The following obituaries appeared in the October 16, 2024 edition of the Star Valley Independent.

John Crook

John William Crook passed away at home in Orem, Utah on October 7, 2024 after a valiant battle with cancer.

He was born in Mesa, Arizona on July 10, 1951 to Newell and Mary Crook. He graduated from Star Valley High School in 1969 and participated in choir, wrestling, football and track. He served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to West Virginia.

He met his wife Bobbi in Provo, Utah and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple for time and eternity. Later Bobbi passed away and he married Dian, and they were later divorced. His life was blessed with three beautiful daughters: Tara, Jordana and Nicole.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Newell and Mary, his wife Bobbi, two brothers; Newell Jr (Skip) and Kelly.

He is survived by his sisters Nancy Dana and Meleta Egbert, brothers Fred, Stan, Kerry, Ben and Weston and his grandchildren.

He will be interred in the Lawn Hill Cemetery in Orem. A celebration of life service is planned for October 19, 2024 at noon.

Wendy Taylor

Wendy Michelle Taylor passed away unexpectedly on October 11, 2024, at the Star Valley Hospital in Afton, Wyoming, at the young age of 54 years old, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her parents, Rick and Linda Taylor of Etna, Wyoming; her sisters Heather (Mike) Jackson of Alpine, Utah, and Tiffany (Todd) Fletcher of Etna, Wyoming. Wendy was a proud and devoted aunt to five cherished nieces: Emily Humpherys, Lizzie and Hannah Jackson, and Trinaty and Taralin Fletcher, as well as three beloved nephews: Matthew Jackson, Torsten, and Toby Fletcher. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Wendy was born on December 23, 1969, in Pocatello, Idaho, with congenital heart defects. Despite the challenges of two open-heart surgeries, she not only survived but thrived. Later, she was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome.

At the age of ten, Wendy’s family moved to Sandy, Utah, where she became the inspiration behind the special mutual program her mother pioneered. She made countless friends along the way and found joy participating in Special Olympics, excelling in gymnastics, track, and the shot put. Wendy attended Jordan Valley School and was actively involved in seminary classes and loved going to dances.

Her family later relocated to McKinney, Texas, where she graduated from McKinney High School in 1992. In her final years, Wendy lived in Etna, Wyoming, with her parents and then moved to Thayne where she attended LSR and formed close relationships with many beloved caretakers and friends.

Wendy had a special connection with animals and loved them deeply. She will be remembered for her incredible strength, empathy, and perseverance. She overcame obstacles doctors and teachers never thought possible—learning to read, write, and even ride a bike. Wendy loved music and often delighted others by sharing songs that touched her heart and loved to “lip-sinc” them for family weddings and talent shows.

Her life was filled with joy and laughter, and her positive spirit was contagious. Wendy taught those around her that grudges are for the weak and that compassion, love, and forgiveness are priceless gifts. Her playful nicknames for family and friends were cherished by all. Wendy truly lived life to the fullest, and her immense capacity to love has often been compared to the unconditional love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wendy found joy in serving others and frequently volunteered in the nursery. One of the most cherished moments of her life was the day she attended the temple to receive her own ordinances.

Though our hearts are broken, and we miss her dearly, the love, light, and laughter she shared with us will remain in our hearts forever. We take comfort in knowing that she is now joyfully reunited with our Heavenly Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and many loved ones who have gone before her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at the Etna Chapel. A viewing will take place on Friday, October 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m.

We warmly invite all who knew and loved Wendy to join us in celebrating her life and sharing your cherished memories and stories.

Sue Christopher

Sue Johns Christopher, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024, at the age of 76 after a brief illness with a rare disease.

Born in Afton, Wyoming to Leonard and Elda Johns, she was the second-to-youngest of six siblings.

A woman of immense strength and determination, Sue worked tirelessly to give her children the best opportunities in life. She found joy in planning memorable family vacations, making sure her kids and grandkids experienced fun and adventure. From Disneyland to beach trips to national parks and more, she created cherished memories that her children and grandchildren will hold in their hearts forever.

Sue dedicated her life to her family, ensuring that they always knew the depth of her love through her hard work and support. Her greatest pride was seeing her children and grandchildren thrive, you would often hear her touting what they had accomplished or were currently working on. She was a proud mother and grandmother.

Sue made friends wherever she went. Whether it was a neighbor, a co-worker, or even a stranger, she had this incredible ability to make people feel seen and heard. Many of the life-long bonds she made happened at work. She loved her jobs and found great pride and fulfillment throughout her career.

For several years, she worked as a receptionist at Hansen Planetarium where she was known for her fun, welcoming demeanor, and love of informal science. Her dedication went beyond her daily duties, as she played an integral role in the coordination of one of the planetarium’s most significant events — a visit by the world-renowned theoretical physicist, Dr. Stephen Hawking.

Later, Sue took a job with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department as a civil servant Investigator in the Special Victims Unit helping locate runaway and missing persons. She loved her job, and felt she could help make a difference. During this time, she earned a bachelor’s degree in science with an emphasis in criminal justice.

Sue will be remembered for her sense of humor, feistiness, resilience, and honesty. Her legacy lives on in her children, who carry forward the values she instilled — hard work, determination, and a spirit of adventure.

Sue is survived by Ken Christopher (husband), her children Matt Christopher, Andrea Doubek and her husband Joe, and Tara Chistopher; grandchildren McKenzie, Jordyn, Jadyn, Kyan, and Max; Joelle Burns (sister), and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will all miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Elda Johns, siblings LuDene Johns, Wendell Johns, Betty Martin, and Connie Shumway.

A celebration of her life was held the morning of Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the LDS Mackey Meadows Ward House located at 2976 W. Winchester Drive in West Valley City, Utah.

A graveside service was held at the Afton Cemetery in Afton, Wyoming at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation at https://cjdfoundation.org/ in her memory.