The following obituaries appeared in the February 7, 2018 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
Olive Jean Newman, passed peacefully away on January 23, 2018, in Stansbury Park, Utah of Stage-4 Lung Cancer. She was born in Hants Harbour, Newfoundland, Canada to Hedley Critch and Melina Woodland on February 24, 1936. She was the last surviving sibling of 12 brothers and sisters. She met and married Gene D. Stiles (divorced) who was stationed at Pepperell AFB in Newfoundland, Canada. Together they had four children: Derek D. Stiles (dec.), Sharon Shiner (Dennis), Brian T. Stiles (dec.), and Gregory Scott Stiles (dec.). Jean and Gene moved to Klamath Falls, Ore. and eventually, Clovis, NM. It was in Clovis where she married Bobby “Bob” Newman in 1979. Bob preceded her in death on March 30, 2017. Later in life, Jean and Bob managed Century Equipment Ranch in Alpine, where they hunted, fished, rode horses and ATVs, and raised their pet steer, BJ, who loved to drink Pepsi and ride in the back of Bob’s truck. Life on the ranch was hard but rewarding, she always said. In 2000, they built their retirement home in Afton and lived there 17 years. No matter where Jean lived, she made the house a home and planted many gardens filled with a cornucopia of flowers and vegetables. They were breathtaking. To personalize the gardens, she painted rocks to look like ladybugs and other insects. One of Jean’s proudest moments was when she became a naturalized citizen of the United States on March 6, 1963. She was a fighter, and she fought for a better life for her children, for herself, and others. All of Jean’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were raised knowing that if you have “Critch” blood flowing through your veins, you came from the long line of spirited seafaring, creative, and strong willed people of Newfoundland and there was never an excuse for giving up. Jean loved to quilt, embroider, knit, paint, garden, and bake. She made Valor Quilts for United States Veterans, Linus Quilts for children all over the world, winter hats for children, dog and cat pillows for the local humane society, and many other projects that helped people in need. Jean is survived by her only daughter, Sharon L. Shiner (Dennis) of Stansbury Park, Utah. Stepchildren: Joe Bob Newman (Annette), Debra Newman, Linette Stroope (Mark); Grandchildren: Eli Sutton, Jennifer Kalemanis (Kristos), TC Balch, Jon Stroope, Lyndee Stroope, Creek Newman, Coy Newman and Leslie Jarvis; Great Grandchildren: Shelby, Michelle, and McKenna Wilcox, Alekos and Maia Jean Kalemanis. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews and her constant companion, Tuffy Newman, her 12-year old Pomeranian. She also leaves behind many special friends in Afton whom she loved and cared for very deeply. A private service will be held at the Stansbury Park Cemetery in Stansbury Park Utah, date pending. At a date later to be determined, there will be a very informal “Celebration of Life” in Afton for all friends and family to attend.Instead of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society in memory of Olive Jean Newman are encouraged.
Wynne Harrison Anderson, age 83, passed away on February 1, 2018 in the Afton Care Center. Wynne was born on May 17, 1934 in Osmond to Dora Leavitt and Albon Harrison. She was the oldest of three children born in this family. Wynne graduated from Star Valley High School in 1952 and moved to Ogden where she found employment and met Larry Spiers. They were married in April of 1956 and two children were born to this union, David and Jan. They later divorced and Wynne married Virl Anderson and one son Rick H. was added to the family. Wynne spent most of her years in Ogden and Salt Lake City working at various jobs. In 2003 she moved back to Afton to care for her parents and after their passing she lived in their home until her health failed and she was moved to the care center where she was tenderly taken care of. Wynne was preceded in death by her son David Spiers and her parents Albon and Dora. Wynne is survived by her daughter Jan and husband Dick Campbell and Rick Anderson and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, brothers Ross and wife Karen and Joel and wife Louise. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018 at noon at the Schwab Mortuary in Afton. Internment was at the Afton Cemetery.
