For more area obituaries, please visit Schwab Mortuary.

For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society.

 

Jane Andersen

Laural Jane Andersen, a beloved mother, gifted musician, and devoted teacher, passed away on November 5, 2024 surrounded by family. Born on October 18, 1967 in Kerrville, Texas, Jane’s life was marked by her deep commitment to sharing her gifts, uplifting those around her, and brightening countless lives through her music and teaching.

Jane served her community tirelessly as a piano teacher for over 40 years, teaching thousands of lessons, and sharing her love of music with students young and old. She also taught elementary school for 20 years, inspiring hundreds of students with her patience, kindness, and dedication. Her love for teaching and her students’ well-being was evident in every classroom she entered.

She was celebrated by friends, family, and the community in a memorable benefit concert in July 2023. This gathering at the Ford Theatre in Afton reflected the deep love and gratitude felt by those she touched through music, friendship, and service. A gifted accompanist, Jane generously shared her talent at community events, high school performances, church services, and personal gatherings, lifting spirits and creating memories for all.

In her personal life, Jane was a humble and enduring example of strength and compassion. She cherished her family deeply, and her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Known for her gentle humor and resilience, she faced life’s challenges with courage, most notably her recent health battles, which she met with quiet grace and steadfastness. Her family fondly remembers her dedication, recalling the early mornings she spent supporting her children at their events, her love of family gatherings, and her unwavering support.

Jane is preceded in death by her father, Emery Herbert Andersen. She is survived by her mother, Laura Andersen; her two sisters, Mary Lee Andersen Vega and Julie Andersen; her five children, Kristy Marchant, Lee Crook, Amanda Scherbel, Nolan Crook, and Kevin Crook; and 17 grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and a love of music that will continue to resonate in the lives of all who knew her.

 

Neccia Booth

Neccia Hyde Booth passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024, surrounded by family.  She was born on November 13, 1938 in Auburn, Wyoming to Lloyd A and Glenda Hurd Hyde.  She was the third of eight children and was raised on the family farm, where she learned to work hard.

She attended elementary school in the old Auburn schoolhouse, and continued on to graduate from Star Valley High School in 1957.  After graduation, she moved to Utah to find work, then later moved back home and worked at the Soda Fountain inside Star Valley Drug.

Neccia married Voris LeRoy Booth on February 2, 1960.  They welcomed three children, Jackie, Karrie and David.   They were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake Temple on April 27, 1965. Neccia and Voris spent most of their married life in West Jordan, Utah. They retired and moved to Auburn, Wyoming in 2002.

Neccia was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions, most notably as Primary chorister.  Neccia and Voris were outstanding Cub Scout leaders for many years.

Neccia and Voris loved working in their yard, planting, weeding and caring for plants that no one thought they could grow in the climate, but they did.  Their yard was always beautiful and inviting.  Neccia continued on caring for a beautiful yard even after Voris passed away.  She could be found every day, all summer long, out in a flower bed or mowing the lawn on her John Deere mower, which she loved.

Neccia’s house was always the gathering place.  Everyone was welcome.  Family, friends, neighbors, it didn’t matter.  There was room and love for everyone.

Neccia is preceded in death by her husband, son David, her loyal fur companion Trixie, her parents and brother Dale.

She is survived by her daughters Jackie (Brad) Nelson and Karrie, five grandchildren Amanda, Kristina, Aimee (Daniel), Kory and Devin (Maddie), numerous fur grandchildren, six siblings Gwen, Rex, Bona, Beth, Ronny and LuAnn, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held on November 2, 2024 and she was buried next to her husband in the Auburn Cemetery.

 

Daniel Worton

Daniel Max Worton, 57 years old was born April 30th, 1967, in Afton Wyoming to Eugene and Deana Worton.  He passed away suddenly in his hometown. Dan grew up on the family ranch in Auburn Wyoming following the family legacy. After graduating from Star Valley High School in 1985, he moved to Logan, Utah to work and met Carol Martinson and her daughter Candice in spring of 1987. Together they had two children Tiffany Worton and Brayden Worton. Later he adopted Candice and raised her as his own. Dan went to auctioneering school in 1992 in Billings Montana. Dan enjoyed auctioneering for many local events. He also enjoyed trucking for many years for the family livestock auction. He had many hobbies: ranching, snowmobiling, camping, boating, skiing, swing dancing, dirt biking, playing and coaching basketball, and spending time with his grandkids.

He is survived by his three children Candice Worton (Michael) and their children Aiden, Fiona, and Piper, Tiffany Worton and her son Trysen, and Brayden Worton (Justene) and their children Titan and Kambree. As well as his significant other Jeanette Stembridge and her children Ryan Stembridge (Mary) and their children Marcus, Ryker, and Rori, Dan Stembridge (Tina) and children Lilly, Isabel, and Wayland, and Adam Stembridge (Jennifer) and children Dano, Dempcey, and Wyatt.

He is survived by his brother Steve Worton (Janice) and Shauna Whiteside (Steve). He is preceded in death by his parents.

Viewing will be held at the Afton Schwab Mortuary on 11/16/2024 10a–12p followed by a small graveside service at the Afton cemetery at 12:30p. There is a donation account set up in his children’s names at First Bank of Wyoming.

Mary Dana

Mary Elizabeth Dana passed on November 4, 2024 in Etna, Wyoming. She was 92.

Mary was born in LeMars, Iowa on December 24, 1931.

She is predeceased by her husband John Earl Dana of 37 years.

Surviving are loving sons, Jeffery D Dana and Guy D Dana (Cynthia),  seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She graduated from The University of Iowa with a Masters Degree in education.

She was a teacher, a small business owner and a creative writer.