Stephen Yeager

Stephen Ashton Yeager was a ray of sunshine for his entire family. Last thanksgiving when the entire family got together, Stephen asked if he could give the opening prayer. His dad reminded him, 'say it loud and clear,' and Stephen screamed at the top of his lungs, “DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER…” and proceeded to give the best prayer anyone had ever heard in ten decibels. That is just the kind of person he was. He trusted implicitly those he loved, and he loved everyone he met. His favorite game was The Game of Life. He always chose the green car. His favorite ride at Lagoon was The Bombora, because the whole family could ride it together. Stephen loved to sing, and he could often be heard belting out “Safety Dance” with his dad while they played games together.

Although his life was short, Stephen had a very happy childhood. He and his older sister Shannon were best friends. They made forts out of cushions and blankets, they had dart wars with nerf guns, and when mom and dad would step out for a date, Stephen and Shannon would always welcome them back with a Yeager Magic show. Levitating tables, vanishing kids, a princess dance from little sister Natalie, and, of course, hand-made programs so everyone would know when the intermission was. For Father's Day, Stephen would help Shannon make breakfast in bed for their dad, who enjoyed the bananas and whipped cream particularly.

When Stephen was younger, he sometimes had trouble expressing himself, but his energy and enthusiasm always shone through. He would tell people that he was “artistic,” because he couldn't say autistic, and once spent a whole week using his favorite new word, “Dot Dawg” (hot dog). He would go around asking everyone he met, “Do you like dot dawg? I LIKE DOT DAWG!”

Although Stephen will be missed by family and friends who love him dearly, we have no doubts about his spiritual resting place. He was a pure soul, unsullied by guile and unstained by hate. He rests in heavenly halls, waiting to greet those of us still struggling to reach his level of innocence and love.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to assist the family with the funeral costs may make a donation to the Stephen Yeager Memorial Fund (Account Number 23047). This can be made at any Chevron West Credit Union or any credit union in their network. To find the nearest location in network, you can go to chevronwestcu.org, click on CU Service Centers in the top left corner, then click on the state you live in, and a list of branches will be given.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at the Island View LDS Chapel, 315 East 2200 South (Chelemes Way) Clearfield, Utah, where a viewing will be held Monday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday morning 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West.