For more area obituaries, please visit Schwab Mortuary.

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

Joyce Balls

Joyce Balls was born February 26, 1936 in Bedford, Wyoming and passed away on June 18, 2025.

Her parents were Lena and Joseph Neuenschwander. When she was 4 years old, her dad passed away, leaving her mom with six children. The oldest was only 12 years old. When Joyce was five years old, her mom married Harold Titensor. Lena and Harold had two more children.

Joyce was married to Ardell Dee Balls November 23, 1953, in Thayne, Wyoming. They lived in Logan, Utah; Fairview, Wyoming; Walla Walla, Washington; Mountain Home, Idaho; and Idaho Falls, Idaho before settling down at the farm house in Rigby, Idaho.

Joyce was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved her family so very much. Her life was her children. She also enjoyed dancing and singing. She was always very active, walking around Rigby Lake was something she did almost every day if weather allowed. She had a wonderful happy personality and everyone who met her loved her. Joyce loved bowling, hiking, and golfing. She lived in Rigby, Idaho for 58 years and loved to decorate her home for every holiday.

Joyce was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as a primary teacher and taught the scouts. She had a very strong testimony of her Savior.

Her husband, Ardell, passed away on July 24, 1985. She never remarried. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Lena and Harold Titensor, brother Larry Neuenschwander, sister Beulah Rumbaugh, and sister EnnaLou “Penny” Jorgensen.

Joyce is survived by her big sister JoAnn, brother Orville, sister Patsy, and brother Johnny. She is also survived by all six of her children Vondell (RaNae) Balls of Ririe, Idaho, Farren (Nancy) Davis of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kevin (Debbie) Balls of Boise, Idaho, Jolene (Dan) Killigrew of Fairfax, Virginia, Teresa Moser of Rigby, Idaho, and Sheryl Balls of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Joyce was a grandmother to 16 grandchildren and a great grandmother to 32 great grandchildren.

Viewing services were held Monday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Grant church house. The funeral was held Tuesday, June 24, 2025 with a viewing at 9:30-10:45am and services starting at 11:00am at the Grant church house, 3431 East 100 North Rigby, ID 83442. Interment followed at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.

Charlie Thielepape

A Memorial Service for Charlie Thielepape will be held on July 13, 2025 at the Lincoln County Fair Grounds Exhibit Building from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

EVENTS: Singing: Danny Funderburk and   Jonathan Wilburn

* Memorial Service

* Meal after the Service

Teri Quigley

January 18, 1956-February 28, 2025

A Celebration of Life for Teresa “Teri” Lee Quigley will be held on July 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the ‘Dang Cabin,’ 421 River Ranch Loop in Freedom.

Brunch will be served.  Bring a lawn chair and a good Teri Tale.

For more info call Gary at 307-887-2455.

Kimberly Choma

Kimberly Lindsey Choma, 21, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to all, was suddenly called home to her Father in Heaven on June 25, 2025. Kimberly was born on February 19, 2004 in Afton, Wyoming to Bob and Lisa Choma. Kimberly was very active participating in dance, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball and soccer. She loved to bake and often made cakes for special occasions for others. She was actively involved in 4-H and enjoyed competitively showing livestock. She exhibited animals at the local, state and national levels. Not only did she enjoy showing her own livestock but you could often find Kimberly in the ring helping younger kids with their animals. Kimberly adored children and surrounded herself with them. She loved to babysit and treated them like her own children.  Kimberly enjoyed recreating in the outdoors. She loved nature and taking photographs.

Kimberly grew up in Star Valley, Wyoming and attended Star Valley High School where she worked as an equipment manager for the Star Valley basketball and football teams. Kimberly adored the players and had a special bond with them.  Following high school, Kimberly attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming, where she worked as an equipment manager for the University of Wyoming football team and  studied to become a journalist.  Her work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment made her an important part of each team and community.

Kimberly was resilient and determined. In August 2024, she survived a rollover car crash where she spent over six hours prior to being found, resulting in major injuries that required multiple surgeries. It was important to Kimberly for people to know she believes angels carried her across the field to where she was found. Her recovery was long and difficult, but she didn’t let that stop her from participating in what was important to her. She continued her education through online courses and continued to support the Wyoming Football team in any way she could. To show their support following Kimberly’s accident, the Star Valley Football team made t-shirts to help raise money for her medical expenses. A testament to the impact she had on those around her, the shirts read, “The world needs more Choma.” From this experience, Kimberly, who was always busy, working and moving, said that she learned to slow down and be patient with herself.

Kimberly was dependable, committed, joyful, Christlike, and full of light and goodness. She excelled at reaching out to and including and serving others. She was a best friend to all and helped everyone to feel special.  She often reminded people, “Jesus loves YOU”. We will forever miss her beautiful smile and optimistic outlook. She lives on through her legacy of discipleship and the lasting influence she had on all those she loved and those who loved her.

Kimberly is survived by her father, Bob Choma; mother, Lisa (Lindsey) Choma; her brothers Robert Choma and Jacob Choma; and her sister, Amber Choma as well as her Grandparents, Ted and Florence Choma; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Dan and Launa Gae Lindsey, who surely welcomed her home with loving arms, and her cousin Shamilee Olsen.

All are welcome to attend the funeral services for Kimberly to be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the Thayne Wyoming Stake Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 276 W Dana Street in Thayne, Wyoming.  There will be a viewing that morning from 8:00-10:30 with the funeral to follow at 11:00.  Graveside services will take place at the Etna Cemetery following the funeral.

Clarissa Neal

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Clarissa Marie Neal on June 26, 2025. At the age of 51, Clarissa returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and quiet strength. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and loyal friend.

Clarissa was born on June 23, 1974, in Evanston, Wyoming, to her loving parents, Stephen and Bonnie Bateman. She was welcomed into the family by her older brother, Shad. Clarissa grew up in Evanston and graduated from Evanston High School in 1992.

After high school, she began working at Smith’s Food, where she discovered a gift for cake decorating. What began as a job soon blossomed into a talent she generously shared with those she loved. Clarissa created countless beautiful cakes for family and friends over the years. Her creativity also extended to airbrush painting, a hobby she pursued with passion. Clarissa found great joy in planting flowers and caring for animals—she had a tender heart for all living things.

On August 28, 1999, Clarissa married the love of her life, Hunter Neal. Together they built a life rooted in love and faith. Their greatest joy arrived on June 18, 2010, with the birth of their daughter, Delaney Lee Neal. Clarissa embraced motherhood with patience, devotion, and unwavering love. She took great pride in her daughter and cherished every moment spent together.

Clarissa is survived by her husband, Hunter, and their daughter, Delaney, age 15; her parents, Stephen and Bonnie Bateman; her brother, Shad Bateman (Mindy) of Evanston; her in-laws, Wayne and Cecelia Neal of Auburn; her sister-in-law, Arieon Neal of Rock Springs; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Lila Bond, her step-grandfather Marlin “Putt” Bond, her paternal grandparents Franklin and Marie Bateman, and several aunts and uncles.

Clarissa will be remembered for her quiet grace, her creativity, her deep love for family, and the gentle way she moved through life. She will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Eldon Louder

Eldon Carl Louder passed quickly Sunday morning June 22, 2025,  after many good-byes on Saturday from family and friends. He was loved by many and lived by the quote, “Reputation is made in a moment: character is built in a lifetime “

He was born on February 15, 1942, in Park City, Utah and grew up in Orem. His parents, Carl   Richardson Louder and Zoe Martha Ball , taught him how to serve and work hard. His youth was spent picking fruit of every kind in the  Orem orchards and family gardens. He was the light of their lives .

With his father he learned to hunt, fish, ride horses and most anything with wheels. In his teens he was finally blessed with two wonderful siblings, Rick and Jan.

Eldon graduated from Orem High School in 1960 after being active in sports and music. He went on to play football for CSU in Cedar City, before serving in the British Mission  from 1961-1963 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a strong leader throughout his mission and was blessed to be President McKay’s chauffeur several days when he came to England to dedicate a chapel. What a wonderful opportunity.

Eldon continued his education at different universities with one semester at BYU where he fell in love with Carolyn Bellows.    He graduated from USU with a Bachelors degree, and later received his Masters, both in education.

Eldon adored Carolyn with her wit and artistic flair.  They shared a great love for art, especially if it had a western theme.  Her name was often greeted with a laugh, Carolyn  Bellows Louder. It fit her outgoing personality.

They were sealed  in the Salt Lake City temple on June 30, 1966. They were blessed when four outstanding children. Chad, Robb, Shannon and Andy.  Each brought a different joy and excitement to his fatherhood experience.

Summers for Eldon were filled with diversified jobs. He was a realtor,  a roofer, a drivers ed teacher, a forest ranger and a man of all traits, then back to teaching in the fall. He taught high school in Roy, Utah and was a track coach and a assistant football coach. He later traded for 6th grade in Afton, Wyoming  for 21 years. Eldon loved refereeing high school basketball throughout Wyoming  and Utah especially if his brother Rick was playing.

After 32 years of marriage Eldon lost the love of his life to cancer in 1998. His children  married and he filled his life with service in the church and community. He loved becoming a grandpa.

In 2000 he was introduced to Karen Christensen who’s husband  had also passed in 1998. She was a city girl from Utah, but somehow they blended  9 children, 37 grandkids and 6 great grandbabies.  They shared 25 years and 4 days together.  Eldon taught Karen all about cooking fish, Dutch oven potatoes  and how to stay on a 4 wheeler and snowmobile. Best friends were made traveling to Idaho Falls to serve as ordinance workers for 9 ½ years and 3 years at the Star Valley Temple. Eldon had always loved Cody, Wyoming and more spiritual memories were made as service missionaries at the Historic Cody Mural and Museum.

Although his capacity was diminished during the last stages of his life, Eldon’s love for friends continues on today.  As caregivers served so willing. He was kindly referred to as “Cowboy Joe” by some, as a Peace Maker by others and the Best Smile at the table on a good day.  As his family we express our love and gratitude for the Abbington and all the special care that was given especially  on the hard days.

Eldon  is survived by his wife, Karen who loves him dearly; his children, Chad (Portia), Robb (Jennifer), Shannon (Jay) and Andy (Kelly), step-children, Michele (Eric), Kimberly  (Jim), Wendi (Chris), Andrew (Kimi) and SueAnn, brother Rick (Miriam) and sister Jan (Tom).

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A viewing will be held on Sunday June 29 , at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.at  Sundberg- Olpin Funeral Home 495 S State-Orem Utah. A grave side service on Monday , June 30  at Orem City Cemetery- 1520 North 800th East Orem, Utah

For our loved ones in Afton, Wyoming and any who want to make the trek we are holding a Celebration of Life for Eldon at the Town of Afton Civic Center. On July 7, 2025  6:00-8:00p.m . Come casual.

In Lieu of flowers spend time with a friend

Nadine Jensen

Velma Nadine Jensen, age 97, joined her eternal companion on Sunday, June 22 at her home in Grover, Wyoming.  She was born February 12, 1928, in Paris, Idaho to Milford “Pat” Murphy and Alta Rose Holmes Aland. She was the 8th child in a family of 11, Lonetta Alta, Janice Sarah Rose, DeVerl Milford, Ross, Jack, Doris May, Dorothy Marie, all older, Velma Nadine, Everitt LeGrand, Gloria Darlene, and Sylvia as her younger siblings.  She outlived all of her immediate family.

Her father often hired out as a farm hand, also working on the railroad in Montpelier, Idaho.  It was in Bear Lake, Idaho where she learned to swim, becoming an excellent swimmer and loving the water. She also attended school in Montpelier, Idaho, finding an additional love, reading.  She was a precocious child finishing two grades in one year.  Because of her reading ability Nadine was allowed to attend a chemistry class with the older students in the building.  She learned how to make matches and looked forward to trying new experiments.

Nadine was born into a musical family and learned to play several instruments, mostly self-taught. She was born with a great singing voice.  Being a good speller, she competed in a spelling bee contest and was confident she could win her way to the Idaho State Finals.  She did just that, but still young, when she saw how large the stage was, she froze.  Nadine couldn’t utter a single letter.

The Murphy family relocated to what is now Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming and later to Thayne, Wyoming where her dad again hired out as a farm hand.  It was in Thayne that her mother Alta became a school cook and Nadine learned by her mother’s side.  Her mother was already known for her bread and it was only natural that Nadine carried that talent to new heights.  From then on Nadine would be asked to make bread and pies all over Star Valley.

When World War II ended a handsome young man named Keith Jensen decided to take his date to the County Fair in Afton.  Nadine’s date also decided to take her to the fair.  It was love at first sight, and they both ditched their dates for each other!  It would result in an eternal bond of love and partnership that would last for 75 years of their mortal lives.  After a short courtship, they were married in Idaho Falls, Idaho on December 11, 1945. In 1952 their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple.  When they married it was a match made in heaven for their talents as well.  Keith had a beautiful tenor voice and Nadine sang a great alto. They were asked to sing at numerous funerals and community functions throughout their lives.

They settled next to Keith’s parents, Lorenzo and Katie, on the homestead where Keith was born, greatly enlarging the small dairy farm Keith’s dad had started.  They worked side by side on every venture of their lives.  Numerous awards were given for their thriving dairy farm, but it was still a hard business, rising every morning at 4:00 AM to milk cows, and maintaining the farming.

They took their singing on the road and formed their first group, the Murphy Orchestra. Later it was a country western band called the Rock-a-Billie’s.  When old enough, most of their children and Nadine’s father and mother joined the band.  People loved them and soon they began making more money than in dairy farming.

In 1968 they put all their energy into an outfitting business.  It was a huge success.  Working alongside Keith, Nadine, now a well-known cook, was the chef for the hunters.  Again, it was a family venture with all of their children and their spouses, many grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren working side by side with them. They started by advertising in hunting magazines but had to quit as there were too many hunters to handle, even after hiring numerous guides.  From then on it was word of mouth with most hunters bringing their families and raising their own kids hunting with Jensen Hunting Camp.  The camp is still operating, and Keith directed the affairs holding an outfitters license until his death.  Clients still come just for Nadine’s food if they do not draw lucky for a hunting permit.

During Nadine’s lifetime she held various church positions including primary teacher for over 20 years.  But her favorite position was with dad by her side as Grover Ward and later Star Valley Stake Young Married Leaders. She was extremely compassionate, generous, and a champion of the downtrodden. Teenagers in the area knew if they needed a safe place to spend a night, Nadine would take them in.

She is survived by her children, Linda Jensen Spann (Donnie) of Clarksville, Tennessee, Grover, Wyoming, Jeffrey Keith Jensen (Laura Faye), Grover, Wyoming, Kathy Jensen Horsley, (Dennis), and Brett Jensen (Susan), of Grover, Wyoming Preceded in death by one daughter Geraldine Jensen Steed (Sid), Grover, Wyoming, and in total over 100 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Nadine was preceded in death by her husband Keith C. Jensen, her parents Alta Aland Murphy and Pat Murphy, daughter Geraldine Velma Jensen Steed, grandsons Edward Keith Gardner, Chance Jeffery Jensen, K.C. Jensen, Seth Jensen and granddaughter Katie Loretta Jensen.