The White Mountain Independent,
Show Low, Arizona ~ October 9, 2008

Aften Flake Rencher died peacefully Wednesday morning, Oct. 1. In her own words, Aften recorded, "My sojourn on earth began in the Blue Room upstairs in the Big Flake House.

I was born Aug. 8, 1916, the sixth daughter and 13th child of James M. and Martha Smith Flake.

"My mother was the second wife of my father after his first wife, Nancy Hall, died of pneumonia, leaving him with nine motherless children. That made me number 22 child of my father."

Aften's childhood and school days were spent happily and busily in Snowflake, highlights being her love of her family and her musical talents. Aften's saddest moment was when her mother died just two days after her 15th birthday.

Aften married Joseph Lynn Rencher on her 18th birthday in 1934. She and Lynn lived in "road camps" while he worked as a powder man in road construction. In 1939, they moved to California, living briefly in Hermosa Beach and then settling in Manhattan Beach where they lived until June 1948.

They then lived 10 years in Farmington, N.M., four years in Bolder, Colo., and 23 years in Canon City, Colo. No matter where they lived, Aften was a dedicated wife and mother, an outstanding homemaker and a thoughtful friend.

Soon after celebrating 50 years of marriage, Lynn and Aften and one son Dwaine returned "home" to Snowflake where Aften spent the last 23 years of her life.

Aften cherished her Snowflake pioneer heritage, her family, including extended family, and her membership and service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her "turn on earth" has ended, but her love and strength and good example will continue to bless the lives of innumerable family and friends for years to come.

She is survived by one sister, Fern Fairbourn of South Jordan, Utah, and one sister-in-law, Marjory Flake of Snowflake. She is survived by six of her seven children, Marilyn (Julian) Ralph, Lureen (Kenneth) Orchard, Ronald Rencher, Valden Rencher, Velda (Kenneth) Anderson and Dennis Rencher.

She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 19 special in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Aften was preceded in death by her parents, James and Martha Smith Flake, husband Lynn Rencher, son Dwaine Rencher and grandson Gregory Roberts.

A visitation was held Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 6-8 p.m. at the James Madison Flake Big House in Snowflake. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Main Street Chapel, 84 N. Main in Snowflake with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at the R.V. "Mike" Ramsay Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake.

Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements.

For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.