Afton Anderton

Afton Boyer Anderton age 91, departed this life after a brief illness on September 30, 2015.  She was surrounded by family members in the hours preceding her death.

Afton was born April, 17 1924 in Coalville, Utah to Robert Earl and Hazel Wilde Boyer.   She had fond memories of her early life with her three brothers and two sisters on their small farm in Hoytsville, Utah.   She learned the value of hard work as the family struggled through the great depression.

In the summer of 1941 Afton was struck with paralytic polio. She was unable to stand and was bed ridden for several months during her senior year of high school. She was nursed back to health by her dear mother, Hazel.

Her sweetheart and future husband, Donald Anderton, spent many hours courting her in her home in Hoytsville, as she lay, unable to walk. They developed a strong and unbreakable bond during these trying times. She completed her senior year at North Summit High School the following year after she was able to regain sufficient strength to walk.  Despite this severe affliction she was able to lead a full and productive life.

She was married to Donald Anderton on February 2, 1944 in the base chapel in Lawrenceville, Illinois. He was an Air Corp Cadet about to depart to Europe as a 21 year old bomber pilot.  He had proposed marriage in a telegram.   Their marriage was sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 28, 1945 a few weeks after he returned from combat in WWII.

A work transfer took them to Seattle, Washington in 1954.  In 1971 the family moved to Morgan, Utah and resided there until their deaths.

Afton was a woman of great faith.  She served faithfully in many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She taught her children to pray and that they were children of God. She served and loved her family unconditionally.   Afton and Don served in the Singapore (India) Mission and in the Nigeria Lagos Mission.

The family shares memories of innumerable family gatherings enjoying Afton’s favorite recipes and gracious hospitality. Her home was a delight and a refuge to all family and friends.

In the latter part of her life she was slowed by the onset of post-polio syndrome with a return of pain and weakness related to her childhood illness.   She never complained, but had hope of eternal life and a time when she could live without pain with an eternal family.  She continued to serve, love and minister to all with whom she had contact.  She will be an unforgettable example to all those who knew her of faith, hope, and charity.

The family would like to thank all those who have loved and cared for Afton during the last few years as she experienced declining health especially long time care givers Katie and Jennifer and numerous family members. Their devoted care has allowed her to remain at home and near her loving family.  She has often expressed sincere love and appreciation for all who have lovingly cared for her. A special thanks to daughter Kim Hill for orchestrating her care and son Eric’s family who seemed always to be near during times of crisis.

She was preceded in death by husband, Donald Anderton; father, Robert Earl Boyer; mother, Hazel Boyer; sister, Kathleen; and grandson, Isaac Gilson.

She  is survived by sons; Barry Anderton ( Sandra)  of Layton, Utah, Eric Anderton (Sharon) of  Morgan,  Michael Anderton (Kristi) of Alpine, Utah,  daughter Kim Hill (Dave) of Kaysville, Utah, son Rodney Anderton (Marilyn) of Pocatello, Idaho, Foster-daughter Vanchon Birdsbill of Wolfpoint, Montana, 26 grandchildren, 66 great grandchildren, and 1 great great granddaughter.  Also surviving are brothers; Max Boyer (Ruth), of Bountiful, Ted Boyer of Henefer, and Jack Boyer (Janet) of Ogden, and sister Lorraine Stephens of Henefer.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Field Street Chapel, 240 South Field Street, Morgan, Utah, Friends and family may call at Walker Mortuary, 45 West 200 North, Morgan, Utah, Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment, South Morgan Cemetery.