The following obituaries appeared in the December 5, 2018 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
Russell Gerald (Bud) Dayton was born on November 15, 1927 to Russell Oliver Dayton and Flora Cozzens Dayton at his home in Cokeville. He returned home on November 27, 2018. Bud met and married Venice Dayton. They had three children before they separated. Bud later met and married Verdi Walton, adding her daughter, Hollie to their family. They blended their families and together had two more children. Bud and Verdi were sealed in the Logan Temple. Bud was an avid sportsman and loved to support the youth in every sport available. If there was not a game to watch, he would spend his time watching their practices. He loved his hunting trips with all his hunting camp buddies. But most of all he loved his family and was their biggest supporter. Once his daughters were too old to participate in events, he looked forward to the day he would have grandchildren to encourage and support. Bud was loved by all those who knew him. He worked hard all his life and knew how to have fun. He worked for the Wyoming Highway Department for 34 years. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his oldest daughter Eileen Larson, brother, Don Reed Dayton, sister in law Margaret Ann Dayton and brother Danny Dayton and his hunting camp buddies. He is survived by his wife Verdi Walton Dayton. His daughters, Rebecca (Johnny) Petersen, Jill (Neal) Black, Hollie (Jim) Watterson, Sivi (Wayne) Harmon, Teri (Shane) Viehweg, his 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cokeville. There was a viewing from 9-10:30 a.m. The funeral began at 11:00 a.m.
Catherine (Kate) Joyce Fritze, born 26 December, 1934, died peacefully in her sleep on November 10 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kate was a long time resident of Star Valley. She arrived in 1988, co-owner of the Lazy B Motel for many years until her retirement. She moved to Thayne where she was known for her gardening skills. Each spring the back hill exploded in flowers from her talent in planting and caring for plants. Kate was adventurous, always saying yes to going to Granite Hot Springs or white water rafting on the Snake. She would cut a Christmas tree each year and also help with putting in wood. She loved animals and helped at Lucky’s Shelter in Thayne. She was a friend to all she met and will be deeply missed. Kate is survived by her children Debra Duncan, April Fregd, (Daniel Chappelow), Leslie Fritze and Mark Fritze. She is also survived my numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Memorial service will be held at the home of Debra Duncan on Saturday, Deember 8 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
ValDee White Allred was born October 10, 1928 in Fairview, Wyoming to Elden Pratt and Amy Leola White Allred. He loved growing up in the beautiful Star Valley. Almost as soon as he could walk he could take the trail to Grandma Sarah Jane Rich’s home. Oh, how he loved her. When he was a teenager, he and his brothers raised foxes and mink. He also trapped and sold animal pelts. He loved the time on his horse, even though sometimes he had to travel through several feet of snow to make his rounds. He came from a very musical family, and Val did his part by playing the bass in the orchestra, playing the harmonica and had a beautiful singing voice. He often sang to and with his wife and family, especially on long car trips. He met the love of his life, Genevieve Johns at Star Valley High School. He had his eye on her for a long time, but the first time they spoke was at the drug store. For years she didn’t know that he had intentionally planted himself there, waiting and hoping that she would notice him, which she did, and she flirtatiously teased him about not being able to read music. They fell in love and were married on June 23, 1950 in the Idaho Falls temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was the only girl he ever kissed! Val was drafted into the Army and spent his tour during the Korean War in El Paso, Texas. After the army he went to school and graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He held several jobs all over the country, but the highlight of his career was working on the Apollo missions 4-14. He helped get the first man on the moon! He also worked for many years as a civilian Engineer for the United States Air Force. Val was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many positions including; Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, several bishoprics (including once as Bishop) and as a counselor in the Stake Presidency. He was conscientious in whatever position he held and always fulfilled his duties with love. He had a testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ and was true to his religion. Most importantly, he adored Genevieve, his wife of 68 years. If she ever needed anything, he was right there to help. They were blessed with six wonderful children, to whom they taught the gospel by example and love. Val slipped peacefully beyond this mortal life in the wee hours of November 22, 2018, in his home in Mesa, Arizona. We trust there were many on the other side to joyously greet him, as he was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings Morrell, Enid, Bryce, Garth, Kaye and Loa; one son, Keith; and a granddaughter, Angelica. He is survived by his wife, Genevieve, and five of their children – Mark (Elaine), (daughter-in-law Joanna), David (Christine), Sheldon, Alecia (Joseph) and Stephanie (Eddie). He is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Val was beloved by all! The funeral will be held Saturday, December 1st at the LDS church building 1007 S. 72nd Street, Mesa. The viewing will be from 9:00-9:45 and the funeral will be at 10:00. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa.
