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Afton Richards Van Tassell

Afton Richards Van Tassell

Feb. 19, 1938 - Aug. 13, 2022

Date of Service: Aug. 18, 2022

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HIDDEN VALLEY – Afton Richards Van Tassell, an 84-year-old resident of Hidden Valley, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 13, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born February 19, 1938, in Coalville, Utah, the daughter of Ralph Ashton Richards and Ida Naoma Laney Richards. She graduated from South Summit High School in Kamas, Utah, in 1956. She married her 7th grade love, Gail C. Van Tassell, and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. She was a loving and dedicated mother to the eight children they had together.

Afton was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and fulfilled many church callings during her lifetime. She loved being a Primary teacher and was the church librarian for 20 years. Afton was very dedicated to serving in the Twin Falls Temple. Her absolute highlight was outside doing the landscaping ever since it was dedicated.

Gail and Afton moved from their family dairy farm in Kamas to Hidden Valley in Idaho, in the summer of 1975 to grow and expand their dairy farm. Gail sadly passed away on June 24, 1984.
Afton was pioneer strong and continued to raise her children and keep the dairy farm going. She never remarried as she always said that her children were enough to fill her life full of happiness.

Survivors include her children, Debby (Kirk) Carpenter of Burley, Cory (Marla) Van Tassell of Jerome, Perry (Gina) Van Tassell of Hidden Valley, Sharlynn Van Tassell of Meridian, Marty (Tonya) Van Tassell of Paul, Christie (Brian) May of Kaysville, Utah, and Lisa (Dan) Smith of Oakley; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Raona Hall of Yuba City, Calif., Ruth Baham of Kaysville, Utah, and Glenda Excell of Preston.

In addition to her husband, Gail, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Keri Jo; brothers, Sterling and Arnold; a sister, Carol; and her parents.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 18, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 181 S. 650 E., of Dietrich, with Bishop Ryan Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at 4:30 p.m. at the Francis Cemetery in Kamas, Utah.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 8:30 until 9:40 a.m. Thursday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Afton’s memory to either the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Ronald McDonald House, or the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/BgM7wQcRVPY.

Condolences for Afton Richards Van Tassell

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Monte and Carole Dayley:
We love Sister VanTassell! Such a devoted temple patron every Tuesday morning. She was a beautiful example and indeed, she will be missed.
From Jody Hulse:
We are so sorry that your dear mother and grandmother had to leave this earth at this time. She seemed to always have so much energy and a wonderful smile on her face. She worked so hard and loved you all so much. I ran in to Afton a few years back in Burley and we were able to have a great reminiscing and catch-up conversation. She is going to be very missed. May you all find the peace that only the Savior can give in these hard times.
From Larry W Van Tassell :
A wonderful woman. Hearing this brought tears to my eyes. Gail and Afton were very instrumental in laying a firm foundation for me in my youth. Wonderful memories. I will be forever grateful.
From Lynn and Marci Stimpson:
We will miss Afton! She is a rock and an example of undiscussed continuing service. Always there to share her love when others were experiencing trials and always there to serve until work was complete after any activity. She loved and shared with our family as if we were her own and we will miss her greatly!
From roger and sarah graham and family:
She was a nice lady
From Joe bearden:
Sorry for your loss it’s hard losing your mother
From Melissa Shaw:
Afton was an amazing. She was always busy doing something. I will never forget how beautiful her house and yard was. Afton Rest in Paradise. Please give Keri Jo a hug from all of us. We all love you.
From With love: Nicole Mitchell and the Tribe:
My thoughts are with All of you. I never met your mom but I do know if she could manage a couple of you boys she is really special. I hope the memories warm your hearts and the love you all share give you comfort and peace. My condolences in the loss of your mom ! You keep on going!!
From Cindy Gillete:
So many happy memories of our days in Hidden valley with Gail and Afton. Afton always took care of us young moms. She was a great neighbor. We have always loved visiting with her still to this days. Rusty and Cindy Gillette
From Stan & Amy Ward:
What a Great Lady, tiny in stature, but strong in dedication to her Family, friends & her Heavenly Father. The Tuesday morning shift @ the Temple will miss her & her dedication to the Beautiful grounds, & the work she did inside.
From Karla Kay Shaffer:
She was a very loving a beautiful lady. I have always looked forward to seeing her everywhere. Heaven has received an angel. We will all truly miss her here. I am sure there is much joy on the other side. Prayers of peace, comfort, and many wonderful memories for all of your family.
From Lorna Abbott:
Sorry for your loss, to all the family& dear friends.
From Shauna Porter:
I am so thankful I had the opportunity to know Afton. She was a great example of service in our community. I was one of her VT companions. She was always out the first of the month to do her visiting teaching and was faithful in doing this every month. I also enjoyed seeing her when I attended the temple as she could be seen working in the flower beds there. Thank you for the great example you set for me!

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