The following obituaries appeared in the June 12, 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.
Brandon Bailey
Brandon Walter Bailey, 40, passed away June 2, 2024 following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was a resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming for the last 19 years.
He was born on October 21, 1983 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the son of Arnold Bailey and Kimberly Reich.
Brandon graduated high school with the Star Valley class of 2002 before heading off to work in the oil field as a pump operator and CDL driver.
He married Brandi Stockton in Sweetwater County on March 17, 2010. They later divorced.
Brandon found solace and true happiness being outdoors, whether he was on a hunting trip, camping, casting a line in a serene fishing spot, riding his motorcycle, or tearing down a slope on his snowboard. Above all else he loved spending time with his kids, family, and friends who will cherish his memory and hold wonderful memories of him in their hears forever.
Survivors include his father Arnold and wife Robin of Idaho Falls, Idaho; son Dominique Sampley; daughters Cassidy Sampley, Sierra Bailey, Savanna Bailey, Erin Bailey, all of Rock Springs, Wyoming; brothers Jason Bailey and wife Heather of Norfork, Nebraska, Jared Bailey of Idaho Falls, Idaho; sister Lindsey Glissendorf and husband Jeff of Pocatello, Idaho; nieces Madison Bailey, Brenna Bailey, Olivia Bailey, Nora Bailey, Emmalee Glissendorf, Alyssa Glissendorf; and nephew Donald Bailey.
He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents as well as his mother Kimberly Bailey.
A Celebration of Life was held at 5:00 pm, Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Sweetwater County Picnic Grounds, 11 Riverview Road, Green River, Wyoming.
Condolences for the family can be left at www.foxfh.com.
Florence Humpherys
Florence Humpherys Parker passed away on June 5, 2024. Florence Parker was born on December 12, 1943. Florence was the fourth child of Dean Gadner Humpherys and Neva Clark Humpherys. She was the youngest of the three girls and had seven brothers. Her childhood was busy, fun, and farm work. Like most children at that time, there were many chores to do, church to attend, and lots of rough play with siblings where spankings were allowed and probably deserved.
Horses were a big part of our recreation and countless races and lots of run-aways and more than a few broken bones, bruising, and scrapes. Still the best memories included a horse. After elementary school in Etna, JR High and High School were in Afton, Wyoming. High school was some of the happiest times in her life. Lifetime bonds with friends and loved ones were formed at Star Valley High School.
After high school there were four years at Utah State University. Florence met Dennis Vance Madsen while working in Jackson Hole. They were married in 1968. In 1975 their son Vance Dean was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. Florence taught Elementary school in Idaho, Utah, Las Vegas, Anchorage, and Star Valley. She retired after many years of teaching in a Lincoln County School. After 10 years in Vegas, Dennis and Flo moved to Thayne, Wyoming. Where Dennis died in a car accident. In 1981 Florence and Larry Parker were married in Anchorage, Alaska. After 3 years in Alaska, they moved to Etna, Wyoming, Larry established Star Valley Furniture and Florence finished her teaching career. Most of their lives were spent in Star Valley. It will always be their home. Florence’s true love, Larry, was loved by all the family. Joyce and Vance loved Larry and appreciated all he did for Flo. Vance and his family were always close and a positive influence in their lives.
Flo loved her family and has always considered them the biggest blessing. Three brothers died and remains the saddest times of our lives, John, the musician, Robert, the cowboy, and Ray, the champion backpacker and school teacher. Her sister will always be loved and Sharon has also passed. Flo loved to collect and restore antiques. Vance and Joyce gave us a great joy, in the form of a grandson Parker Chase Madsen. Our greatest blessing, Which they shamelessly spoiled.
Florence is preceded in death by the brothers; Robert, John, and Ray, and sister Sharon. Her loving husband Larry passed in October of 2023, a baby Gordon Ray, who died shortly after birth. She is survived by her son Vance Madsen and grandson Parker Madsen.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 12:00pm in the Etna Ward Chapel. With a viewing prior to the service from 11-11:45 a.m. Interment will follow the funeral, at the Etna Cemetery.
Allan Schoonover
Allan was born in Richland Center Wisconsin on Jan 31 ,1938. He passed away Tuesday June 4 at Intermountain Hospital in St George, Utah. He was raised in Boscobel, Wisconsin by Jay and Clara Schoonover. He graduated from high school in Boscobel in 1956. He was an “All State Football and Basketball” player in high school. He received a scholarship to play football at U of Wisc. He was a starting end on the 1959 Big Ten Championship in the 1960 Rose Bowl. He graduated from the U of Wisc-Madison in 1960 with majors in Business Administration and Dairy and Food Services. He then went on to work for Borden Milk Co from 1960-1964 in Fon du lac, Wisconsin. At which time he went on to attend Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa from 1964-1968. In 1968 Allan had the privilege and honor to march with Martin Luther King.
He was ordained as a pastor in June 1968. He was a pastor at First Lutheran Church in Williston, North Dakota from 1968-1975. At which time he moved to Monroe Wisc and became Vice President and General Manager of Roy’s Dairy and Lugano Cheese Comp. with his very special friend Bill Robichaux from 1976-1988. He passion for the ministry took him on to Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe Wisc from 1976-1981 as associate pastor with his lifelong friend and mentor Larry Pinnow. He serviced at Albany Lutheran Church from 1981-1988, Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake Wisc from 1988-1993, St Phillips Lutheran Church in Fridley Mn from 1993-1998, Bethlehem Lutheran in Aberdeen, South Dakota from 1998-2006, Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Wyoming in 2007 and interim pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman, Montana from February-September 2007. His last call was to Star Valley United Church in Thayne, Wyoming. He loved to preach meaningful sermons and teaching bible studies. His favorites were the children’s sermon before the main sermon.
After residing in Thayne, Wyoming for many years they moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona due to health issues. They then went on to Legacy Village Assisted Living in St George, Utah until Allan’s passing.
In 1958 he married Sandy Williams, and together they had three children, Seth, Troy and Hope. They divorced 14 years later. He married De Davidson in 1976 and they were married for 48 years until his passing.
He is survived by his loving wife De, his children Seth (Laura) Schoonover, Hope Schoonover and his stepdaughter Cyd Davidson, as well as his daughter-in-law Heather, Troy’s wife, and his 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving and faithful dog Schunka who is now lucky enough to be living with his good friends Danny and Mary Ann, and many loving nieces, and nephews. He loved his trips back to Wisconsin to attend Badger and Packer games with his many family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents Clara and Jay Schoonover, brother John, brother Bob, son Troy Schoonover and stepson Steve Davidson.
In lieu of flowers De has asked that memorials be given to Star Valley United Church, Thayne Wyo or Lucky’s Place also in Thayne Wyo.
Funeral services will be held at Star Valley United Church in Thayne Wyo at 11 on Thursday July 25th. His ashes will be laid to rest in Monroe, Wisconsin at a later date.
Virginia Seals
June 10, 1941 – June 6, 2024
Virginia Ruth Seals died on June 6, 2024. She as 82. Virginia was born n Carlsbad, New Mexico. Her and her family, Dad-John, Mom – Ginny, brothers- John & Gene, and sister Ernestine; all moved to Oregon early in Virginias life. Growing up in Dallas, Oregon, she attended Dallas High School and fell in love with her high school sweetheart and eventual husband of 63 years William (Bill) Seals.
Virginia had three children; Wade, Debbie, and Clay. The family eventually moved to Vale, Oregon, where they lived on a dairy farm and ranch combo. Virginia worked at the Malheur County Courthouse in Vale and helped on the farm, and took care of her family and made darn sure all three kids graduated from high school. Bill and Virginia retired and moved to Afton, Wyoming to be closer to family.
Virginia was well known for her great smile, kindness, and care for her family, all kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved gardening, flowers, animals, camping, fishing, crocheting, and enjoying the mountains and wildlife with her family. She will ne deeply missed by all who ever met and knew her.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ginny Collins; brothers John and Gene Collins. She is survived by her husband William Seals, her daughter Debbie Seals, Sons Wade and Clay, sister Ernestine. Daughter-in-law Lori Seals, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A memorial will be held with the family only later.
