For more area obituaries, please visit Schwab Mortuary.

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

Patricia Taylor

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Patricia “Patsy” Jones Taylor, returned home to her Heavenly Father on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Patsy was born on July 26, 1935, in Provo, Utah, the second of ten children. Her childhood was filled with love, faith, and laughter. She adored her older sister Joyann and cherished her younger brothers—even when they teased her endlessly.

In her youth, Patsy caught the eye of a handsome young man named Ralph Taylor. After he returned from serving a mission in Kentucky, they were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they built a life of faith and hard work, raising ten children while living on ranches and farms across Montana, Utah, and Idaho.

Patsy’s life was centered on faith, family, and service. She held many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a full-time mission with her husband to Texas. She was a devoted mother who led by quiet example—teaching kindness, patience, and faith through the way she lived. Her children will always remember her infectious laughter, her gentle touch, her bedtime stories, and the certainty of her love.

A tireless worker, Patsy’s hands were never idle. She quilted, crocheted, gardened, and served others with joy. Her home and yard were always beautiful, reflecting her belief that we should be a good steward over whatever we are given and to leave a place better than you found it.

Though she and Ralph faced many trials, including losing their ranch later in life, they met every challenge with courage and faith, grateful for their wonderful family and the simple blessings that mattered most.

Patsy is preceded in death by her son, James, and six of her siblings.  She is survived by her husband Ralph, three of her siblings,  nine of her children, their spouses, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren..

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, gentleness, humor, and unwavering love—a true angel mother whose influence will bless generations to come.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the Nephi Utah North Stake Center, 1125 North 400 East, Nephi, Utah.  Before the funeral there will be a viewing at 9:30 a.m., followed by a family prayer.  A graveside service will be held in Afton, WY on Saturday, November 8th at 1:00 p.m. in the cemetery located at 1199 Madison Street.

Sharon Urbanik

Sharon Urbanik was born April 29, 1947 and passed away October 25, 2025, surrounded by love after a courageous battle that she fought with strength and determination for 27 years 175 days. She was a tough, resilient fighter whose spirit inspired everyone who knew her. Which earned her the name Zena Warrior Princess.

Sharon married the love of her life, Herb Urbanik, and together they shared 53 wonderful years. After a very short courtship,Sharon went from being a city girl in Pittsburg PA – riding trolleys through town – to living in a tent in Thayne Wyoming, with no running water while she and Herb built their family home together. Their love story was one of adventure, perseverance, and deep devotion, forming the foundation of the life and family they cherished.

Sharon was deeply devoted to her work and took great pride in everything she did. Her dedication, integrity, and tireless work ethic earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike. She led by example, showing that hard work, honesty, and perseverance could overcome any challenge.

Her greatest legacy, though, is the family she built and the love she shared. She poured her heart into her children, grandchildren,great grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to know her. Her kindness, honesty, and fierce determination will continue to live through them

She is survived by her loving husband, Herbert Urbanik: daughter Hope Benedict; bonus son James Benedict; son Mark Urbanik; bonus daughter Sara Urbanik; and daughter Jody Urbanik. She is also survived by her brother William Marshall, bonus sister Marty Marshall, and sister Alice Becker.

Her beloved grandchildren include Harlan and Raegen Benedict, Emilee Benedict Santhanawit & Domingo Santhanawit, Timothy and Eryka Urbanik, Brian Urbanik, Stetson and Tayla Long, and Bailee & Rylan Parke. She also leaves behind cherished great grandchildren Maisie, Huxlee, and Kinslee, who brought her endless joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Raymond Marshall.

Those who knew Sharon will remember her unwavering will, her sense of humor even in hard times, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and loved.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, hard work, and faith- One that will never be forgotten.

In lieu of cards or flowers, please honor Sharon by simply spending time with your family- the way she would have wanted.

LuAnn Porter

LuAnn Cox Porter, age 67, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on 10/31/2025 from complications related to pneumonia.

LuAnn was born on March 24, 1958, in Murray, Utah, to Marvin Eugene Cox and Mary Fay Davis Cox. After her mother’s passing when LuAnn was just eight years old, her father married Doris Moffat Lancaster Cox, who helped raise LuAnn and her siblings.

LuAnn grew up in Star Valley, Wyoming, and graduated from Star Valley High School. She went on to attend Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. It was during these years that she developed her love of music and cultivated the beautiful alto voice that later caught the attention of her sweetheart, MelDee Porter. The two were married for eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 27, 1977.

Together, LuAnn and Mel raised six children: Jason, Amy, Jana, Aaron, Shantel, and SaDee. Her family was the center of her life, and she found her greatest joy in being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored her 26 grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events, concerts, and activities.

Throughout her life, LuAnn worked in a variety of roles, including as a daycare provider, JCPenney catalog store clerk, insurance assistant, and tax preparer. However, her most cherished and meaningful work was that of a homemaker—creating a warm, welcoming home filled with love, music, and laughter.

LuAnn was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a deep and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ and of eternal families. She served quietly and faithfully, blessing countless lives with her kindness, thoughtfulness, and gentle spirit.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Mel; her six children and their spouses: Jason (Heather) Porter, Amy (Scott) Cannon, Jana (Nick) Lancaster, Aaron (Katelyn) Porter, Shantel (Jason) Millett, and SaDee (BJ) Vick; her 26 grandchildren (soon to be 27); and her siblings Kay Cox, Shauna Dorrity Sibbett, David Cox, Jerolyn Haderlie, Kendall Lancaster, Kevin Cox, and Shane Cox.

LuAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Eugene Cox and Mary Fay Davis Cox; her stepmother, Doris Moffat Lancaster Cox; and Mel’s parents Melvin J. Porter and VaLoy Shumway Porter.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fountain Green (151 S 200 W, Fountain Green, Utah). A viewing will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place the following day, Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Smoot, Wyoming Cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

LuAnn’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her.