The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the September 2, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
Debbie Johannsen
Debbie Johannsen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away unexpectedly with her husband Randy by her side on August 22, 2026. Born on June 16, 1958, in Stockton California, Debbie brought light and laughter to all who knew her. Debbie was the cherished daughter of Curt and Irene Pinther.
Her parents, along with her daughter Julie, preceded her in death.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Randy Johannsen, with whom she shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began in Idaho. They were married on November 20, 1977 and they were best friends! They enjoyed the thrill of rodeo and loved being able to share it with one another. They also enjoyed hunting and camping with family and friends. Randy and Debbie did everything together, they built a life filled with love and countless cherished memories.
A devoted and loving matriarch, Debbie is survived by her daughter Brandy Putt and husband Joel, five grandchildren, Mikayla, Miranda and her husband Tyson, Ethan and his wife Jeanett, Hayden, Jonah and two great-grandchildren Wesley and Raelynn who brought immense joy and pride to her life. Her family was her treasure, and she held each member close to her heart.
Debbie was a faithful Christian who devoted her life as a Jehovah’s Witness in helping others find truth in the scriptures. She found comfort and strength in her faith.
She was a beacon of kindness and compassion, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to those in need. Her presence brightened every room, and her warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
A memorial service to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held on September 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Grover, Wyoming. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor her memory and reflect on the beautiful legacy she leaves behind, and the beautiful promise of an earthly paradise as promised at Psalms 37:10,11,29.
Debbie’s gentle soul and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Though she fell asleep in death, the love and memories she shared with her family and friends will forever remain in their hearts until we see her again.
Sharleen Heiner
Reida Sharleen (Crook) Heiner, affectionately known throughout her life as Sharleen, our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter in Kimberly, Twin Falls, Idaho on August 27, 2026. She was born May 15, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Laurance Melvin and Reida (Merrick) Crook. She was the youngest of three girls.
Sharleen graduated from Granite High School. She spent most of her summers in Bancroft, Idaho at her uncle Dave Grimm’s ranch. She loved music and learned to play the piano and organ. She participated in many parades, road shows, assembly programs, singing performances and various other activities. She has been in numerous musical productions and played various parts in “Cherry Blossom”, “Conchita” and “Brigadoon”. After graduating she worked as a private secretary for two and a half years before attending Ricks College as a music major. It is here that she meet the love of her life.
On May 25, 1956, she married Jospeh Andrew Heiner, Jr. in the Salt Lake City Temple. After their marriage they moved to Santa Monica, California where she worked as a steno-secretary for Douglas Aircraft. They moved several times while in California, during that time they welcomed the arrival of one son and two daughters.
She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as a Ward and Primary Organist, MIA Music director in the Ward and Stake, Sunday School and Relief Society Inservice Leader, Relief Society Education Counselor and Cultural Refinement Teacher. She continued to sing in the Ward and Stake Choirs. In their later years they moved back to Bedford, Wyoming where Joseph was born and raised. She and her husband served in the Idaho Falls Temple ordinance worker as for several years.
Sharleen is proceeded in death by her parents, husband, siblings (Margaret Elizabeth (Crook) Williams and Melva (Crook) Liston), daughter (Debra Sue (Heiner) Palmer), son-in-law (Mark Edwin Stevens) and granddaughter (Valerie Heiner).
She is survived by her son (Alan Joseph and Suzanne (Munford) Heiner of Thatcher, Utah, daughter Ruthan (Heiner) Stevens of Kimberly, Idaho, as well as eight grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers to the family, the family asks that you make a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid.
In honoring mom’s wishes, she requested only a graveside service. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Bedford Cemetery.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to family, friends and dedicated nurses from Idaho Home Health & Hospice who cared for our beloved Sharleen.
