Ladene Meeks

LaDene Meeks passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family, following a lengthy illness.  Ladene was the oldest of 4 children, born to Bert and Betty Powers.  She was born and raised in Lyman, and graduated from Lyman High School.  She married Blaine Meeks on November 17, 1962, and they had 4 children together:  Leslie (Alan) McDonald, Janelle (Kelly) Foianini, Lonnie (Shannon) Meeks, and Stacey (Keith) Pantle.

During LaDene’s younger days she could be found riding horses on the ranch with her siblings and even competing in rodeos.  She was actually crowned royalty in the Evanston Rodeo series.  She met Gene Autry and other famous people during her tour as royalty.

Later, Blaine Meeks would sweep her off her feet and convince her to start a family with him.  Their marriage began in small towns across the state of Wyoming, eventually settling back where they both started, Bridger Valley.  There, LaDene worked at various places, Mountain View Lunch Room, Uinta County State Bank, and even for a short time owning their own business with her brother Kelly Powers.  She enjoyed her coffee club every morning at 10:00 am at her house.  There, all of her friends would meet and discuss all rumors in the valley or even make up a few.  She especially enjoyed the holidays because it brought her family together and she loved her family, especially her grandkids.  In fact her last stand was to make it through Thanksgiving and she did.

She spent the last part of her life battling a sickness that was not curable.  The last 6 years she was house ridden and couldn’t enjoy her grandkids doing all the things that grandkids do.  When she was told that she was a candidate for HOSPICE, she took it in stride and made plans for one last trip to Wendover.  To her surprise 29 friends and family made the trip to help her celebrate.  That’s not counting the ones who called and just couldn’t make it.  It was a very special trip for her and filled her heart with joy.  She will be missed by all and will always live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

LaDene was preceded in death by her parents Bert and Betty (Fackrell) Powers and 1 brother Rhett Powers.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Blaine Meeks, her 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, 1 brother Kelly Powers, and 1 sister Betty Lou Powers.

Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11 am at the Ft. Bridger Cemetery.  Family will greet friends on Saturday morning at the Mountain View LDS Ward Chapel from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the graveside services.