In Loving Memory of Aunt Zoanne

Leora (Zoanne) Near: Feb. 19, 1947 — Dec. 21, 2008
Zoanne was born Feb. 19, 1947, to Walt Eardley and Leora Gross Eardley in Rock Springs. She spent her life in Wyoming and graduated from Lyman High School where she was a cheerleader and graduated as the Salutatorian of her senior class.

Zoanne attended Utah State University where she met the love of her life, Kenny Near. They were married June 11, 1966 in Lyman. To this union came four children: three daughters and one son. Zoanne’s number one love and priority was her family. She was so proud of her husband and each of her children and their accomplishments.

Zoanne had many other loves in her life. These included: horses (Zoanne and Kenny spent countless hours together at horse races and sales), shopping (Zoanne especially loved to shop with her girls), yard work (she loved her yard and her flowers and would spend long hours outside in the summer), and attending any activities that involved her children or grandchildren.

Zoanne was a very compassionate person and her love was felt by many even beyond her family. She was a good listener, would never tell a secret, and was a friend to everyone she met. She always had her make-up on and her hair done and would never go anywhere without it.

Zoanne served on the hospital board at Evanston Regional Hospital. She was also an active member of the LDS church where she served in many organizations.

Zoanne passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 21. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Eardley; mother, Leora Gross Eardley; one sister, Lois Gardner and one nephew, Scotty Platts.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kenny; her daughters, Kim (Dale) Wilson, Toni (Josh) Christiansen, Janell (Paul) Langlois; her son, Rick (Joy) Near; 8 1/2 grandchildren: Macy, Alli, Lexi, Kyler, Kasey, Conrad, Kendyl, Keegan, and one on the way; one brother, Darius (Fern) Eardley; one sister, Vonda (Melvin) Platts; one sister-in-law, Diana (Victor) Katopodis; and one brother-in-law, Gerald (Lois) Gardner.
Funeral services will be conducted on Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Lyman Stake Center in Urie. There will be a visitation on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m., also at the Lyman Stake Center, and again on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until service time. Interment will be at the Fort Bridger Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Crandall Funeral Home.