The following obituaries appeared in the February 7, 2024 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
For more area obituaries, please visit Schwab Mortuary.
For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society.
Robby Hillstead
Robby Skip Hillstead was born on March 26, 1961 at Star Valley Hospital, the oldest of seven children to Heber and Phylis Nield Hillstead. He attended school in Star Valley and later moved to Lehi, Utah with his family. There he met and married Terri Tanner and had son Ryan. They later divorced and he moved to Kemmerer with his parents. He met and married Lucy Peternal and began working for Lincoln County Road and Bridge and together they had three children, Sons Devon and Mason and daughter Caitlin. The family later moved to Afton where he continued to work for the Road and Bridge for 34 years. He spent many long hours farming and raising cattle, horses and pigs with his children. He also started an excavation company, 7C Backhoe Service, where he taught his children the value of hard work. He also enjoyed from a very young age anything to do with a motor. He spent many many hours in the shop with his boys teaching them to fix anything. He was an outstanding mechanic. Lucy and Rob later divorced and he finally settled in Afton where he spent his years of retirement loving and enjoying his grandchildren.
Rob is proceeded in death by his father Heber and little sister Farrah.
He is survived by his mother Phylis, children Devon (Sadie) Mason (Justie) Caitlin (Toby) Ryan (Jessica) and many grandchildren whom he adored.
Services will be held at the Schwab Mortuary in Afton on Saturday February 10th at 10am with a viewing on Friday from 6-8pm and again on Saturday from 9-9:45am.
Janet Monsen
Janet J. Monsen, who was a beacon of strength and love, peacefully passed away at home on February 2, 2024, surrounded by the warmth of those she held dear. Born on August 11, 1933 in Holden, Utah to Thaddeus Orson (T.O.) and Neva Nixon Johnson. She embarked on a life journey that radiated resilience, devotion, and unwavering faith.
Janet was raised in her family home with her loving parents and three sisters, Joyce, Dawnie, and Sharon. She enjoyed working on the farm with her father, gardening with her mother, and showing prize-winning steers at the stock show. She attended Millard High School and cherished the time she spent there. She valued education and the opportunities it provides for personal growth.
Janet married her high school sweetheart, Lewis Monsen on October 5, 1951, and loved the life they built together. They were married for 65 years. She was a dedicated coach’s wife for decades, who could always be found in the stands supporting Lewis and her family at various events throughout the communities they both loved.
Janet found joy in cultivating hobbies that reflected her passion for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Janet’s home was a testament to her meticulous nature, always kept immaculate and inviting. She had an innate talent for transforming a simple sack lunch into a gourmet delight, and bringing creativity and flair to everyday tasks. Janet’s green thumb was evident in her beautiful gardens, especially adorned with vibrant roses, showcasing her ability to bring beauty to the world around her.
Janet was an active member of her church and her community. Her faith was one of the major cornerstones of her life. She and Lewis were the Des Moines, Iowa mission presidents from 1993-1996. Janet also proudly served in various stake and ward callings in the Young Women’s organization, Relief Society, and Sunday School. She could be found constantly serving those who needed love or comfort.
Known for her sweet disposition and kind heart, Janet was the matriarch of a large and loving family. Janet was preceded in death by her five children, Michael, John, Robert, Julie and Madalyn, as well as her beloved husband, Lewis. The losses she endured were immense, yet through it all, she carried herself with grace, demonstrating an extraordinary depth of courage and perseverance.
She is survived by her sons, Bryce (Sharlene) and Gary (Maylene); her dear sister, Sharon Chrz; and a legacy of grandchildren who were the light of her life; 32 grandchildren; (Julie) Thomas, Angela (preceded in death), Emilee, Amanda, Thad, Lindsay; (Madalyn) Kristi, Josh, Bonnie, Holly, Lisa, Kelly, Scott; (John) Melanie, Stephanie, Jennifer, Michael, Clint, John; (Robert) Brian, Todd, Kelli, Kayci; (Bryce) Vanessa, Heather, Cody, Angie, Mack; (Gary) Marcus, Jake, Eric, Myles; as well as 91 great- Grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren; Daughter-in-law, Christine Monsen-Barney; and Son-in-law, Rick Bennett.
Funeral services will be held Friday February 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Holden Chapel located at 100 N 110 East. The family will receive friends for a viewing from 9-10:30 a.m. prior to funeral services. Interment will be in the Holden Town Cemetery. Online condolences can be offered at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.
