Afton Blanchard

Our sweet and loving, Afton Duke Blanchard,  a lifelong resident of Victor, ID., passed away on April 26, 2018 at EIRMC surrounded by family and friends following a stroke at the age of 88. She was born Aug. 17, 1929 to Bill and Virda duke in Victor, ID. She grew up in Victor as the second oldest of six sisters and three brothers. Afton married Robert "Bob" Blanchard on August 8, 1947.They were happily married for 53 years.They had two daughters, Peggy and Deanne, and were blessed with four grandchildren- Kirk, Summer, Deck and Autumn, four great grandchildren, and two great-great granddaughters, along with many adopted grandkids and children. She was loved deeply and will be missed dearly.

Afton lived an active, full life. She spent many of the early years bugging and building trails with Bob and numerous friends. They even spent their wedding night herding sheep from Swan Valley to Teton Valley in a terrible storm. She was an avid bowler for many years and has the pins to prove it. She spoke fondly of these friends. Afton never missed a game, performance or race that any of her kids or grandkids were involved in. She was our Number 1 fan. She was always packed for her next adventure. Her travels took her to Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Washington D.C., New York and Hawaii. Her passport included Germany and Mexico. We will miss the adventures we had together. She was always quick to volunteer for the LDS Church and elections in Victor. Afton had many jobs outside of the home but none as important to her as wife, mother, grandmother and friend. You never left without a full tummy and a smile. She loved the annual Duke Family Reunion where she could be surrounded with family members from across the country. She remembered everyone's name and made us all smile. Her quick wit and shining eyes will be missed dearly.

Afton is survived by: Daughters; Peggy (Steve) Farnes of Victor, ID,

Deanne Hamilton of Driggs, ID; Grandchildren: Kirk (Tracey) Winger, Deck Green, Summer (Tyler Jones) Winger, Autumn (Cody) Wombacher; Great Grandchildren: Kamby, Jade, Calli, Peyton; Great-Great Grandchildren: Oaklie and Blair Afton; along with many others that called her grandma. Siblings: Bonnie Duke of Idaho Falls, ID, Doris Maxfield of Sandy, UT, LaVon (Russell) Hansen of Sandy, UT, Cal (Deanna) Duke of St. George, UT, John Hile (Betty) Duke of Salmon, ID, Don (Saundra) Duke of Jackson Hole, WY, Carol (Eldon) Dalley of Idaho Falls, ID.

She was predeceased by: Husband: Robert "Bob" Blanchard; Parents: Bill and Virda Duke; Sister: Maxine Kohler; Brother-in-Laws: Paul Maxfield and Bud Kohler; Sister-in-Law: Jolene Duke; Son-in-laws: Rob Zazzara and Tim Hamilton.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Victor LDS Church. The family will receive friends and neighbors Friday, May 4th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Valley Mortuary at 786 Valley Centre Dr. Driggs, ID. and on Saturday, May 5th 10 a.m. at the Victor LDS Church prior to the service. Interment will be in the Victor Cemetery.

We would like to express our gratefulness to the EIRMC Fourth Floor Staff for the care Grandma received and the kindness and compassion they showed to her family.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Teton Valley Community Animal Shelter.