT ski resorts. In moving back to Wyoming, he became a logger and had many great memories of that experience and said it was his favorite profession.
Kimball settled back to Star Valley and started a family. He married Karen Landcaster. They had 2 children, Suni Faith and Beau
Kimball, who were his pride and joy. He opened a hardware store in Afton, Kimball’s Cash and Carry. He also purchased a Cessna-182 airplane and got his pilot license. He was known as an excellent pilot. He loved flying and seeing the world from another view.
After his marriage ended in divorce, Kimball made a new start and moved to St. George, Utah. He got his contractor’s license and began building park model homes and the beautiful community of Canyon Cove. During this time, he was able to begin his life of adventure by traveling continents, climbing mountains, and floating rivers. He spent time exploring and creating memories that helped him become one of the most interesting men in the world. He was an excellent storyteller and shared his life experiences with anyone who would listen. He always had a few good jokes to share as well.
Kimball later married Kathy Hall and welcomed Jen and Shara as his daughters. Though the marriage ended in divorce. Jen’s children became very close to him.
After driving through the Zion Tunnel one day, Kimball decided that he would like to dig his own tunnel (just because he could) in the sandstone cliffs on some of his property. This became known infamously as “The Tunnel,” and he loved spending time there. His entrepreneurial mind was always thinking of what he could do with the tunnel. Friends near and far would try to catch him there for a visit- many of the world’s problems were solved there. He also started On Site Storage, a successful business selling ocean cargo containers. He enjoyed meeting with the people that purchased them from him.
Kimball met Pam Graf in 2015. They met at The Tunnel and began a courtship that brought them together in marriage. In the eight years they have been married, they have built a love that will last forever.
Kimball was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong testimony and loved his Savior Jesus Christ. He was kind and generous. He quietly helped many people in a pinch, only wanting their friendship in return. We know he was welcomed home in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Kimball is survived by his wife Pam; his daughter Suni (Meleana) Andersen; his son Beau Gardner; his stepchildren Tiffany (Grag) Newby, Brooke (Cam) Ence, Derek (Annette) Graf, Jen (Jay) Gilchrist; and grandchildren- Destinee Andersen, Jase Andersen, Trey Andersen, Teague Andersen, Maddy Newby Best, Gracie Newby Aubrey, Olivia Ence, Drew Ence, Mia Ence, Colt Ence, Hayden Graf, Brighton Graf, Hunter Lundgren, Hayes Lundgren, and Jarrett Gilchrist. Great grandson Bronx; and special nephews & nieces.
He was preceded in death by parents- Low and Ada Gardner, wonderful grandparents, brother-Dexter R. Gardner, and stepdaughter-Shara.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at “The Tunnel” 1450 West Red Ledge Road, Washington, UT. Interment will be held at the same location. Please join us in remembering Kimball- the man, the myth, the legend.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.
Friends and family are invited to share their condolences and sign Kimball’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com
Neil L. Eddins
Major General Neil L. Eddins (USAF, Ret.)
1931 — 2026
Great fighter pilot, master of the fly rod, world-class storyteller, leader, loyal friend, and deeply loving husband and father—Major General Neil L. Eddins, U.S. Air Force (Retired), took his final flight to the heavens on June 26, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Early Life & A Cowboy’s Heart
Neil was born in a log house on the Eddins’ homestead ranch in The Narrows, Thayne, Wyoming, to LaVell Gilby Eddins and Kathryn McNeel Eddins. Growing up in a bustling ranch cabin alongside his parents, brother Boyd, and extended family, Neil learned the value of hard work, grit, and humor amidst early hardships. A Wyoming cowboy and patriot at heart, he inherited a profound love for the outdoors from his father and the Eddins lineage. His passion for fishing was legendary—a trait so deeply ingrained it felt genetic, and one he proudly passed down to his own sons.
Neil graduated from Star Valley High School in 1950 and attended the University of Wyoming before answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in February 1951. Believing in lifelong education, he later completed the Armed Forces Staff College (1969), the Army War College (1972), and graduated with honors from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
A Distinguished
Military Career
Neil’s military journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Beginning as an air policeman, he rose to the rank of sergeant before entering the aviation cadet program in 1953, graduating as a distinguished graduate and commissioning as a second lieutenant.
His first operational assignment was in June 1954 with the 452nd Fighter-Day Squadron at Foster Air Force Base, Texas. In August 1956 General Eddins served as an instructor pilot with the 45th Fighter-Day Squadron at Sidi Slimane, Morocco.
Upon returning to the United States in August 1957, General Eddins was a flight commander with the 405th Fighter-Bomber Wing at Langley Air Force Base, VA. In May 1959, he was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, NV. While there he was an operational test and evaluation pilot, and instructor pilot. Subsequently he become slot man (#4) for the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team (Thunderbirds) at Nellis Air Force Base from April 1959 to April 1961.
Following transition training in F-105s, General Eddins was assigned to the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, Bitburg Air Base, Germany, and remained there until January 1965. He then returned to Nellis Air Force Base as an F-105 instructor pilot with the 4526th Combat Crew Training Wing.
In July 1966 he moved to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, as a flight commander. While there he flew 100 missions over North Vietnam.
He returned to Nellis Air Force Base in November 1966 and in January 1967 became commander and lead pilot (#1 Boss) for the USAF Thunderbirds.
From February to July 1969, General Eddins attended the Armed Forces Staff College. After graduation he was assigned to Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base as chief, Fighter Training Division. In June 1971 he attended the Army War College and after graduation in June 1972, received a Bootstrap assignment to Shippensburg State College. Upon graduation the general transferred to Holloman Air Force Base, NM, in June 1973 as deputy commander for operations with the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing.
He became vice commander of the 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in March 1975. In June 1975 he returned to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, and served as commander of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing and relocated the wing to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in December 1975.
In May 1977 General Eddins returned to Tactical Air Command headquarters as assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics. He took command of the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, also at Langley Air Force Base, in March 1978.
General Eddins took command of the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, OK, in September 1979
In the final role of his USAF career, his leadership extended to international defense diplomacy. In July of 1981 he assumed the position as Chief of the United States Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia, acting as a crucial liaison and advisor to foreign military leadership and safeguarding strategic allied interests in the region. He retired from active duty in 1984 at the rank of Major General.
Over a decorated 33-year career, General Eddins became a command pilot with 5,600 flying hours, including 260 combat hours. He flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam as a flight commander with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing.
As a fearless combat pilot, his skill and valor under fire earned him some of the military’s highest decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with four oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and Combat Readiness Medal.
The Second Chapter
Following his military retirement, Neil brought his sharp leadership and negotiation skills to the private sector. Hired as Vice President with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing, he was placed in charge of a highly competitive international endeavor: selling 48 F/A-18 fighter jets to the Swiss military. Facing fierce competition from well-connected French adversaries’ Mirage 2000 and General Dynamic’s F-16, Neil ultimately closed the lucrative, long-term contract for his company. He continued to serve as a trusted consultant for another decade before celebrating his second retirement.
Family
At the center of Neil’s world was his family. On New Year’s Eve in 1958, he wed his lifelong partner, June Gravelle. Together, they mastered the art of military life, moving their two sons around the world. These frequent moves taught the family how to quickly build community and forge deep connections—a lifelong gift their sons Neil Jr. and Craig credit to their upbringing.
In their golden years, Neil and June divided their time between June’s hometown of Las Vegas and their beloved second home at Star Valley Ranch near Thayne, Wyoming, just miles from the old Eddins’ homestead. They spent summers traveling the United States in their motorhome, visiting a vast network of family and cherished USAF friends. It was said there was hardly a state in the union or many places around the world where they didn’t have a connection. Back in Wyoming, Neil joyfully made up for lost fishing time, spending countless hours floating the Salt & Snake River with Craig and traversing the mountain streams. He was also a world-class storyteller who possessed the rare talent of never telling the same story the exact same way twice.
Legacy
Neil is survived by his devoted sons, Neil L. Eddins Jr. (wife Amber) and Craig H. Eddins; his ten grandchildren; and his three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, June Virginia Gravelle Eddins; his stepdaughter, Patricia Wegner; and his brothers, Boyd Lavell Eddins and Lael M. Eddins.
Services
A memorial service celebrating the remarkable life of Major General Neil L. Eddins will be held on August 14th, 2026. Following the service, he will be laid to rest with military honors at the Afton Cemetery in Afton, Wyoming.
