The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the April 29, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.

Charleen Putnam

Charleen Luthi Putnam, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the Star Valley Care Center in Afton, Wyoming. She had lived there for the past few years where she was lovingly taken care of.

Charleen was born in Afton, Wyoming on December 9, 1930, to her parents Carol Emily Hale and Charles Luthi. She was the oldest of six children. She grew up in Freedom, Wyoming and enjoyed swimming in the slough, helping on the farm, and spent a lot of time with her siblings. She attended high school in Afton Wyoming but quit to get married. She later received her GED, at the same time as her youngest daughter, Sue.

On February 24, 1948, Charleen was married to the love of her life, Gerald Searight Putnam in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were married for 62 years before he passed away on January 20, 2010. She belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of the gospel. She served diligently in various callings and made many lifelong friends. She enjoyed teaching the children in Primary, Scouts, and Young Women. She loved them and they loved her. Her example of service blessed the lives of many in the community.

Charleen was the mother of 10 children. Charleen’s family was very important to her and though there were so many she made each one of them feel special and loved. Even with so many in the family she taught them to work, garden, cook, can, sew and other handy life skills.

She became known for her ability to garden, hunt, fish, cook amazing homemade meals, make chocolates and candy, and her Grand Prize-winning fair entries. She leaves a great legacy.

She is survived by her children: Carlene (Tom) Parker, Debra (Ron) Merritt, Carola (John) Hyde, Lanis (Dale) Fluckiger, Ellen (Blair) Hurd, Paul (Lisa) Putnam, Curt (Wendi) Putnam, Keri (John) Bernstein, Dan (Angie) Putnam, and Sue Rosenbaum/Brian Woolsey. Her sisters: Genell Bagley and Gloria Johnson. Sisters-in-law: Sherry Luthi and Sharon Luthi. 50 grandchildren, 115 great grandchildren, and 25 great-great grandchildren. Sisters: Genell Bagley and Gloria Johnson. Sister in laws: Sherry Luthi and Sharon Luthi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Gerald S. Putnam, her brothers: Kent and John Luthi, and sister, Janis Luthi. Grandchildren: Ranette Merritt, Michael Bernstein, grandchild in law: Brent Lindroos. Great grandchildren: Jada Burton, Kyle Burton, Nicholas Marcellino, Lily Putnam, Raelynn Snow.

A viewing will be held on April 30, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Auburn/Grover Church followed by the funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Geraldyne Hoopes

Geraldyne Louise Burleigh Hoopes was born June 18, 1941, to parents Weldon George Burleigh and Eveylyn Mae McKinnon Burleigh in Ogden, Utah. The family lived in Evanston, Wyoming and welcomed three more children to the family. One sister and two brothers.

Geraldyne passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children and many of her grandchildren and some great grandchildren.

Geri grew up and attended school in Evanston where she graduated as her class salutatorian. She received a scholarship to the University of Wyoming, where she studied secretarial science.

Her freshman year, she lived in the dorms with her best friend, Lola Proffit, where she met “her guy” at an institute dance. Thus began a love affair that would last over 65 years.

In 1959, she met Gaylen Hoopes and fell in love. They were married the following summer on August 31, 1960 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

After Gaylen graduated, they moved back to his hometown of Afton, Wyoming. They welcomed their oldest son, Gary, before relocating to Cache Valley, Utah where Gaylen ran a dairy farm. Sons, Craig and Steven joined the family during this time, before the family moved back to Afton for the final time.

Gaylen found employment as the superintendent at the Wyoming State Experiment Farm. Some of the barns still stand on what is now the Lincoln County Fairgrounds.

Shortly after returning to Afton, Suzanne was born, followed by Neil the next summer. It was a busy time for sure!

When Neil was old enough to attend kindergarten, Geri started work at Ted Frome’s Law Office. She met and became close friends with Layna Haderlie and remained close from then on.

In 1980, Gaylen fulfilled a lifelong dream of having his own dairy farm and the family moved to his grandparents’ property in Osmond. It was a lot of work and with the help of strong sons, he worked the farm until 1988.

On June 2, 1985, their son Craig lost his struggle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The family was devastated at the loss of the center of their world. But, with the knowledge they will see him again and the indestructible bond of their love, Gaylen, Geri and the siblings got through it.

Later, she made a career change and worked for many years at Lincoln School District Office. She was reunited with her good friend Jean Schwab and later worked beside Alison Fluckiger who has been such a good friend to both Geri and Gaylen ever since.

Geri began playing the piano at a young age and has served as a pianist and organist for many years in her church callings as a valiant member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has served in many capacities throughout the years.

Geri was the epitome of a faithful wife. She has taken care of Gaylen with a rare devotion. It has been a gift to witness this love over the years.

Geri will be remembered for her quick wit, the grandma in the bleachers, an exemplary wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. But, most importantly, she will be known as a faithful servant to her Father in Heaven.

Geri is preceded in death by both parents and her son, Craig Dee Hoopes.

She is survived by her husband, Gaylen, her siblings, Janice Virchow, George Burleigh, (Elaine), Larry Burleigh, (Julie). Her children, Gary Hoopes, (Kelly), Steven Hoopes, (Mary), Suzanne Tipton, (Dak) and Neil Hoopes, (Brenda). She has 18 grandchildren along with 20 “great grands.”

She will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 1 at 1 p.m. in the Salt River Ward chapel.