The following obituaries appeared in the July 12, 2023 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.
Delsa Lancaster Erickson, lived the dash between 1934 and 2023 to it’s fullest. She was born July 17, 1934 and died July 10, 2023. Born to Robert Thomas Lancaster and Ella Harriett Crook the sixth child (and always said she was the oldest of the second half) of ten children. Siblings: Audene, Marilyn, Vernon, Violet, Delano, Bud, Annie, Layne, and Julia. All predeceased her except Julia.
She grew up in Smoot, but spent summers at Forest Dell herding cattle and sheep (mostly sheep!) As a young girl she survived a crash with a highway truck while herding cows.
She married Albert McKay Erickson on April 9, 1951 in Kemmerer, Wyoming. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 31, 1952 for time and all eternity. There were seven children born to this union: Robyn Kay, Carrie, Kyle L, Julie, John Clarence, Alice, and McKay L.
Service to others and unconditional love were her mottos. She loved quilting, crocheting, knitting, and serving in the humanitarian center. She served in many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She and Kay served five missions: Ireland Dublin, Martin’s Cove, Singapore, Temple Square, and Seoul Korea Temple. She loved her missions and has friends from all parts of the world. She had a huge capacity for love and never met a person she did not love.
In 2020, Kay passed away and she continued to live her last two and a half years to the fullest. She and Kay loved to travel and saw many of the beautiful sites of the world.
We miss her already and love her very much.
A viewing will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 6-8 at the Schwab Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at the Osmond Ward on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1 p.m. with a viewing before from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Carol Lee Call, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, peacefully passed away on June 29, 2023, in Orange, California. She was born on May 9, 1939, in Dinuba, California, to Walter Scott Williams and Harriet Ruth Smith. Growing up in Garden Grove, California, Carol graduated from Garden Grove High School and went on to earn an associate degree in psychology from Cypress College.
Carol is survived by her three devoted sons: Lynn (Gail) of Santa Ana, Mark (Brenda) of Fremont, and David (Debbie) of Livermore. She leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth in the hearts of her cherished grandchildren: Roger, Jacquelyn Stege (Patrick), Adrienne, Blaine, Brandon, Adeline, and Christina. Carol was also blessed with the companionship of her sisters, Marjorie Peixoto and Nancy Perry.
As a dedicated homemaker, Carol’s love for her family knew no bounds. She learned American Sign Language to ensure effective communication with her children and grandchildren, fostering a deep and meaningful family bond. Carol’s commitment to the well-being of others extended beyond her immediate family as she spent over 25 years as a den leader for the Boy Scouts of America in Anaheim. Her unconditional love was expressed through her constant words of affection to all her loved ones: “I love you bigger and better.”
Carol’s beloved husband, Joel Nield Call, preceded her in death on November 11, 2019, in Orange, California. Born on February 9, 1936, in Afton, Wyoming, to Ellen Jane Nield and Edgar Allen Call, Joel was raised in Afton and graduated from Star Valley High School. He attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout with three Palms, a distinction that inspired their three sons to follow in his footsteps, as well as two of their grandchildren. Joel had a passion for the great outdoors, relishing in the beauty of Wyoming’s mountains as he rode his ATV during the summer months and shared memorable ski trips with his family. He was also gifted in carpentry and adorned their home with his skillful craftsmanship.
Joel and Carol’s love story began when they met while Carol lived across the street from Joel’s brother’s house. On June 22, 1957, they exchanged vows and embarked on a journey together, which lead to celebrating their remarkable 62nd anniversary. Joel enjoyed a fulfilling 40-year career as a district manager at Sav-On Drugs before embracing retirement. Together, Joel and Carol discovered the joy of RV travel, exploring new horizons as avid adventurers. They were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Carol will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Joel, at the Afton Cemetery on July 13, as they reunite for eternity. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends, who have been touched by her love, kindness, and unwavering devotion.
Richard H. Dimond was born in Cokeville, Wyoming to the late Weldon A and Mary Thelma (Mau) Dimond on April 23, 1935. He was a special needs child, born deaf and nonverbal.
He was raised on the Dimond Ranch with his parents, siblings, nephews Kevin and Keith Dimond, and niece Amy Dimond.
His younger brother, Lynn A Dimond served as Dick’s guardian throughout his adult life. “Uncle Dick” was cared for during the latter part of his years by Terry and Julie Wetzel.
He passed away on the morning of Independence Day in Oxnard, California under their family’s loving care. Dick will rest in peace alongside his parents and brother, Lynn.
A graveside service at the Cokeville Cemetery will be held at a later date.
The family of Walter and Kathy Heim will be gathering in Alpine Wyoming on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Melvin Brewery Tap House to Celebrate the Lives of Walter and Kathy Heim.
Join us and bring a favorite story to share as we remember these two great individuals!
Walter passed away on November 27, 2016, and Kathy passed away on April 19, 2022. They are loved and missed by many.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Phyllis Dugan on July 21, 2023 from 1 to 3 at the large Pavilion in the Thayne City Park.
