Afton Larola McGrath Miner

Afton Larola McGrath Miner passed away peacefully on September 8, 2016 in Bountiful.  She was born on March 24, 1933 in Franklin Arizona.  Afton was the second child of Vessa Leola Hanchett and James Vernon McGrath. Afton grew up in Franklin and Duncan Arizona. After high school she attended Eastern Arizona Junior College and Arizona State University where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Afton taught elementary school in Chandler Arizona, Lancaster California and Duncan Arizona. Afton returned to school and completed her Masters in Library Science at University of California, Berkeley.  She then worked as a librarian at Tempe High School, Arizona State University and Brigham Young University.
While at BYU, Afton met the love of her life Gordon Banks Miner. They were married on July 27, 1974.  Gordon’s seven children and their families welcome her.
Afton was a life time member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in many ward and stake callings.  Afton served two missions. She served in the Swiss Austrian Mission in the late 1950’s and Gordon and Afton served in the New York North Spanish Speaking Mission.  Gordon and Afton served many years in the Provo Temple.
Afton is survived by her sister Sherri (Alan) Christensen and step children: Kathleen (Charles) Robbins, Mary (Michael) Vang, David (Tamara) Miner, Carol (Boyd) Ricks, Evan (Carol Beth) Miner, Lloyd (Tamara) Miner and Elayne Shutt.  Brother and sisters in law: Larry (Jennie Lou) Rapier, Myrna McGrath and Barbara McGrath.  Grandchildren 34, Great Grandchildren 120 and 6 Great Great Grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Raymond and Wayne, sister Evelyn, and three great grandchildren.
Afton cared about people and was always looking for ways to serve others.  She loved adventures telling stories and always loved birds.  When you see a birdhouse or a beautiful bird, think of her.
Funeral Services will be Monday, September 12, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grandview 1st Ward, 1555 North 1350 West, Provo, Utah, where a viewing will be held from 11:45 am – 12:45 pm prior to services.  Interment will be at the Provo Cemetery.