The following obituaries appeared in the March 28, 2018 edition of the Star Valley Independent. For more local obituaries, please visit Schwab Mortuary.
Arlean Schwab Clinger was born on June 18, 1925, in Smoot, to Martin Henry and Mary Hale Schwab. She was a sister to Anthon, Belva, Melva, Gene, Ruth and Max. She grew up in Afton where she loved visiting and working with family. She graduated from Star Valley High School, where she met her husband, Darwin Kenneth Clinger. They were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on November 6, 1942. They lived in Glenn, Idaho; Freedom, Wyoming; Twin Falls, Idaho; California; Page, Ariz.; Prescott, Wash.; Georgetown, Idaho; Lewiston, Idaho; Coulee Dam, Wash.; Rigby, Idaho; and finally settled in Idaho Falls in 1974. She loved sewing and specialized in pageant gowns and wedding dresses. She even had her one-of-a-kind gowns worn in Miss America Pageants. She enjoyed traveling to Alaska and Hawaii. She also traveled to Europe in 1985, visiting eight countries. In 1990, she traveled to Scotland, Ireland, London and Germany. Arlean was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the Primary, Relief Society, and Idaho Falls Temple. She and Darwin had eight children: Kenneth (Maxine), Martin (Judy), Melvin (Renae), David (Linda), Brady (Gayle), Darlean (Paul), Diane (Jon) and Sarah. The number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren is continuously growing. Arlean died peacefully in her sleep on March 17, 2018, in Idaho Falls. She was preceded in death by her husband Darwin, her son Martin, her brothers Anthon, Gene, and Max and her sisters Belva and Melva. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Coltrin Mortuary in Idaho Falls. Interment was at Etna Cemetery.
Erlon Charles (Chuck) Putnam returned home to his Heavenly Father on March 18, 2018 where his sweetheart was waiting to cut a rug once again. Chuck was born on June 26, 1953 to Erlon and Mary Putnam in Afton. He lived several places as a child in Wyoming, Idaho and Utah. Chuck married Stephanie Ellet in 1974, and together they had Morgan and Amy, but were later divorced. He moved back to Wyoming and married Sandra Brown in 1978. Together they had Sandy, but were later divorced. Chuck then met the love of his life, Christine “Chris” Vandenakler. They were married on November 25, 1981, and their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple in 1997. Chris brought along with her two boys, Quinn and Alan. Chuck is survived by his mother, Mary Putnam, six siblings: Mary Beth Pace, Karla and Chris Fillmore, Kris and Kyle Holdaway, Linda and Scott Tucker, Leron and Kimberly Putnam and Bev Putnam, seven children: Morgan and Kristi Jenkins, Amy Jagneaux, Quinn Putnam, Alan Putnam, Sindy and Larry Hemmert, Alyshia and Richard Steed and Ty Putnam, 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Erlon Putnam; brother-in-law Randy Pace; and his wife, Chris Putnam.Funeral Services were held Friday, March 23, 2018 in the Cottonwood Ward LDS Chapel.
Eric Reed Nilson, 59, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2018 with his loving wife, Jolene, at his side. Eric was born as the third and youngest son to Charolette Larsen Nilson and Mark J. Nilson on June 22, 1958. Eric grew up in Providence/River Heights, Utah. As a laborer, he was not shy of a hard day at work. He worked at Gossners and Thiokol where he met his wife Jolene and they were married in 1986. In 2004 they moved to Star Valley where he was employed by Star Valley Ranch Water & Roads Department. His final job, which brought him much joy, was assisting his friend and boss, Tim, in the kitchen at Heggs Grill in Afton. Eric was a son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, and a great friend to many. He could always be counted on when his family and friends needed him, as he was a jack of all trades! Eric loved the outdoors. He loved to fish with his wife and spent many days laughing about baiting, casting, and reeling in both of their rods. He also loved to hunt with his son Cory and his good friend, Gus. Eric enjoyed showing his grandkids the mountains of Star Valley, and chasing them around in the side-by-sides. He was known for making the grandkids laugh even if he was teasing them. He loved calling Wyoming home- where he could watch wild animals wander through his property, and soak in the peaceful open land. Star Valley truly was home sweet home. Eric also enjoyed golfing and camping with family and friends. Camp breakfasts one and two were always his favorite! As a family, we spent many holidays together creating memories, playing games, and sharing a lot of laughs. His zest for life was always noticeable and his contagious laugh and smile will be greatly missed. He was a man of great height that stemmed beyond just being tall. His most prized possession was his family and his four legged fur babies that were always one step behind him. He is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife Jolene, and his three children Carrie (Scott) Purser, Cory (Anji) Fukuda, and Heidi (Shayne) Eldridge. Also survived by nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and his two brothers, Jay (RaeLynn) Nilson, Clair (Jeena) Nilson and many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are made under the direction of Nyman Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 753 South 100 East Logan on Friday March 30 at noon. A viewing will be held the same day from 10-11:30 a.m. preceding the funeral service. Burial will follow at the Providence Cemetery.
Joseph Eugene Blackburn passed away on March 22, 2018, at his home in St. George, Utah. He was born to John Ellis Blackburn and Nellie Josephine Eberle on January 23, 1939, in Sasakwa, Okla. He was the eighth of 11 children. He married Roberta Jones on June 30, 1963 in Downey, Calif. and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on March 4, 1967. Joe acquired a love and appreciation for hard work in his younger years of life working on their family farm. After graduating from Sasakwa High School, Joe joined the Navy and served his country for four years on the USS Mathews AKA 96, and two years on the USS Eversole. After his service in the Navy, Joe married Roberta Jones and had three daughters and one son. Joe worked for BF Goodrich for over 30 years in their chemical division and retired in 1994. Upon retiring, Joe moved to Star Valley, Wyoming where he raised cattle for a few years before settling to St. George, Utah in 1998. He continued working in Southern Utah for McDonald’s as a maintenance technician for ten years. Joe loved to work, serve and help all of those in need. Joe was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served in many capacities throughout his life. He is survived by his wife Roberta, daughters Jerilynne (David Bell), Teresa (Sam Heaps) & Tracy (Scott Milne), son Robert, 11 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John & Nellie Blackburn, his brothers Donald, Eutah, Lloyd Douglas and sisters Inez, Bessie, Alvenia, Baby Blackburn and grand-daughter Rhiannon. Funeral services will be held on Friday March 30, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Cotton Acres Ward building on 2583 East 350 North, St. George, Utah. The viewing will be held on March 29 from 6-7 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home located at 1316 S. 400 E., Suite A3 St. George, Utah and on March 30, 2018 from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Cotton Acres Ward Building.
Vern Blane Crook was born on August 8, 1943 in Afton to Blane and Sybil Crook. Due to declining health he passed away in his home surrounded by his family on March 23, 2018. Vern grew up in Etna. He attended Etna Elementary School and Etna Junior High School. During this time he participated in Boy Scouts. After junior high he went to Star Valley High school in Afton. There he participated and lettered in Junior Varsity and Major (or Varsity) football. He also lettered in wrestling. Additionally he played church basketball and baseball. He was a member of 4-H, and traveled to several State Fairs. He attended the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in 1958 in Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from Star Valley High School and Seminary in 1961. After graduation he spent a semester at Utah State University. He met and dated Leone Call throughout high school. They were married on April 12, 1963 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They began married life in a little old house on a County Road in Etna. Together they had five children. During their married life they vacationed to California, Mexico, Mt. Rushmore, Oklahoma, and Alaska. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 12, 2013. Vern worked at the Star Valley Cheese Factory for 42 years. He started out driving milk truck and worked his way into the plant where he made Swiss and Mozzarella cheese, and butter. Eventually he was promoted to be the Production Manager. In addition to this he worked on the family dairy farm. Over the years, in addition to his dairy herd, he raised pigs, chickens, beef cows, and an occasional bum lamb. In 1978 he was called to serve as the assistant clerk in the Etna Ward Bishopric. Vern loved working on the farm and with the animals and enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge with visiting family and friends. He loved tractors, particularly antique and John Deere tractors. Driving the back roads of Star Valley and going on short road trips was one of his favorite past times. He loved adding to his large hat collection and he would wait patiently each summer to eat peas from the garden. His whole life he worked hard, and lovingly supported his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Blane and Sybil Crook. He is survived by his wife Leone Crook, his brother Spencer Crook, and his five children; Joyce (Kelly) Jardine of Idaho Falls, Terry (Amber) Crook of Etna, Kristy (Darin) Jenkins of Brigham City, Utah, Melissa (Dustin) Griffin of Etna, Danielle (Eric) Dance of Anchorage, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at noon in the Etna Ward LDS Chapel with a viewing held prior to the service at 10-11:45 a.m. Burial will take place in the Etna Cemetery.
It is with great sadness that the family of Wanda Elaine Shandel (Mallory) announces her sudden passing on March 12, 2018, at the age of 76 years. Wanda was born on June 19, 1941, in Shasta, Calif. She was raised in Orick, Calif., and graduated from Arcata High School in Arcata, Calif. Wanda spent several years working at the California State Employment Office as a switchboard operator and receptionist. She moved from there to spend 13 years as a valued employee of the California State Fund Dept. where she worked hard in multiple roles as a receptionist, key data operator and computer operator. She also spent many years as a bookkeeper and in-house master of knowledge for Surprise Valley Ranch. Wanda dedicated her life to her family and friends, being ever ready to serve them with love, dedication and joy. She was always there with a listening ear, good joke and contagious laugh. She enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, traveling to various destinations across the country and many other adventures as they came her way, always including family and friends. Wanda lived her life as an example before us all of fearlessness, joy, service and love. Wanda will be forever remembered and held dear by her loving husband, William Shandel, as well as by her children, Shawn and Elizabeth; step-daughters, Patty, Belinda, Christine and Peggy. Wanda will also be ever cherished by her grandchildren, Dominique, Justena, Mallory, Veronica, Brittany, Daniel, Hanna, Renee, Ryan, Taylor, Christine and Jorge; and great-grandchildren Logan, Eric, Travis and Dean.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dale and Justena Mallory and two brothers Frank and Dale Mallory. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Comptche. A Graveside Ceremony in Eureka, Calif. at a time yet to be determined. Wanda had many service interests that she supported, and we ask that in lieu of flowers you donate to a charity of your choice.
