The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the November 4, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
Tommy Cynova
(March 17, 1947-October 14, 2026)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tommy Cecil Cynova.
Tommy is survived by his sister Debbie and husband Stan Talik of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, his four sons, Shane and Renae Cynova of Powell, Woming, Andy and Lecia Cynova of Hayden, Idaho, Stuart and Linda Travis of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Jason Travis of Afton, Wyoming. He had multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tommy was born in Amarillo, Texas, to Alvin and Jean Cynova.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force. After his time in the service, Tommy was employed by Simplot where he worked until he retired.
Tommy enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and rides on his side-by-side in the mountains that he loved so much.
Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Brenda Cynova and his parents Alvin and Jean Cynova.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring in Afton, Wyoming.
Matt Piepenburg
Matthew James (Matt) Piepenburg of Grover, Wyoming went home to Jesus on November 1, 2026 at age 49. Matt was born on August 9, 1977 in Santa Maria, California. He lived most of his life in Atascadero and Paso Robles, California.
He moved to Grover in 2021 shortly before his mother, Beth, passed away. He continued to live in Grover with his stepfather, Steve, until he passed away from end stage renal failure. Matt had previously had two kidney transplants and did not want to suffer through dialysis again.
Matt was employed as a manager at Hastings Ace Hardware in Afton, Wyoming. He is beloved by his dad Steve, their neighbors, and everyone he worked with.
A memorial service will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at 1 p.m. with a viewing at 12 Noon at Schwab Mortuary in Afton.
Linda Allen
Linda Lindberg Allen, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, at her home with her husband by her side. She was under the care of her husband, Dennis, and Symbii Home Health and Hospice.
Linda was born on June 25, 1947, in Afton, Wyoming, to Carl Anthon Lindberg and Maude Kennington Lindberg. She grew up in Osmond, Wyoming. She attended Star Valley High School and graduated in 1965. She continued her education at Utah State University from 1965 to 1969, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education.
On December 10, 1968, she married Dennis Kent Allen in the Logan, Utah Temple. During her support in Dennis’s military career, Linda made their home in many different locations, including Alabama, Hawaii, the Philippines, California, North Dakota, and Montana. They moved to Idaho Falls after his retirement in 1988.
Linda is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has served in a variety of capacities, including as an organist, Relief Society, and Young Women. In addition to her church callings, she also served her community as a Pollster. Besides being a talented Pianist and Organist, she enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and was a seamstress. She was also known for her baking skills, especially her family’s famous fudge and chocolate zucchini cake. She was a devoted wife, friend, mom, grandma, and great-grandma who showed us how to love others, life, and our Heavenly Father.
Linda is survived by her husband of nearly 58 years, Dennis Kent Allen of Idaho Falls; her sons: Darren Kent (Tara) Allen of Salem, Virginia, Kelly John (Kristi) Allen of Idaho Falls, and Jamison D (Rachel) Allen of Lehi, Utah; her daughters: Rebecca Lyn Allen of Norton, Massachusetts, and Julie Leilani (Steve) Smith of Smithfield, Utah; her brothers: Kent C. (Marilyn) Lindberg of Providence, Utah, and Carl Elman (Donna) Lindberg of Houston, Texas; 20 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
She was preceded in death by her baby daughter, Heidi Marie Allen, and her parents, Carl Anthon and Maude Kennington Lindberg.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 2, 2026, at Thunder Ridge 1st Ward, 4459 John Adams Pkwy. The family will visit with friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.
