The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the January 14, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.

Don Cranney

Don Harrison Cranney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully in South Jordan, Utah, on January 9, 2026, at the age of 80. He was born on November 29, 1945, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Hiram Mickelson Cranney and Louise Ruby Harrison. Don was raised in Afton, Wyoming, where he developed a love for the outdoors, hard work, and the small-town values that would guide his life. Don loved Star Valley!

Don proudly served his country after being drafted into the United States Army on October 2, 1969. He was honorably discharged on July 9, 1971, and often reflected with gratitude on the friendships and lessons that came from his service.

On May 10, 1974, Don married Patricia Ann Jones, his best friend and sweetheart in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a loving and eternal partnership that spanned more than fifty years. They made their home in South Jordan, Utah, where they raised their five children — Amy, Ryan, Lisa, Cale, and Megan — surrounded by faith, laughter, and love.

Blessed with an extraordinary mind, Don earned his Doctorate of Chemistry from Brigham Young University in April 1977. His passion for learning and innovation continued throughout his career, leading to numerous contributions in his field and the awarding of eleven U.S. patents for his company, Dyno Nobel (formerly Ireco).  His curiosity, creativity, and integrity left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Don served faithfully in many callings, including  Bishop. He loved to sing in the ward choir and always encouraged his children to join him! His leadership was marked by humility, compassion, and a sincere love for the gospel and for the people he served. He devoted himself to ministering to widows, the lonely, and those too often forgotten – even when they were beyond the bounds of his ward.

Don loved the outdoors and found peace and joy in nature. An avid fisherman and hunter, he cherished his time in the mountains and rivers, sharing his passion for the outdoors with family and friends. He took great pride in his yard, nurturing fruit trees, grapevines, and a large garden that he generously shared with others. Don instilled a love of gardening in all five of his children and became affectionately known in the ward as the Master Gardener. A true blue BYU fan, Don and Pat held season tickets for over 40 years. He will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, faith, and unwavering devotion to his family and to the Savior he faithfully served throughout his life.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Pat), his children, Amy (Derek) Iverson (Herriman, Utah), Ryan (Melissa) Cranney (Osmond, Wyoming), Lisa (Tim) Overstreet (Herriman, Utah), Cale (Ashley) Cranney (Smoot, Wyoming), and Megan (Clint) Tucker (Spring Creek, Nevada); his sister, Glaya Douglas; his brother, Steve Cranney; and 21 beloved grandchildren, one great grandson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Louise Cranney; his brothers; Val Dee Cranney, Lynn H. Cranney and his sister Colleen Mathews.

Viewing will be held on January 15, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral home located at 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway in South Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Friday January 16, 2026 at 11 a.m. with a viewing preceding from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Country Park 1st Ward Chapel located at 2447 W. 11400 S. South Jordan, Utah. Interment will follow on Saturday January 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the Afton City Cemetery in Afton, Wyoming.

Dale Richardson

Dale Edwin Richardson of Afton, Wyoming, went to be with his LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ on January 5, 2026, at the age of 86.

Dale was born in Pacific House, California, to Halcy Oswell and Elizabeth Richardson. The youngest of three children, he grew up in California, and joined the Army after high school. He served from 1961-65, and was honorably discharged.

He met and married Mary Anne Boom in Placerville, California. They had two children, Shanda and Bryce, before moving to Star Valley, Wyoming, where they settled in the Narrows. He owned a construction company, then became a truck driver.

Dale worked hard to provide for his family, often working through holidays while on the road and foregoing vacations to see that they had food and a roof over their heads. He was a strong man of tall stature and stout ideals, which carried over into his retirement. He became a doting grandfather when his granddaughter, Naomi, was born.

Dale loved the peace and tranquility of the mountains and rivers in and around Star Valley. He was an avid hunter with a penchant for the bow and knew the ins and outs of the surrounding hills and streams. He adored camping up the Greys and South End and built his home close enough to the water, one could fish off the back porch. Driving into the wilderness to take in the beauty and see wildlife was a favored and cherished activity.

Dale is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Anne, and is survived by his daughter Shanda Nelson and her husband Sam, and his son Pastor Bryce Richardson, his wife Erin and their daughter Naomi.

The memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, at the Afton Civic Center, 150 Washington Street, Afton WY.

Gay Keane

Gay Anderson Keane passed through the veil on the morning of January 5, 2026 after a prolonged illness.

Gay was born in 1939, in Auburn, Wyoming, to parents Andrew and Trilma (Sessions) Anderson. She married Carter H Keane in 1958 (divorced 1970), and eventually moved to the California Bay Area. She had three children. Gay graduated from Star Valley High School.

While in high school, she worked part time for a doctor’s office in Afton. She was thinking of becoming a nurse until she realized she couldn’t due to her aversion to seeing blood. Once she graduated high school, she moved to Salt Lake City to work for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company.

For most of her career life, she worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, in Oakland, California, as an Office Manager. When she moved back to Wyoming, she lived in the family home in Auburn and worked at Dana’s (variety store), Broulim’s and Maverik. She enjoyed working, and, especially, the people she met. She was a hard worker, and took pride in being able to contribute in the work force as long as she could.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When Gay received her endowment in the Salt Lake temple, she received a personal letter from Russell M. Nelson who had treated her son Michael as a childhood cardiac patient.

She returned to Union City, California to live with her daughter due to health issues. She was able to spend many years with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed watching sports with her family as they cheered on the Warriors and 49ers. She loved the TV shopping channels, purchasing clothes, clothes, and even more clothes! She also enjoyed anything “blingy”, large jewelry, and treats-she had a sweet tooth even to the very end.

She is survived by her three children Rodney (Sachiko) who lives in Japan, Micheal (Janet), and Lisa (Vince), who live in California, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and one on the way. She is also survived by sisters Marsha Bagshaw (Jim) of Auburn, Jackie Gale (Dave) of Lehi, Utah, and a brother Howard of Brigham City, Utah.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Barton J Anderson and sister Shiela Workman.

Graveside services will be held January 16, 2026 at noon in the Auburn, Wyoming Cemetery.

Shirley Yenko

Shirley LaRue Yenko, 84, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with COPD.

Shirley was born on September 4, 1941, in Mercer, Missouri, to Dorald and Ada Holt. She grew up with a love of learning, creativity, and kindness—qualities that would define her life and the way she cared for others.

She was married to David F. Yenko, with whom she built a life rooted in family and devotion. Together they raised three children: Scott, Matthew, and Toni. Shirley was a proud and loving mother whose steady presence, quiet strength, and gentle wisdom shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Shirley dedicated her professional career to education as an elementary school librarian, where she nurtured a love of reading and learning in countless young students. She found joy in helping children discover new worlds through books and was deeply fulfilled by her work.

Outside of her career, Shirley had a creative spirit. She loved sewing and gardening, finding peace and purpose in working with her hands and tending to living things. Throughout her lifetime, she made homes in Missouri, Iowa, Wyoming, Washington, and Idaho, leaving behind friendships and memories in each place.

She had a lifelong love for animals and was especially devoted to rescuing dogs, opening her heart and home to many in need. Her compassion for animals was a reflection of the way she lived her life—with empathy, patience, and unconditional love.

Shirley is survived by her son Scott Yenko and daughter-in-law Melissa; her daughter Toni Wheeler and son-in-law Brent; her grandchildren Gavin Wheeler, Sophie Yenko, and Daniel Yenko; and her two beloved dogs, Jazzie and Gracie, who brought her comfort and companionship.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorald and Ada Holt; her husband, David F. Yenko; her son, Matthew Yenko; and the many rescue dogs she lovingly saved throughout her lifetime.

No services are planned at this time. Tributes and memories may be shared online at: cloverdalefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Shirley-Larue-Yenko?obId=46870876.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in Shirley’s memory to an animal rescue organization of your choice, honoring her lifelong love for animals.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Senior Helpers and Enhabit Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they provided during Shirley’s final days.

Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to family, her love of learning, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life. Her legacy of love lives on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.