Sheridan County's Daily NEWSpaper
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August 31, 2004 Edition
Former Sheridan resident Diane Kay (Bohnenblust) Fetsco, 55, died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004, in United Medical Center in Cheyenne after a brief illness.
At her request, no services will be held.
Mrs. Fetsco was born Oct. 3, 1948, in Clay Center, Kan., to Kenneth and Virginia Bohnenblust. She married Peter Fetsco June 12, 1970, in Laramie. They later moved to Sheridan.
Survivors include her husband; a son, Dan; her parents; and two brothers, Kevin and Doug.
Memorials may be sent to United Presbyterian Church in Laramie or the Bohnenblust-Kolp Scholarship Fund, College of Agriculture, at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.
Emery E. Matthews, 86, of Sheridan died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at his residence.
Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Doug Melius officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or Hospice of the Big Horns in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
August 30, 2004 Edition
Emery E. Matthews, 86, of Sheridan died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at his residence. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
August 28, 2004 Edition
Fred J. `Jack' Smith
Former Sheridan resident Fred J. “Jack” Smith, 72, of Springdale, Ark., died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2004, at Fayetteville, Ark. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday in Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with Dr. Rod Goodsell officiating. Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. Sunday at the chapel. Burial will be in the National Cemetery at Fayetteville. Mr. Smith was born May 3, 1932, at Las Animas, Colo., to Fred Chester and Nellie Marie Starr Smith. He was a hospital administrator for the Veterans Administration for 39 1/2 years, past member of the Rotary Club, member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and member of the Church of Northwest Arkansas. He married his wife, Earlean, June 4, 1966. He served in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean conflict. He moved to Springdale from Sheridan in 1972. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Karen Combs; a sister, Norma Jean Johnson; and a granddaughter
August 27, 2004 Edition
Lee Thompson, 82, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, in the Sheridan VA Medical Center. Cremation has taken place. No services are planned. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Thompson was born April 23, 1922, in Sheridan to Lee and Eva (Naudain) Thompson. He enlisted in the Army in 1940 and fought during World War II in the Aleutian Islands and South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1944. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Survivors include a brother, Charles, of Mesquite, Ariz. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans or the donor's choice in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
August 26, 2004 Edition
Former Sheridan resident William Donald “Sam” Sampson, 54, of Upton died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004, in the Campbell County Memorial Hospital of liver failure. Graveside services were this morning in Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette with Pastor Andrew Carsrud of Family Life Church officiating. Full military honors were by American Legion Post 42. Arrangements were with Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home of Gillette. Mr. Sampson was born March 10, 1950, in Springfield, Mass., to Donald Roy and Evelyn Rose (Cote) Sampson. The family moved to Jacksonville, Fla., when he was a child. He served eight years in the U.S. Army including two tours in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1978 with disabilities. He moved to Yakima, Wash., in 1980. He moved to Sheridan in 1993. He married his wife, Pamela, April 8, 1995, in Sheridan. He moved to Upton in 2002 to be closer to family. Mr. Sampson was a member of dart ball and bowling leagues, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Big Horn Mountain Eagles. He enjoyed fishing and cooking large family meals. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Gregory. Survivors include his mother; his wife; four sons, Billie, Brian and Kenny, all of Yakima, and Kevin Dennis of Sheridan; three daughters, Hazel Ketchum and Tammy Elenberger, both of Yakima, and Deborah McElhiney of Gillette; three brothers, Jeff and Joe, both of Yakima, and Steve of Edgewater, Fla.; two sisters, Lois Senk of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Linda Forester of Tampa, Fla.; and 16 grandchildren. Condolences may be sent in care of Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716 or via the Internet at www.stevensonandsons.com.
August 25, 2004 Edition
Gerald T. “Jerry” Laya, 76, of Ranchester died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life with a special dedication — “Lasting Legacies of Jerry's Trees,” by Ranchester Mayor Cliff Clevenger — will be 2 p.m. Saturday in the Ranchester park with the Rev. Dan Keller officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Laya was born Sept. 7, 1927, in Kooi to Joe and Mary Laya. He attended school in Acme and graduated from Sheridan High School. He served in the Army, then earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Wyoming. He married Suzanne Williams. He worked for several years at V.C. Johnston Lumber Co. and owned the Country Gardens in Ranchester. He was a member of Ranchester Rotary Club. He served on the Town Council for many years and served one term as mayor. He was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed hunting upland birds and gardening. He was preceded in death by a son, Steven, and a sister, Joan. Survivors include his wife of 52 years; two children, Gary of Ranchester and Deb Johnston of Sheridan; a brother, Bill, of Sheridan; a sister, Beverly Pilch of Cheyenne; and four grandchildren. Flowers may be sent to the family home at 335 Gillette St., Ranchester, WY 82839. Memorials may be made to the Dog and Cat Shelter in care of Janet Evans, Cowboy State Bank, P.O. Box 6026, Ranchester.
Madeline George, also known as Georgia Baker, 70, of Sheridan died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Ms. George's life will be 5 p.m. Friday at American Legion Post 7 in Sheridan. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Ms. George was born July 21, 1934, in California to Chris and Annie (Mederious) George. She graduated from San Luis Obispo (Calif.) High School in 1957 and began work as a bookkeeper. She enjoyed painting, hiking, hunting, camping, dancing and spending time with friends at American Legion Post 7. Survivors include a son, Gordon Revica of Sheridan; and two sisters, Mary of Denver and Fanny of Hillsboro, Ore.
Jeri B. Saunders, 62, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, in Deaconess Medical Center in Billings. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Doug Melius officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Saunders was born March 27, 1942, in Basin to Henry and Viola (Breen) Wilmot. She attended school in Upton and graduated from Upton High School. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor's degree with honors. She married W.G. “Jerry” Saunders June 9, 1963, in Casper. She taught in Denver for three years until Dr. Saunders finished medical school. The family lived in Albuquerque, N.M., and Anchorage, Alaska, before moving to Sheridan in 1973. Mrs. Saunders became a substitute teacher in Sheridan after her children started school. When the school district implemented the gifted and talented program, she became a full-time teacher in the program until she retired. She enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, reading and spending time at the Saunders' cabin in the Big Horn Mountains. She was a member of the P.E.O., the Red Hat Society and the Presbyterian Women's Circle. She was on the board of directors of Family Planning of the Big Horns and an elder at First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Brenda Sauro of Woodbury, Minn., and Wendy Murray and Stacy Sweeney, both of Sheridan; a brother, Bill Wilmot of Missoula, Mont.; a sister, Joyce Mangus of Mesa, Ariz.; and seven grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the University of Wyoming Foundation or First Presbyterian Church in care of Kay Roush, First Federal Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Lawrence L. Harrod, 88, of Fort Meade, S.D., died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, in the Fort Meade Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Sturgis, S.D. He was brother of Irene Reed of Sheridan. Funeral services were this morning at the Historic Post Chapel at Fort Meade under direction of Carlsen & Aldinger Funeral Home of Sturgis. A second service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home in Gillette. Burial will be in the Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. today at Steven-Wilson Funeral Home. Mr. Harrod was born Aug. 7, 1916, in Rozet to Ed and Pearl Harrod. He served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 2, 1941, until 1945. He participated in the battles of Algeria, French Morocco, Sicily and Naples. He received two purple hearts. He married Bonnie Lamb April 26, 1948, in Sheridan. He worked 32 years for the Wyoming State Highway Department and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions, Disabled American Veterans and the Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his wife, two infant daughters, a son and three brothers. In addition to his sister, survivors include a daughter, Louise Hockley of Sturgis; a son, Brian of Denver; a brother, Lonnie of British Columbia, Canada; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
August 24, 2004 Edition
Cristene E. Dwinell, 56, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sheridan Church of Christ with Drew Dacus officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Dwinell was born April 12, 1948, in Worland to John Washington and Helen (Richards) Boyles. She grew up and attended schools in Worland. She married Claude E. Dwinell July 17, 1976, in Worland. They moved to Buffalo in 1978 and to Sheridan in 1986. Mrs. Dwinell was a housewife and a baker and checker at the Sheridan Safeway store. She enjoyed going to Deadwood, S.D., playing bingo, camping, “Sci-fi” TV, watching “horror flicks” and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her mother, a brother and an infant sister. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Christine Kitson of Phoenix; her father and stepmother, John and Emma Boyles of Buffalo; a brother, Louie Pfrangle of Worland; two sisters, Deb Slaybaugh of Buffalo and Lavonda Lookhart of Casper; and four grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Sheridan Church of Christ, 1769 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801.
August G. Talcott, 93, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, in Sheridan Manor. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mr. Talcott was born April 7, 1911, in Central Valley, N.Y., to August Belmont and Marguerite (Schick) Talcott. The family moved to Sheridan when Mr. Talcott was 3 years old. He spent the rest of his life in this area, painting with his father and brothers and later operating A.G. Talcott and Son Painting with his son. He retired in 1977. He married Dorothy Brenner in Sheridan on Feb. 14, 1934. He was a member of the Painters' and Drywall Finishers' Union. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking. He was preceded in death by his wife, a son, a grandchild, three brothers and two sisters. Survivors include a son, Ronald of Everett, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Madeline George (also known as Georgia Baker), 70, of Sheridan died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be 5 p.m. Friday at American Legion Post 7 in Sheridan. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
Jeri B. Saunders, 62, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, in Deaconess Medical Center in Billings. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Doug Melius officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the University of Wyoming Foundation or First Presbyterian Church in care of Kay Roush, First Federal Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
August 23, 2004 Edition
Marjorie J. Sweigert, 93, of Sheridan died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2004, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place, and a private family memorial service will be later. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Sweigert was born Feb. 19, 1911, in Park Ridge, Ill., to Charles William and Alyce E. (Snyder) Potter. She grew up and attended schools in Park Ridge. She graduated from Alvernia High School in Chicago in 1928. She married Clarence James Sweigert in Illinois in 1930. She worked for the Chicago Board of Education, the Theater Arts Magazine and the Northbrook (Ill.) Weekly Magazine. She was a member of the AARP and the Catholic Church. She enjoyed sewing, handcrafts and art. Her crocheting was displayed at Sheridan Manor. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sisters. Survivors include one daughter, Marilyn C. Fischer of Sheridan; a son, Robert James of Columbia, Tenn.; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Sheridan Manor, 1851 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Elmo Eisele, 89, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Kane Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Mr. Eisele was born Jan. 15, 1915, in Oklahoma to William and Leon (Foster) Eisele. He graduated from high school in Gillette. He married Nila Mapel March 30, 1935. He worked at the Wydak Coal Mine for six years, then moved to Vancouver, Wash., where Mr. Eisele worked as a grantry crane operator for three years at the Kaiser Shipping Yard. After World War II, the family moved to Sheridan, where they leased and operated Coffeen Service Station. Mr. Eisele also did custom dirtwork for farmers and ranchers in Sheridan and Campbell counties for many years and was employed by the Kendrick Cattle Co. for 31 years. He was a member of the Sheridan Elks Lodge and the Good Sams motor home organization. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Barten of Billings and Robert of Sheridan; a brother, Glenn of Buffalo; six grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Center.
Cristene E. Dwinell, 56, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Sheridan Church of Christ with Drew Dacus officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Church of Christ, 1769 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Madeline George, 70, of Sheridan died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Jeri B. Saunders, 62, of Sheridan died this morning, Aug. 23, 2004, in Deaconess Medical Center in Billings. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
August G. Talcott, 93, of Sheridan died this morning, Aug. 23, 2004, in Sheridan Manor. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Gerald T. “Jerry” Laya of Ranchester died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life with special dedication will be 2 p.m. Saturday in the Ranchester Park with the Rev. Dan Keller officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter in care of Janet Evans, Cowboy State Bank, P.O. Box 6026, Sheridan, WY 82801.
August 21, 2004 Edition
John L. Byrtus, 86, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, in the Sheridan VA Medical Center. Vigil service will be 7 p.m. Sunday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Thomas Ogg officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Mr. Byrtus was born Oct. 27, 1917, in Sheridan to Paul and Anna (Rucki) Byrtus. He grew up and graduated from high school in Sheridan. He was attending Parks Business College in Denver when he enlisted in the Air Force in January 1942. He attended Officer's Training School. He was stationed in Washington, D.C., and married Ethel Beazley there May 21, 1944. He was released from the Air Force with the rank of captain in March 1946. He received his degree in accounting from the University of Denver and returned to Sheridan. He was recalled to active duty in 1950 and served during the Korean War from October 1950 to November 1952. He was discharged with the rank of major. The family returned to Sheridan. Mr. Byrtus received certification as a public accountant in July 1954 and had his own practice until he retired. He served on the board of directors of the Wyoming Certified Public Accountants for five years, including one year as president, and served on the Wyoming Board of Certified Public Accountants for six years, including two as president. He was a life member of Elks Lodge 520, a member of Knights of Columbus, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion, past president of Stevens Fryberger & Co. and a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Ronald Lee; a son, John Alan; two sisters, Helen and Emeline; and two brothers, Joe and Paul. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Paul of Falls Church, Va., Robert of Bend, Ore., and Donald of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; two daughters, Jeanette Mackey of Federal Way, Wash., and Patricia Clabaugh of Juneau, Alaska; two sisters, Anne Byrtus and Stella Withrow, both of Sheridan; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, or Holy Name School Foundation, 9 S. Conner St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Former Sheridan resident Mamie Ethel Streeter, 101, of Buffalo died Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, in Amie Holt Care Center. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo with Neil Wolcott officiating. Visitation will be 1-9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Mrs. Streeter was born Nov. 3, 1902, in McCook, Neb., to William and Emma Cooper. The family moved to Wyoming when she was a young girl. They settled in the Kaycee area, and she attended the Streeter School. She married Hial Streeter May 1, 1924, in Buffalo. They bought a ranch on the Powder River between Buffalo and Kaycee. They sold the ranch in 1942 and traveled, in a recreational vehicle built by Mr. Streeter and his brother-in-law, until 1976, when they moved to Sheridan. Mr. Streeter died in December 1983. Mrs. Streeter moved to Buffalo in May 1999. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Amie Holt Care Center in care of the funeral home.
Elmo E. Isley, 89, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Cristene E. Dwinell, 56, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
August 20, 2004 Edition
Gerald Laya, 77, of Ranchester died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Glen L. Ogle, 73, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at his residence of natural causes. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
August 19, 2004
John L. Byrtus, 86, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, in the Sheridan VA Medical Center. Vigil service will be 7 p.m. Sunday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Thomas Ogg as celebrant. Burial will be in the Elks Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 W. Fifth St., or to the Holy Name School Foundation, 9 S. Conner St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
August 18, 2004
Pearl Lucas, 95, Sheridan, died Monday, Aug. 16, 2004, in Sheridan Manor. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Sheridan Wesleyan Church with Pastor Chuck Lucas officiating. Born March 9, 1909, in Texas to Thomas and Sena (Armstrong) Wright, she moved with her family to Wyoming in 1919 and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1927. She married Joseph Lucas in Billings on May 23, 1936. They moved to California, and she worked in defense in World War II. They returned in the 1960s to Sheridan. Mrs. Lucas managed Ilene's Dress Shop and clerked in several other stores until retiring. She belonged to Sheridan Wesleyan Church and Eastern Star. She enjoyed reading, raising flowers and visiting friends. Her husband, a sister and a brother preceded her in death. Survivors include a niece. Memorials may benefit Sheridan Wesleyan Church, 404 W. Brundage Lane. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Uarda Wilder Hilpert died today, Aug. 18, 2004, at Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be later. The family has requested that the deceased's age not be released. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
August 17, 2004
Glenn Lillibridge, 92, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. At his request, cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Lillibridge was born Aug. 31, 1911, in Weston, Neb., to William Edward and Katherine Rose (Kavan) Lillibridge. He grew up and attended schools in Weston and graduated in 1928 from Weston High School. He attended Luther College in Nebraska and was a 1935 graduate of the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. He taught school in Nebraska until the start of World War II. He served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater. He came to Sheridan in 1949 and taught here until 1976, when he retired. He taught and coached football at Sheridan High School until 1965. He received a Master of Arts degree in 1951 from the University of Nebraska. He played football on the university team. He received the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge award in 1960 for his dedication to education. He enjoyed working around the house, gardening, yard work and traveling to visit family. He was preceded in death by his wife and two sisters. Survivors include a son, Lee of Denver; and a daughter, Lynn of Sheridan.
Pearl Lucas, 95, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 16, 2004, in Sheridan Manor. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Sheridan Wesleyan Church with Pastor Chuck Lucas officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may benefit Sheridan Wesleyan Church, 404 Brundage Lane, Sheridan, WY 82801.
August 16, 2004 Edition
Nellie M. Willis, 76, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at her residence. At her request, cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Willis was born June 4, 1928, in Kewanee, Ill., to John W. and Mattie B. (Lowry) Whiles. She grew up and attended schools in Wethersfield, Ill., and Kewanee and was a 1946 graduate of Kewanee High School. She married Harold Willis Oct. 13, 1962, in Erie, Ill. Mr. Willis died in 1987, and Mrs. Willis moved to Sheridan in 1989. She enjoyed fishing, riding in the mountains to look for wildlife, especially moose, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters, a son and a grandson. Survivors include two sons, John Farran of Kewanee and Robert Farran of Sheridan; a daughter, Vicki Peterson of Booneville, Ind.; a brother, Richard Whiles of Coal Valley, Ill.; a sister, Lena Lyle of Sheridan; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Center, 211 Smith St., or to Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Pearl Lucas, 95, of Sheridan died today, Aug. 16, 2004, in Sheridan Manor. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
August 14, 2004 Edition
Glenn Lillibridge, 92, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
August 13, 2004 Edition
Venus M. Ghikas, 81, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in St. Vincent Health Care in Billings. Trisagion Memorial Service will be 7 p.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Revs. Gabriel Nicholas and Kevin Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Ghikas was born Dec. 31, 1922, in Sheridan to James and Marie (Evangeline) Matthews. She grew up and graduated from high school in Sheridan. She graduated from business college and went to work for the General Accounting Office in Washington, D.C. She married George Ghikas Nov. 7, 1943, in Sheridan. They owned and operated the Palace Cafe until 1987, when Mrs. Ghikas retired. She enjoyed collecting angels, Mickey Mouse memorabilia, dolls and stuffed animals. She was a 50-year member and worthy matron of Naomi Chapter 2, Order of the Eastern Star, and grand electra of the Grand Lodge of Wyoming. She was a member of Daughters of the Nile Sahida Temple 86, the Nile Patrol, Sheridan Women's Club, Sheridan County Homemakers, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by a brother, Peter, and a sister, Margaret. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Marie Herman of Laurel, Mont.; and one grandson. Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1 S. Tschirgi St., Sheridan, or Shrine Crippled Children's Travel Fund, Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Robert Flockhart, 72, of Sheridan died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Nellie M. Willis, 76, of Sheridan died this morning, Aug. 13, 2004, at her residence. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
August 12, 2004 Edition
Rino Harvey, 69, of Sheridan died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Terral Bearden officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Harvey was born March 18, 1935, in Sapporo, Japan, to Hachiro and Hina Shimokawara. She grew up and attended schools in Japan. She married Frank Daniel Harvey March 19, 1952, in the military chapel in Sapporo. They moved to Washington in 1954, then to Kirby, Mont. They moved to Lame Deer, Mont., in 1955, to Gillette in 1967 and to Sheridan in 1978. They returned to Kirby two years later. Mr. Harvey died in December 2002, and Mrs. Harvey returned to Sheridan. She was past member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and the Salvation Army. She enjoyed cooking, rock collecting, knitting, crocheting, making quilts and clothing, fishing, gardening, tending her houseplants, swimming, watching high school sports, carving walking sticks, clay sculpting, visiting neighbors and friends and spending time with her family. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by several siblings. Survivors include four sons, Frank, Fred and John D., all of Gillette, and Milton P. of Sheridan; a daughter, Marcella A. Miller of Douglas; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Esther K. Angleton, 95, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service and inurnment will be at a later date at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in La Junta, Colo. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Angleton was born Sept. 22, 1908, to Jacob and Juliana (Thorgersen) Miller in Fowler, Colo. She lived in La Junta until 1993, when she moved to Sheridan to be close to her daughter. She was a bookkeeper for Montgomery Ward for 20 years. She was a member of St. Andrew's in La Junta and St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Sheridan. She was a member of the “Piolet Club” and enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing and her family. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Stanley LaBore, in 1947; a stepson, Lloyd LaBore in 1983; her second husband, Mr. Angleton, in 1984; and by two sisters and four brothers. Survivors include her daughter, Sally Rojo of Sheridan; a son, William R. LaBore of Alamo, Texas; a stepdaughter, Dorothy Younans of Apache Junction, Ariz.; a stepson, Don LaBore of Cynthiana, Ky.; four sisters; one brother; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Esther K. Angleton Memorial Fund in care of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 801 San Juan Ave., La Junta, CO 81050.
Melvin M. Persinger, 75, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. The funeral home incorrectly reported his first name as Merle in Wednesday's obituary. Private committal services will be later. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Persinger was born Nov. 25, 1928, in Glendale, Calif., to Orlo and Margaret (Scott) Persinger. He grew up and graduated from high school in Wheatland. He attended technical college. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean War. After service, he lived in California. He married Delores Conforti there in 1956. He worked in construction and later in engineering for L.M. Cox. He retired in 1974 and moved to Sheridan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gun collecting. He was a member of the American Legion. Survivors include two sons, Kim of Billings and Jim of Cartersville, Ga.; and five grandchildren.
BUFFALO — Denise Virginia Beall, 56, of Buffalo, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, in Buffalo. Private funeral services will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Animal Shelter or Buffalo Senior Center in care of the funeral home.
Venus M. Ghikas, 81, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in St. Vincent Health Care in Billings. Trisagion Memorial Service will be 7 p.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Revs. Gabriel Nicholas and Kevin Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.
August 11, 2004 Edition
Former Sheridan resident Eva Pearl Curtis Coonrod, 94, of Buffalo died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, in Amie Holt Care Center in Buffalo. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday in Great Bend (Kan.) Cemetery. Visiting hours are 5-8 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Local arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home in Buffalo. Mrs. Coonrod was born Feb. 9, 1910, in Dewey County, Okla., to Charles and Flora Curtis. She grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Collinsville High School in 1927. After high school she worked as a telephone operator. She married Woodrow Wilson Coonrod June 9, 1934, at the home of her parents in Anderson, Mo. The couple made their home in Tulsa, Okla., until the 1930s, when they moved to Great Bend. While there, they purchased property near Buena Vista, Colo., on Chalk Creek. They spent summers building a retirement cabin there. Mr. Coonrod died at the cabin in June 1970. Mrs. Coonrod moved to the cabin full time in 1971. She was postmaster and pumped gas and managed a little store in Nathrop, Colo., for several years. She moved to Sheridan in 1981 to live near her daughter and family. In 1986, she moved to Gillette to be near her granddaughter and family. She became a resident of Amie Holt Care Center in 2002. She was a member of the Baptist Church and served as a deaconess and adult Sunday school teacher at Baker Avenue Baptist Church for many years. While in Great Bend, she was a charter member and first president of the League of Women Voters, a member of the Menningers Bible Study Group and former president of the Great Bend Council of Church Women United. She enjoyed fly-fishing and taught the sport to her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed travel, baking and spending time with her family. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. Survivors include a son, Charles Ralph of Bethel, Mo.; a daughter, Margaret Immenschuh of Buffalo; a sister, Mary Alice Carson of Marionville, Mo.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Donations may be made to Amie Holt Care Center or the Pioneer Manor in care of Adams Funeral Home, 351 N. Adams, Buffalo, WY 82834.
Merle M. Persinger, 75, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. Private committal services will be later. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Persinger was born Nov. 25, 1928, in Glendale, Calif., to Orlo and Margaret (Scott) Persinger. He grew up and graduated from high school in Wheatland. He attended Technical College. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean War. After service, he lived in California. He married Delores Conforti there in 1956. He worked in construction and later in engineering for L.M. Cox. He retired in 1974 and moved to Sheridan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gun collecting. He was a member of the American Legion. Survivors include two sons, Kim of Billings and Jim of Cartersville, Ga.; and five grandchildren.
Leslie Leroy “Skee” Lessard, 62, of Hardin, Mont., died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, in Awe Kualawaache Care Center at Crow Agency, Mont. He was father of Tina Bear Cloud of Sheridan. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. today at Bullis Mortuary Funeral Chapel in Hardin. Cremation will follow. Mr. Lessard was born Oct. 11, 1941, at Crow Agency to Leslie Earl and Grace Schlippler Lessard. He grew up and was educated in Hardin. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping and was known as a “mountain man.” He worked for many area ranchers and farmers. He married Margaret Flippin; they later divorced. He married Ella Deputy, and they later divorced. He was a member of the Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin; a sister, Rowena Boherman; and a grandson. Survivors include four other children, Lonnie Lessard of Cheyenne, Rowena and Kenneth, both of Hardin, and Mariam Shane of Crow Agency; two adopted children, Myers Brien of Crow Agency and Amber Deputy of Hardin; his parents; a brother, Larry of Hardin; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Esther K. Angleton, 95, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, in Sheridan Manor. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
August 10, 2004 Edition
David A. “Chewey” Fowler, 55, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, in Sheridan VA Medical Center. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home. Graveside services with full military honors will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mr. Fowler was born Dec. 6, 1948, in Bristol, Conn., to Edith M. “Dee” (Melius) Christophy and Harold D. Fowler. He grew up in Connecticut and had lived in Sheridan since 1990. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He served during the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of sergeant. He was a helicopter crew chief. He received the Rifle Marksmanship Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device and a Combat Action Ribbon. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1560 and Disabled American Veterans. He also belonged to American Legion Post 7, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 186 and the Bighorn Mountain detachment of the U.S. Marine Corps League. He enjoyed fishing, music and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include a son, David P.R. Poston of Boise, Idaho; two daughters, Vickie-Jo Oliveri of Torrington, Conn., and MacKenzie Fowler of Troutdale, Ore.; his mother; two brothers, Kenneth Fowler of Roanoke, Va., and Robert Capocci of California; a sister, Susan Quirk of Parker, Colo.; his companion, Marsha Ferris of Sheridan; and four grandchildren. Memorials may be made for hepatitis C research or to the U.S. Marine Corps League in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Madoline Myrtle Abbott, 81, of Casper died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, in Casper's Poplar Living Center. She was mother of Gene Abbott of Sheridan. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. today in Fairview Cemetery in Oral, S.D. Arrangements are with McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, S.D. Mrs. Abbott was a former resident of Oelrichs, S.D. Survivors include another son, Larry of Sidney, Mont.; two daughters, Lillian Ames and Sharon Robidoux, both of Casper; a brother, Alfred Martin of Gordon, Neb.; a sister, Hazel Landers of Lakefield, Fla.; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Venus M. Ghikas, 81, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in Deaconess Hospital in Billings. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Melvin M. Persinger, 75, of Sheridan died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in Sheridan VA Medical Center. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
August 9, 2004 Edition
Sheridan County resident George Koltiska, 83, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in Deaconess Hospital in Billings. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Tuesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Mr. Koltiska was born July 7, 1921, on the family ranch on Upper Cat Creek to Paul and Marie (Orris) Koltiska. He attended Prairie Dog School. He joined the Marine Corps in 1942 at the beginning of World War II and served in the South Pacific for nearly four years. He married Lena Welch Sept. 14, 1946, at the home of her sister, Margaret Pilch, on Lower Prairie Dog. The Koltiskas ranched on Cat Creek. Mr. Koltiska played the fiddle in a band with Slim Peterson, Olin Fowler and Mr. Koltiska's brother, Paul, with whom he purchased Mulholland Machinery in 1956. They renamed the business KB Tractor Co. He was a member of the Farm Home Administration Board and a main organizer of the Certified Seed Program in Sheridan County. He was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge 520 and a member of American Legion. He was a lifelong member of Holy Name Catholic Church and a Fourth Degree Knight. He was preceded in death by two infant brothers and brothers Mike, John and Paul; and by a sister, Elizabeth Briggs Speath. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Audrey Koltiska and Deborah Adams; two sons, Gary and Robert; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the George Koltiska Arbor Fund in care of Brenda Torrens at Community First Bank, P.O. Box 9000, Sheridan WY 82801.
Marcella R. Hauber, 58, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at her residence. At her request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Miller officiating. Mrs. Hauber was born Nov. 4, 1945, in Bozeman, Mont., to Walter Raymond and Dorothy (Larson) Brainard. She grew up in the Bozeman area and attended schools at Maudlow and Manhattan, Mont. She graduated from high school in 1963 and attended Kinman Business College in Spokane, Wash. She married Ivan Hauber Oct. 12, 1968, in Bozeman. She worked for the Yellowstone Park Co. in Mammoth Hot Springs before moving to Sheridan, where she was office manager for Piedmont Psychological Practice. She was involved with the Girl Scouts while her children were growing up. She enjoyed horseback riding, camping, fishing, dancing and spending time with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband; a son, Preston of Sheridan; a daughter, Tia Williams of Buffalo; two brothers, Ron and Lynn Brainard, both of Belgrade, Mont.; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Judith H. Hornbeck, 65, of Sheridan died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Kevin Jones and the Rev. Canon Raymond Clark officiating. Funeral services will also be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home in Laramie, with burial in the Laramie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Judy Hornbeck Memorial Fund in care of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1 S. Tschirgi St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
David A. “Chewey” Fowler, 55, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at the Sheridan VA Medical Center. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Kane Funeral Home. Graveside services with full military honors will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made for hepatitis C research or to the U.S. Marine Corps League in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Dr. John A. Knebel, 85, of Buffalo died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at his residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with the Rev. George Von Kaenel as celebrant. Vigil for the deceased will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Visitation will be 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Memorials may be made in the name of Dr. Knebel and his son, the late John D. Knebel, to Johnson County Ambulance in care of the funeral home.
Rino Harvey, 69, of Sheridan died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
August 7, 2004 Edition
Anne Kukuchka Smith, 81, of Sheridan died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Monday at Kane Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Smith was born Oct. 6, 1922, in Kooi to George and Anna Banas Kukuchka. She attended school in Kooi until fifth grade, then completed her education in Ranchester. She was a member of the state high school champion Ranchester Rustlers basketball team. She married Charles H. Smith July 17, 1939, in Hardin, Mont. The marriage was later blessed at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Monarch. Mrs. Smith enjoyed fly-fishing, collecting recipes and creating her own dishes. She worked many years as a cook at the Ranch House in Ranchester and the Golden Steer in Sheridan, retiring at age 78. She was an avid sports fan, following basketball and football for the Tongue River Eagles and Wyoming Cowboys. She enjoyed attending the sporting events of her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and four brothers, George "Curly," John, Paul and Edward Kukuchka. Survivors include two daughters, Antionette Davis and Theresa Luskin; two sons, Charles E. and John M.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Tongue River Pro Start in care of Jane Evans, Cowboy State Bank, P.O. Box 6026, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Marcella R. Hauber, 58, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at her residence. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
David A. Fowler, 55, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, in Sheridan VA Medical Center. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
August 6, 2004 Edition
Anne K. Smith, 81, of Ranchester died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Monday at Kane Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating.
August 5, 2004 Edition
No Obituaries published
August 4, 2004 Edition
August 3, 2004 Edition
Loren Ray Dingis, 49, of Billings died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, in Sheridan's Westview Health Care Center. At his request, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Dingis was born June 21, 1955, in Crawford, Neb., to Harry G. and Elizabeth M. (Glick) Dingis. He grew up and attended schools in Sheridan and was a 1974 graduate of Sheridan High School. He attended technical school in Billings and worked for Associated Foods for several years. He worked for NAPA in Billings until 2003. He was a soundman for concerts at the Events Center in Billings and enjoyed the mountains, hiking and playing golf. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister. Survivors include a brother, Gary of Sheridan; and three sisters, Cheryl Onckelet and Diana Oedekoven, both of Sheridan, and Carrie Klare of Dell Rapids, S.D. Memorials may be made to the National Brain Tumor Foundation, 22 Battery St., Suite 612, San Francisco, CA 94111, or to the Brain Tumor Society, 124 Watertown St., Suite 3H, Watertown, MA 02472.
August 2, 2004 Edition
Former Sheridan resident Tamera Jean “Tammy” Legerski, 37, of rural Maple Lake, Minn., died Tuesday, July 27, 2004, in the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis after suffering injuries in a car accident. A viewing will be 6-8 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Michael McMillan officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Ms. Legerski was born April 14, 1967, in Sheridan to Stanley George Legerski and Mary K. (Gillis) Legerski. She was a 1985 graduate of Sheridan High School. She married Dave Collins April 24, 2004, in Sheridan. She collected candles, jewelry, crystal ware angels and similar items for home decor. She enjoyed spending time with her family, adding to her collections, decorating her home, snowmobiling, motorcycling and shopping. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Gillis Krenzelok, and her paternal grandfather, Roy Gillis. Survivors include her husband and a son, Blake Spencer Legerski of Silver Creek, Minn.; her father and stepmother, Stan and Evelyn Legerski of Sheridan; her stepfather, Ken Krenzelok of Sheridan; a brother, Tim Legerski of Gillette; a sister, Jacque Lind of Wilcox, Ariz.; a half sister, Amber Legerski of Sheridan; two half brothers, Josh Krenzelok of Lake in the Hills, Ill., and Calvin Garretson of Sheridan; two stepbrothers, Danny of Huntley, Ill., and Dwayne Krenzelok of Chicago; and three grandparents, George and Mary Legerski and Phyllis Gillis of Sheridan. Memorials may be made to her son in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Loren Dingis, 49, of Billings died today, Aug. 2, 2004, in Westview Health Care Center in Sheridan. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
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