The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the June 10, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society.
JoAnn Merritt
JoAnn Jensen Merritt was born on August 30, 1947, in Afton, Wyoming, to James “Jim” and Ann Jensen. She passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, in Thayne, Wyoming.
JoAnn was the second of four children and grew up on the Jensen family homestead in Grover, Wyoming, where she developed the qualities that would define her throughout her life — determination, independence, perseverance, and a deep capacity for love and service to others. She enjoyed helping her dad around the ranch, but she especially loved living next door to her grandparents and spending countless cherished hours in Grandma Nellie’s kitchen with the many cousins she so adored.
From an early age, JoAnn possessed a strong spirit and a caring heart, always willing to work hard and help those around her. Family was the center of her life. She lovingly “mothered” her two spirited brothers, Larry and Scott, and one of the great trials of her childhood was keeping track of them and trying to keep them on the straight and narrow. Somehow, she managed the task with plenty of patience, persistence, and likely more than a little exasperation along the way. She shared a particularly strong bond with Scott, whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 16. Their glorious reunion in heaven must have been beyond joyful.
She graduated from Star Valley High School and married the love of her life, Kay E. Merritt, on September 25, 1965. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, LDS Temple. To this union, three sons were born: Todd, Kevin, and Scott.
JoAnn was deeply proud of her boys and the families they created. She was not only a wonderful mother, but also a trusted friend and constant source of support to her sons. Whether she was spoon-feeding baby chicks, rescuing frogs, caring for injured birds, or helping her boys through life’s celebrations and disappointments, she did it all with unconditional love and compassion. Her home was a sanctuary — safe, secure, and always welcoming — where her boys, their friends, and anyone who walked through the door always felt at home.
She was a talented seamstress, excellent cook, and crafter. Alongside her mother and sister Penny, she designed and decorated many Christmas trees for the Primary Children’s Festival of Trees, laughing together through glitter, ribbons, and late nights that became treasured memories. She took great pride in landscaping and maintaining her beautiful yard, especially her pink petunias and yellow roses. Her beautifully maintained yard remains one of the most admired in the valley.
JoAnn was employed by the Star Valley School District for more than 30 years in various capacities, where she formed many lasting friendships with coworkers and especially loved the hundreds of children she safely transported to and from school throughout the years.
She also worked closely with her parents over the years in their family business, as did her boys, and made countless trips to Idaho Falls with her mom for both business and fun. As Mom always said, “To all of us, Jo is our ‘Johnny on the spot.’ Whenever help is needed, she’s always there — dependable, fun-loving, and always willing to jump in.”
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, JoAnn served in many callings throughout her lifetime. One of her greatest joys was working with the Young Women organization, and girls camp was always a special highlight. She also faithfully served on the Grover Cemetery Board in various capacities, including President.
JoAnn and Kay recently celebrated 60 years of marriage, a beautiful testament to their enduring love and devotion to one another. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, laughter, and unwavering support through every season of life. Kay cared for her tenderly through her final years, and his beloved sweetheart is now whole and at peace.
She will be remembered for her enduring strength, strong work ethic, and the deep love she had for her family — especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with each of her grandchildren, whether camping, floating the river, swinging from the rope swing at Murphy Lake, or adventuring in the mountains. She was a nurturing presence in their lives, always there to listen, offer support, and make each grandchild feel deeply loved. She was always a fun and adventurous grandma and will be forever missed. Her legacy of kindness, devotion, and quiet service will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Kay; her sons, Todd Merritt (Misti), Kevin Merritt (Billie), and Scott Merritt; her grandchildren, Nathan Merritt, Randi Clark, Whitney Putnam, Kelby Merritt, Toby Merritt, Jozie Merritt, Beau Merritt, and Shelbi Merritt; eleven beloved great-grandchildren; and her sister, Penny Kaye Jensen-Sandberg (Craig).
She was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents; her brothers, Larry Jensen and Scott Jensen; her infant nephew, Alexander; her beloved infant grandson, Bo Todd; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Steve Wilson
Stephen “Steve” Allan Wilson, of Thayne, Wyoming, passed away unexpectedly in West Valley City, Utah, on May 23, 2026.
To know Steve was to love him… or, at times, to be frustrated by him. And honestly, sometimes it was both at once.
Steve was dynamic, complicated, deeply human, and unforgettable. One of his employers recently described him perfectly as “pure gold,” while another called him “the salt of the earth.”
An entrepreneur at heart, Steve moved comfortably between every kind of world. He could sit alongside successful business owners as a trusted friend, then just as naturally create friendships and heartfelt conversations with the cashier at the grocery store, the janitor at a rest stop, or the stranger behind any counter. Everywhere he went, he made people feel seen. He taught those around him to look up, connect with others, ask questions, and always think for themselves.
Steve also had a deep love for cooking and hospitality, following in the footsteps of his mother, Mary, who owned “Mary’s Restaurant” on Star Valley Ranch. He built his own catering business, “Country Kitchen Catering,” where he shared one of his greatest gifts: feeding the people that he loved. Whether cooking his famous BBQ ribs and Philly cheesesteaks for a crowd, or popping one of his oversized buckets of popcorn for a cozy movie night, food was one of the ways Steve showed his love and connection to those around him.
He later went on to become the Owner/Operator of “Wilson Family Enterprises”. When he wasn’t riding his cherished motorcycle or busy renovating his home, he was driving flowers “down the backroads of America” for Olson’s Greenhouse. Steve was endlessly impressed by the beauty and scale of the greenhouse operation and took great pride in delivering the beautiful flowers far and wide. He deeply valued the friendships he built with his coworkers and genuinely loved being part of the Olson’s Greenhouse family. Despite the demands of the job, the work suited him perfectly: the open road, meaningful conversations, hard working people, and the simple beauty found in everyday places.
Our family would especially like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Olson’s Greenhouse and dear family friends for their steadfast presence, compassion, and support during Steve’s final hours.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Wilson; his sisters, Kelly (Jerry) Olsen, Brandi & Angela Wilson; his children: Ericka “Toad” (Brant) Campbell, Joshua “Yoda” Steven Wilson, Mary “Spook” Wilson, Stephanie “Honey Bunny” (Nate) Smith, and Kristina “Tina” (Andrew) Siemasko; and his grandchildren: Jesse Allen (Sean) Wilson; Austin, Kourtney, McKenzie, and Zoey Campbell; Izyk and Azpyn Wilson; Elizabeth (Cayden) Webster, Karlianne, Zeke, Oakley, and Hudson Smith; and great-grandson, Edison Webster, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, LouAnn Call-Wilson; his parents, Doren and Mary Wilson; his sisters, Karen (Jack) Axtell, and Pam Bernie; and many others who are dearly loved and deeply missed.
Please join us in celebrating Steve’s legacy on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The service date carries a sacred significance for the family, as June 13th also marks the day our beloved LouAnn passed from this life years earlier. Though bittersweet, we cannot help but feel there is something eternal and meaningful in that connection.
Funeral Services will be held at the Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. with a Graveside Service immediately following at the Thayne Cemetery. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A candlelight memorial and bonfire will be held that evening at 7:30 p.m. at 2205 Muddy String Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help with funeral and estate expenses are deeply appreciated. Donations may also be made through the Bank of Star Valley. https://gofund.me/e79d967e1
Leron Allred
Leron ‘Ron’ H Allred, 89, passed away on May 28, 2026 at home in Osmond, Wyoming, with his family around him. He succumbed to complications due to infections received during his service in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Ron was born in his grandmother’s house in Grover, Wyoming on May 05, 1937. He was the first son and second child of seven born to Zenneth Woodrow Allred and Wilda Viola Allred Swenson [née Hokanson].
Ron grew up on his family’s farm in Osmond, Wyoming where he learned, hunting, fishing, farming, and mechanical skills from his father. A funny side memory, many will remember his very distinctive two pinkie whistle, that he learned in his youth, that could be heard for nearly a half mile. Ron loved Boy Scouts and became the first Eagle Scout in his ward. He also earned money to attend the nation-wide Scout Jamboree in Irvine Ranch, CA in 1953. Early on, he developed a keen interest in flying, which later became a crucial influence in his life’s projectory. While he was in high school, he developed his plan to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. He would earn a bachelor’s degree than join the Air Force.
During his years at the University of Wyoming, he was in the ROTC program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Upon his graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and sent to flight training.
After high school, Ron’s high school sweetheart, Rosalyn Putnam had moved to Logan, Utah to work. He stated it was too hard to have a long distance relationship between Logan, Utah and Laramie, Wyoming. So, the two were sealed on August 17, 1956 in the Idaho Falls temple. To this union was born Curtis Leron Allred on January 20, 1959 in Laramie, Wyoming; Teresa “Jan” Allred on November 15, 1960 in Big Springs, Texas; Michelle “Mickie” Diane Allred on January 25, 1965 in Fairbanks, Alaska; and Zen Daniel Allred on March 21, 1970 in Wichita Falls, Texas.
His service in the Air Force included assignments in Texas, Florida, Alaska, Utah, and Thailand. Helicopters that he flew were UH-21 ‘Flying Banana’, CH-3E ‘Jolly Green Giant’, and TH-1 ‘Huey’. While in pilot training, General Authority Dieter Uchtdorf was also in his unit, just a couple of years behind Ron. At Eielson AFB, he was Commander of Air Rescue mission for all of Alaska. In Vietnam he flew Special Ops for the CIA flying the Black Mariah CH-3E. During his time in the 20th Special Operations Squadron [SOS] he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for rescuing seven survivors of an intelligence team in adverse weather conditions and rugged mountainous jungle terrain; and the Bronze Star medal for extraordinary achievement while participating as a CH-3 aircraft squadron officer during his work with the 20th SOS. After returning to the states from Vietnam, he taught fixed wing pilots in Texas and Utah to fly the TH-1 ‘Huey’. Helicopter pilots were in great demand during the Vietnam war. During his last duty station at Elmendorf AFB, in Alaska, he flew the UH-3 in search and rescue operations.
After retiring in November 1979, he moved back home to Osmond and took over his family’s farm and participated in Star Valley life. He was the first farmer to put in a pivot irrigation line and one of the first ranchers to have Angus instead of Herford cattle. In the early 1980s, seismographers asked if they could stage their equipment on his land. He agreed on one condition, that he could be co-pilot to the company’s helicopter pilot, and go for a ride with the family. Ron also enjoyed joining the Putnam family hunting camp. This elk hunting tradition, up Grey’s River, has brought together generations of family members with food, activities, and hunting.
Ron’s return to the valley was eagerly awaited by ward and stake leaders. He was put in as the bishop of the Osmond Ward within a month of his retirement. He served in this capacity for five years. He also served in various capacities within the Boy Scouts. He gave airplane rides to each individual who achieved their Eagle Scout award. He and his wife Rose served an Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada Toronto Mission from December 1997 to June 1999.
Ron believed in serving his community and was involved in several capacities. Ron served in the Civil Air Patrol to assist in search and rescue. As a side benefit, he got to enjoy flying again. Ron and Rose both served in the Star Valley Historical Society for many years. He also was the Supervisor of the local branch of the Wyoming Soil and Water Conservation District. The Veterans of Foreign Wars [VFW] post 4797 was a huge part of Ron’s life. Within this organization, he served as part of the honor guard for individual veteran’s funeral services and he looked forward to the annual Memorial Day ceremonies recognizing the sacrifice of those who gave all for their country.
After retiring from his second career as a rancher, he was able to travel with Rose. They drove up the Alcan highway several times to visit family, develop their land there, and just enjoy God’s creations. They went on several cruises, camping trips, and just traveled in the camper. They loved being ‘snowbirds’ in Wickenburg, Arizona. His last big trip was September 2025 were he got attend the High Plains Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and visits the memorials there.
Ron is preceded in death by his wife Rose; his sisters Beth Perry and Carol Dian Kennnington, and brother Bradley Kim Allred; and his granddaughter Megan Christine Howarth. He is survived by his children Curtis [Nora], Jan [Mike], Mickie [Steve], and Zen [Olga]. 14 Grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. We have no doubt that he is enjoying the reunion of his wife, other family members, and loved one who have gone on before.
Ron stated he was blessed to accomplish all the goals he had wanted to do in this life – family, flying, and farming.
“To fly is fine, but to hover is divine. “ –Leron H Allred
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13 in the Salt River chapel at on east Papworth Lane. Viewings will be held at the same location on Friday, June 12 from 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, June 13 at 9-10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Auburn Cemetery in Auburn, Wyoming on Saturday, June 13 immediately after the funeral. Luncheon will be back at the Salt River church building after the interment, approximately 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating the VFW post 4797, to help pay for The Wall That Heals, Afton, Wyoming.
TheWallThatHealsAftonWY2026.
