Archived Marriage Records
Martha Kandler
ASHTON -- Martha Kandler, 91, of Ashton, died June 22, 2007, in Ashton. She was born February 18, 1916 in Litchfield, Kentucky, one of thirteen children to Joseph & Janie Duvall.
She lived her early life in Litchfield and attended local schools. At 16, she moved to San Francisco, CA and worked in the shipyards. She later moved to Sioux City, Iowa where she met William O Kandler. They were married in 1941and lived in Squirrel, where they farmed on the Kandler property. In 1946 they moved to their home in Ashton where they lived until William’s death in 1988. Martha continued to live in her home until 2004 when she moved to the Ashton Living Center with her dog, Tweedy.
Martha was the second born of the thirteen children and was very proud of the fact she was the only one to reach at least the age of 90.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a twin sister, seven brothers and her husband. She is survived by one sister Effie Charles Gonzales, three brothers Earl, Lloyd & Donald Duvall, all of Illinois, two nephews Elden Duvall of Indiana & Norm Duvall of Kentucky who visited her yearly, many other nieces and nephews, and her two best friends Gene Ciciliano and Donna Fisher.
Services will be at 11 a. m. Wednesday June 27 at Baxter Funeral Home. Friends may call Tuesday night from 5:30-7:00 and Wednesday one hour before the funeral, both at the mortuary. Burial will be in the Pineview Cemetery.
Ellen Wahlgren
Ellen Anderson Wahlgren, 76, of St. Charles, Illinois, and summer resident of Island Park, died Thursday, July 12, 2007, at the family cabin in Island Park of natural causes.
She was born on February 22, 1931, in Pocatello, Idaho to Carl Albert and Edith Schmidt Anderson. She was raised in Pocatello and graduated from high school in 1947. She attended Idaho State University for a time.
She married Morris Arnold Wahlgren on November 26, 1955, in Idaho Falls. After their marriage they moved to Ann Harbor, Michigan where he finished his doctorate degree. They then moved to St. Charles.
She worked at Sherman Hospital as the laboratory supervisor. She retired in the late 1980's. She enjoyed spending her summers at the family cabin, fly fishing and spending time in Yellowstone Park. She loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children, Susan (Anthony) Wahlgren of Valparaiso, Indiana, Eric (Susan) Wahlgren of Maple Park, Illinois, Rich Wahlgren of Elgin, Illinois, and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, at Norris Funeral Home in St. Charles. There will be a visitation from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home prior to services. Local arrangements are under the direction of Baxter Funeral Home in Ashton.
Jack R. Cotton
Jack R. Cotton, 76, of Mack’s Inn and the Cotton Patch in Thermal, CA. passed away at Odyssey House in Rancho Mirage on Sunday, July 22, 2007, after a lengthy illness. Jack was born on May 7, 1931, in Battle Creek, MI.
After an athletic youth, during which Jack was a two time Golden Gloves State Heavyweight Champion in Michigan, he moved to Phoenix, AZ. Beginning in 1951 he boxed professionally, as well as performing as "BoBo" the clown. He became involved in Nascar Stock Car Auto racing and event promotion with Destruction Derbies. In Phoenix he served an apprenticeship in the sign industry, which became his life's work.
Jack brought his family to Indio, CA. in 1963, and used his many years of experience to found and operate Chief Sign Crafts in Indio, until a disastrous fire in 1971 totally destroyed his building and all his equipment and inventory. Jack pulled himself together and started all over again, in a building in Coachella, CA. which had to be completely refurbished. The results of Jack's efforts can still be seen in a building that sits at Highway 111 and Third Street in Coachella. Jack served as a mentor to many young apprentices hoping to learn the sign business.
He was a member and former officer of the South Phoenix Jaycees, and the Palm Desert Country Club Lions Club, and worked on behalf of many youth charities in the desert and Mexico, as well as coaching Little League teams. Jack was also a co-founder of the Pheasant Patch Hunting Club where he spent many hours with his hunting buddies and his world class hunting dogs.
Jack's greatest pleasures lay in the love of his family and friends, and fishing from the banks of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in his beloved Idaho.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Edna Cotton; and his brothers, Max, Carlton, and Larry.
Jack is survived by his wife of 56 years, Treesa; daughter Cindy (Robert) Brady of Muskegon, MI; son Gary (Robin) Cotton of La Quinta, CA; grandsons, Aidan and Evan Brady, and Alex (Darcy) and Tyler Cotton; granddaughter Nicole (Joe) Nunez; and three great grandchildren; sister Patricia (Don) Forister; and brother Robert Cotton, residing in Phoenix, AZ.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a. m. Thursday, July 26, 2007 at FitzHenry Funeral Home in Indio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be contributed in Jack's name to any of the following: Henry's Fork Foundation in Ashton, Trout Unlimited, Hospice, or Alzheimer's Foundation.
Gary A. Merrill
Gary A. Merrill passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 12, after a long illness.
Gary was born on March 13, 1941. He served his country in the U. S. Navy for eight years. He was a firefighter for the city of Pocatello, and he and his wife, VeAnn managed Elk Creek Ranch Lodge in Island Park for many years. He loved his God and his family very much. He also loved to fish and was a great cook. He spent his last days in Pahrump, Nevada, where he and his loving wife have lived for 16 years. He will be missed dearly by all.
He is was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Elizabeth Savage Merrill, father Archie L. Merrill, a brother, Kenneth Maynard, and a sister, Billy Maynard Dance.
He is survived by his wife, VeAnn Merrill, his son, Rod (Karla) Merrill, and their children, Garrett and Ashley, of Phoenix, AZ; his daughter, Rhonda (Rich) Lewis and their children, Faith and Isaiah of Blackfoot; and his loving brother, Dale (Michelle) Merrill of St. George, Utah.
Elk Creek Ranch will host an open house at noon Saturday, July 28. Please feel free to stop in and visit with the family.
Kevin Johannes, Island Park
Kevin John Johannes, 42, of Island Park, died Sunday, July 29, 2007, at his home near Henry's Lake, of natural causes.
Kevin was born September 3, 1964, in Mountain View, California, to Joe Allen and Joan Elizabeth Spencer Johannes.
He was raised and attended schools in Ketchikan, Alaska, and Randall, Washington. He earned his associates degree from Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He was a member of the Community Protestant Church in West Yellowstone. He coached Little League Baseball and West Yellowstone kid’s basketball, and he worked as a mechanic and a musician in the Brodies, which entertained many people in the Island Park area.
He is survived by his life partner, Gloria Coburn, his children Jered, Nick, and Tyler Johannes; his mother, Joan Hicklin, his father, Joe Johannes, a brother; Steven Johannes, and a sister, Erika Johannes.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 6, at the Community Protestant Church in West Yellowstone. Burial will be in the Fir Ridge Cemetery
north of West Yellowstone under the direction of Baxter Funeral Home of Ashton.
Genevieve Talbot
Genevieve Talbot Swinyard Facer, 97, of Idaho Falls, died July 31, 2007, at Life Care Center of natural causes.
She was born Aug. 17, 1909, in Lewiston, Utah, to Henry James Talbot Jr. and Suzanna Cherry Talbot. She grew up and attended schools in Lewiston.
She married Theron Smith Swinyard in 1930 in Lewiston, Utah. He preceded her in death. She married Leland M. Facer in 1942 in Las Vegas, Nev., and he preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and mother and owned and operated a trailer court in West Yellowstone, Mont., where she lived for 30 years. She was a manager at the phone company in Richmond, Utah. She lived in Idaho Falls for 20 years and Rigby for 11 years.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as an organist and Primary pianist. She was a member of the American War Mothers. Gen loved music and playing the organ, never took a music lesson in her life, and played by ear; she loved baking bread and lived independently until three weeks before her death.
Survivors include her son, Cleve Theron Swinyard of Idaho Falls; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter.
Graveside services were Thursday, August 2, at Rose Hill Cemetery, with Bishop Brett E. Olaveson officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
Betty L. Grover
Betty Lue Rankin Grover went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ early Monday morning, July 30, 2007. She was 79.
Betty Graduated from Ashton High School, University of Idaho at Moscow and completed graduate work at Massachusetts General in Boston.
She married Byron J. Grover. Their children are Jennifer, Kim and Robert.
Betty loved the Lord with all her heart, mind and soul. Fishing, walking and enjoying the company of good friends were her heart's desires. She touched everyone she met with laughter and wisdom.
She leaves her children, Jennifer, Kim and Robert; her brother, David (Yvonne) Rankin; and a myriad of friends. Her grandchildren, Donald, Harrison, Dahlton, Jennifer, Karen and Jarod, call her blessed and beloved, a legacy of love.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at the Ashton Community United Methodist Church, 178 South 5th. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery
in St. Anthony. Visitation with family and friends will follow the graveside services at approximately 12:30 p.m. at the church.
The family suggests memorial donations to your church or favorite charity.
Willis 'Bill' Bessey
Willis "Bill" Bessey, 86, of Ashton, died Friday, August 10, 2007, at the Ashton Living Center of natural causes. He was born January 13, 1921, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Frieda Detert Bessey.
Bill grew up with a love and appreciation of music; he played the tuba in the high school band and later played the string bass in the orchestra.
He worked for Lockheed Boeing before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. He also worked for a time for the Civilian Conservation Corps.
After the war, Bill married Josephine Breijcha, of Antigo, Wisconsin. Bill and Jo were blessed with 61 years together. They came to Idaho on their honeymoon and never left. They began their married life at Mack's Inn where Bill managed a gas station. In 1957, they moved to Ashton and Bill operated a gas station (Texaco-Husky) for many years.
One of Bill's hobbies was woodworking. In addition to making things for his family, he also undertook many woodworking projects at Zion Lutheran Church. He was an active member at Zion and served on the board of trustees.
The other great love of his life was flying. He obtained his private pilot's license in Fremont County. He spent many weekend hours in the air as well as flying down to the Gulf of Mexico for occasional fishing trips with the late Dr. Krueger and other friends.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine of Ashton; his daughter, Linda, and her husband, Jan DeAmicis and their son Justin, all of New Hartford, New York; a son, Ted, and his wife, Cindy, and their daughters, Rachel and Samantha, all of Mountain Lake Park, Maryland; and another daughter, Megan Rohrbaugh, of Keiser, West Virginia; and a son, John, of Ashton.
Bill leaves behind a special family friend, Beverlee Thomas. Bill also leaves behind his special friend, Jack Schneider.
The family also wishes to thank the staff of the Ashton Living Center. The center truly becomes a home and a community for its residents. The care and concern, the love and affection given to our parents is appreciated beyond words.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashton. The family will visit with friends from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Baxter Funeral Home in Ashton, and for one hour Friday before services at the church. Burial will be in the Ashton Pineview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association or to World Hunger in care of Zion Lutheran Church.
