The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the May 6, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society.
Burma Skinner
Burma Elizabeth Nield Skinner passed away on November 15, 2025, in Bountiful, Utah. She was born to Ellis and Ouida Nield on September 7, 1933 in Afton, Wyoming. She married her high school sweetheart, Alma Dean Skinner, on February 20, 1953. She often predicted she would live to be 92, and she was right!
Our beloved mother was an avid reader, a lover of animals, and someone who loved a good pot of coffee and found great joy in making and sharing candy with her family. In her youth, she worked at the Afton Library, Fred’s Cafe, and Robert’s Market. After moving to Utah, she was employed by Litton Industries.
She is survived by her daughters, Laura (Wayne d. 2018) Healey, Sheri (Jim) McGee, Deena Skinner, and Jill (Jeff) Jensen; and her son, Blake (Robyn d. 2017) Skinner.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alma Dean; her daughters, Susan (Frank) Garcia and Shannon (Ryan) Ogden; her grandson, Russell Garcia; her granddaughter, Teesha Nieser; and her siblings, Rita Hinck, John Nield, Wendell Nield, and Dixie Anderson.
She was blessed with 22 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
A casual graveside service will be held on May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd., Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember her by enjoying a good book, sipping a cup of coffee, savoring a favorite piece of candy, and showing a little extra kindness to an animal.
James Rice
“Jim” James Roland Rice (Uncle Buck), 89, of Star Valley Ranch passed away at home on April 25, 2026. Jim was born in Winnfield Louisiana, Winn parish on August 6, 1936 to the parents of Voyd Edgar Rice and Fannie May Barton Rice.
Preceded in death by his siblings Rex Rice, Doris Rice, Vaudine Rice and Betty Rice.
Survived by his sister Gloria Rice Hickey, residing in Winnfield Louisiana.
Jim lived a full and vibrant life of service to others. He was well known for his strong presence and the connections he built with the people around him. Jim served in the United States Air Force early in his life. Jim also served as the president of the Teamsters Union in Las Vegas, Nevada, a role that reflected his leadership and dedication to working people. He served many years and was very loyal to the Teamsters Union.
Jim loved the game of Poker and was successful with it, most of the time. He enjoyed the game and the camaraderie that came with it. He had a great Poker face that everyone was familiar with. He found joy on the golf course and spent many days enjoying the green, playing in tournaments and making relationships. He was also an avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish and hunt.
His family and siblings were also very important to him, and he invested his time for them often. Jim cherished the time he spent with his beloved dog Bonnie. Everyone knew that Bonnie was a special dog, and what she meant to him. Jim had a natural charm and was a true person, forming meaningful relationships with those he loved. Jim was a great mentor to a lot of young men.
His kindness extended throughout the Star Valley community, where he was known for helping others and making an impact on many lives. Jim was ‘one of a kind’ and left an impression on anyone he encountered. Uncle Buck will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all those who knew him. A celebration of Life will be held in memory of him at the Schwab Mortuary building at 211 Jepperson Rd. Thayne, Wyoming 83127 on Saturday May 9, 2026, at 1:00pm.
Wave Radio Interview: District Judge Candidate Cody Brower
May 13, 2026
District Judge Candidate and incumbent Cody Brower stopped by the WAVE this morning to discuss the upcoming primary election and the importance of voting. Read More
Wave Radio Interview: Bear Lake School District Superintendent Brog
May 13, 2026
School Board meeting update and Superintendent Report for May meeting. Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Aaron Lind - Mountain Star Products
May 13, 2026
Aaron Lind, owner of Mountain Star Products in Afton, stepped into the SVI Radio Studio on Wednesday, May 13 after named as the May Business of the Month by the Star Valley Chamber of Commerce. (0:00) This is the weekday wake... Read More
Why Convenience Matters More in Boat Ownership
May 13, 2026
A boat brings more value when getting on the water is simple. Convenience matters more in boat ownership when small hassles stop setting the tone. Read More
Denver airport security missed trespasser who was killed by plane on runway
May 13, 2026
By MEAD GRUVER and MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Workers at Denver airport missed a security breach by a man who scaled a perimeter fence and crossed a runway where he was hit and killed in... Read More
Senate is set to confirm Trump pick Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, following Powell
May 13, 2026
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday is set to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, bringing new leadership to the world’s most powerful central bank at a... Read More
Weeds have an early start in annual battle with noxious plants
May 13, 2026
After a very mild winter the growing season for noxious weeds is off and running. According to Travis Osmond of the Lincoln County Weed and Pest Department, it’s as if everything has been moved up a calendar month. Everything... Read More
More throwing records fall at Dave Draney Invite
May 13, 2026
• SVHS hosting 4A West Regionals this weekend After postponing the annual home track meet, named after former Star Valley standout and philanthropist Dave Draney, the weather was more pleasant and the local athletes capitalized on their home turf... Read More
Soccer teams face Evanston for Regional play-in game
May 13, 2026
• Braves knock off Rock Springs 2-1 in season finale The Star Valley High School soccer programs will try to extend their seasons this Wednesday as they will both be endeavoring to earn their way into the 4A West Regionals... Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Bear Prairie - Lower Valley Energy CEO
May 13, 2026
Bear Prairie, President and CEO of Lower Valley Energy, stepped into the SVI Radio Studio on Wednesday, May 13 to discuss the future or a proposed solar farm in Star Valley. LVE recently withdrew a permit application from Lincoln County.... Read More
County-wide scavenger hunt celebrates America 250 through local heritage
May 13, 2026
As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, Lincoln County is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate in an engaging way — by getting out and exploring it. A new countywide scavenger hunt, featuring 40 sites from... Read More
Hovorka selected as Alpine administrator
May 13, 2026
Alpine has reached an agreement to hire a new town administrator to address the needs of a growing Wyoming community. The Alpine Town Council approved Riley Hovorka, the current clerk for the town of Jackson for the position. “She is... Read More
Public comment period ends May 18 for proposed EMS Tax District
May 13, 2026
Residents wanting to voice their opinion on a proposed tax district that would help fund Emergency Medical Services in Star Valley have until May 18 to submit public comments. Lincoln County Commissioners are expected to vote on the proposal... Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Jenna Mays, ExxonMobil
May 13, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-13-Jenna-Mays.mp3 Read More
How Cities Reduce Disruptions During Water Main Work
May 12, 2026
Water main work is bound to create disruptions in cities. This guide covers the main steps municipalities take to decrease the number of these issues. Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Robert King - Lincoln County America 250 Scavenger Hunt and Commemorative Coins
May 12, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-12-Robert-King.mp3 Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Sheriff Johnson & Deputy Hunting - Treatment Court Program
May 12, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-12-Sheriff-Johnson-and-Hunting.mp3 Read More
Grizzly that attacked Yellowstone hikers near Old Faithful was likely mother with cubs
May 12, 2026
JACKSON (WNE) — A grizzly bear mother with cubs was likely responsible for an attack that left two hikers in Yellowstone National Park seriously injured on Monday, the park said in a Friday update. Evidence from the attack suggests that... Read More
Trump and Xi appear intent on keeping deep differences over Iran war from overshadowing China summit
May 12, 2026
By AAMER MADHANI Associated Press BEIJING (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to leave on Tuesday for Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping after weeks of trying, and failing, to persuade the Chinese government to use its considerable... Read More