Rock Springs - Florence Jean Firmage Van Valkenburg, 75, of Rock Springs died Monday April 9, 2012 at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County following a lengthy illness. She was a life-long resident of Rock Springs.
She was born August 26, 1936 in Rock Springs, the daughter of John William and Florence Cook Firmage. She was the fourth of four daughters.
She married Howard Ray Van Valkenburg on July 4, 1954 in Rock Springs. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on October 16, 1967. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings in the church including Primary, Sunday School, Young Women and Relief Society. She also served in the Vernal Utah LDS Temple for twelve years. She had been employed for many years as a secretary for Sweetwater School District #1. Her interest included camping, backpacking, reading, family history, and especially spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include her husband of nearly 58 years, Howard Ray Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs; three daughters, Debra Kay Pence and husband Gary of Waukee, Iowa, Rae Lynn Marostica and husband Marty of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and Gayle Kendall of Rock Springs; brother-in-law Gus Bakka; 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Janet PcPhie and husband Edward, Esther Woodyatt and husband Don, and Ethel Mae Bakka.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Rock Springs LDS Stake Center, 2055 Edgar St., Rock Springs. Friends may call 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012 at Fox Funeral Home, 2800 Commercial Way, Rock Springs and one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. Interment will take place in the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery, Rock Springs.
Learn more about Florence on the Firmage Family History website:
