Afton Frances Van Kampen

            Afton Frances Rigby Van Kampen passed away October 17, 2015 just a few days before her 104th birthday.  She was born on October 30, 1911 in Newton, Utah to Samuel Marriner Rigby and Frances Anne Cooley.  She was the oldest of five children, only her youngest brother, Marriner C. (Lois) Rigby survives.  Siblings James Rigby, Dr. Dale Rigby , and Beth Jackson are deceased.  She graduated from North Cache High School and served an LDS mission to the Northwestern States Mission.

            She married Rudy L. Van Kampen on October 24, 1935 in the Salt Lake City Temple.  They were happily married for 63 years.  They endured the hardships of the Great Depression but it didn’t keep them from enjoying good times with many dear and lifelong friends.  These friendships were found at church, at work, the ranch, the bank, dance club, study club and Desert Hot Springs.  She supported Rudy in his many church assignments and kept things running smoothly at home while giving much needed attention to their youngest son who was born with a serious heart condition and is deaf.

            Her first real pay check came from Christensen’s in Logan, Utah where she earned $30 a month just prior to and after her mission.  In 1960 she was a crew leader for the federal census.  After her family was raised, she worked alongside of Rudy in the family furniture business, Van Kampen and Sons.

            Her early life was one of hard work and doing without many of the things that young people today take for granted, such as indoor plumbing, telephones, television and readily available transportation.  Afton has been blessed with an amazing mind and memory, remembering birthdays, names, and other important facts regarding family and friends.  Reading has been her number one hobby and she has continued that love, even after losing her eyesight to macular degeneration, by listening to books on tape.  Afton started the Litra Chimes book club in 1939 with neighborhood ladies who loved to read and listen to book reviews.  They met together each month for more than 68 years.  She also belonged to the Score Club (named because they had 20 members).  We all benefitted from their infamous recipe exchange.

Active in the LDS Church her entire life, she has served in many capacities.  She  spent some time in the Young Women’s program early in her life.  Relief Society has been where she has served the most.  She has taught on the ward and stake level, been a compassionate service leader and sung with the singing mothers.  She loved attending the temple.  She has served as a faithful visiting teacher since 1939; the last several with her dear companion and cousin Alta Roskelly who is 101.  This has been a blessing in her life as well as a blessing to the lives of those she has taught and those who have taught her.

            She has always said that her greatest accomplishment was her family: Dr. Kent R and Geniel Van Kampen, Jedd R (deceased) and Nancy Van Kampen, Beth and Frank Maughan, and Bruce R. Van Kampen.  She has 12 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

            We appreciate the care provided to Afton in her own home by loving and devoted care givers and IHC Hospice, Neva, Toa, Ann, Lisa, Christie and Jennifer.  We can’t thank them enough. 

            In lieu of flowers, she would appreciate contributions to Utah State Library for the Blind, 250 North 1950 West, Suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 or Women’s Retreat House, 1794 Lake Street, Ogden, Utah 84401.         

            Family and friends are invited to meet with Afton’s family on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 11:00  to 11:45 am. at the Pleasant Valley 4th Ward, 5640 South 850 East, Ogden, Utah 84405.  Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m..  Interment at Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah.