At 107 years Lydia Vilate Michaelson died Dec. 1, 2001.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Dec 4, 2001. Interment Afton Cemetery.
She was born Oct 25, 1894 at Glencoe (Thayne) in a two room log house. She was the youngest of 13 children born to Jacob Michealson and Elizabeth Emma Baker. The family moved to a ranch north of Afton in 1899 and in 1923 built a home in Afton.
Lydia's formal education began in the old elementary school in Afton, after which she attended high school and was among the first 11 to graduate from Star Valley High School in 1915. An opportunity soon came to teach first grade at the elementary school in Afton. As she taught, she began working on her college education, attending summer school at BYU, then returning to the classroom each fall. On June 4, 1947 she received a B.S. degree from BYU with a major in education and a major in education and a minor in history.
Her teaching career was interrupted in 1930 when she left to serve a two year mission to the Eastern States for The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following her mission she resumed her career in education. During her 35 year teaching career, she taught elementary school in Afton, Grover, Lyman and Cokeville.
She was always active in her church, serving in many leadership positions and had a strong testimony of the gospel. She did extensive genealogical research and kept many records. She loved working with the youth in her church and community and was an enthusiastic supporter of high school athletics. She enjoyed gardening and grew many beautiful flowers.
Her live was an example of service and love. Many people's lives were touched as they visited and assisted her at her home and at the Star Valley Care center. She always expressed love and appreciation for all that was done for her.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.

Michaelson, Lydia Vilate (1 Dec 2001)Star Valley Independent

Lydia Vilate Michaelson is the daughter of Jacob Michaelson / Elizabeth Emma Barker