
Sheridan County's Daily NEWSpaper
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February 28, 2003, Edition
Helen Margaret Jilge, 89, of Sheridan died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, at Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place. Burial will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorial services will follow at 2 p.m. at the Wesleyan Church with Pastors Chuck Lucas and Bill Whitmore officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Mrs. Jilge was born Jan. 8, 1914, in Harris, Mo., to John C. and Cora Bumgarner. Following her mother's death, she went as an infant to live with her aunt, Ethel Dall. She attended Verone Country School. She married Fred Jilge Oct. 13, 1951, in Belle Fourche, S.D. She was a ranch cook for most of her life. She loved cooking, needlepoint, playing cards, all dogs and cats, and especially watching her granddaughter's activities. She lived with her daughter and granddaughter the last 14 years after her eyes failed. She was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers Truman and Clinton; and a sister, Linnie Kramer. Survivors include her daughter, Mary DeTavernier of Sheridan; her granddaughter, Tina DeTavernier of Worland; a half brother, Watson Bumgarner of Bloomfield, Ill.; and numerous nephews. Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan Center Day Break Program, Sheridan Wesleyan Church Building Fund, or Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
February 27, 2003, Edition
Robert Kasper Lix, 84, of Lodge Grass, Mont., died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place, and services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Kane Funeral Home with Father Jim Antoine officiating. Mr. Lix was born July 14, 1918, in Sturgis, S.D., to Rose (Vogel) and Kasper Lix. He was valedictorian of his graduating class at St. Labre School in Ashland, Mont. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and served in the South Pacific from 1941-45 during World War II. He also served in Korea for one and one-half years. He married Jane Mefford, another returning veteran, May 17, 1946, in Hardin, Mont. They lived in Lodge Grass, where Mr. Lix was a clerk for 35 years for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a member of Sheridan Elks Lodge 520, Our Lady of Loretta Catholic Church and American Legion Post 116 as well as other service clubs. He was preceded in death by two brothers and six sisters. Survivors include his wife of Lodge Grass; adopted children Marjorie Seader and John Neatherly, both of Custer, Mont.; a brother, Harry Mefford; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Elks Youth Rodeo, Elks Building Fund or donor's choice in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Helen N. Hutton, 82, of Sheridan died today, Feb. 27, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
February 26, 2003, Edition
Former Sheridan resident Betty Olson Jones, 82, of Big Timber, Mont., died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, in Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Big Timber Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber. Arrangements are with Lawry Funeral Home. Mrs. Jones was born Aug. 22, 1920, in Big Timber to Theodore and Mabel (Wilkins) Olson. She married Harry A. Jones Aug. 18, 1939, in Billings. They lived in Big Timber until 1989, when they moved to Sheridan. They lived here until 2001. Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by her husband, two sons, Colin Allen and James Allen, and by her brothers and sisters. Survivors include a son, Monte of Independence, Mo.; two daughters, Colleen Staley of Norman, Okla., and Dixie Melvin of Big Timber; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
BIG HORN Dixie L. McKenzie, 54, of Big Horn died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, in Deaconess Hospital in Billings of natural causes. Viewing will be 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Logan officiating. Cremation will follow. Mrs. McKenzie was born April 23, 1948, in Sheridan to Alden and Charlotte (Morris) Geer. She attended schools in Sheridan. She married Larry Mundell in Sheridan in October 1968. She worked on ranches for many years. She married George McKenzie in 1977 in Buffalo. They divorced in 1992. She worked as a bartender and waitress in Arvada and Clearmont for many years. She later moved to Big Horn and took care of children. She enjoyed horseback riding, barrel racing and working with animals. Survivors include three sons, Richard Mundell of Boise, Idaho, and Aldin and Gary McKenzie, both of Parkman; a brother, Alton Geer of Sheridan; and three grandchildren. Memorials may benefit the Whedon Cancer Foundation in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Valerie E. Smith, 64, died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, in Westview Health Care Center. Memorial services will be in California at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Smith was born Sept. 12, 1938, in Long Beach, Calif., to Lewis and June (Berg) Adams. She grew up and attended schools in several states and graduated from high school in Palo Alto, Calif. She was a graduate of Healds College, where she studied business and accounting. She married Thomas Smith Nov. 9, 1956, in Emeryville, Calif. She worked for Allstate Insurance as a cost accountant. She later worked for several electronics companies. She also worked many years for Computax, preparing tax returns. She attended Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Okla., and moved to Sheridan in 1990. She was a Bible student and teacher for 24 years. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and sewing and read an average of a book a day for many years. Survivors include her husband of Sheridan; a son, Thomas Smith II of California; three daughters, Patricia Verity of Santa Clara, Calif., Valerie Cisneros of Los Altos, Calif., and Alice Curtis of Los Gatos, Calif.; a brother; eight sisters; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Memorials may benefit the Sheridan Senior Center's new building project, 211 Smith St.
Mary Elizabeth Wolff Shippy, 84, of Gillette died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, in Campbell County Memorial Hospital. She was mother of James F. Shippy of Sheridan. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Thursday at Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Gillette, followed by a prayer vigil. Mass will be celebrated 2 p.m. Friday in St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Gillette with Father Tom Kadera officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Pisgah Cemetery. Mrs. Shippy was born June 13, 1918, in Gillette to Henry and Cathrine (O'Hara) Wolff. The family ranched south of Gillette, and Mrs. Shippy attended schools in Campbell County. She attended normal training school and began teaching in rural schools at age 17. She married Lawrence W. Shippy Oct. 22, 1938, in Lead, S.D. They ranched in Campbell County. Mr. Shippy died in 1958. Mrs. Shippy enjoyed gardening and yard work, dancing, family get-togethers, reading and quilting. She was a lifelong member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church. She had lived in Pioneer Manor since 1994. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters Gertrude A. and Catharine M. Whisler and Ruth A. Handran; and two brothers, Thomas A. and William Edward Wolff. Survivors include three additional sons, Larry W., David A. and Thomas M., all of Gillette; a sister, Joan Randall of Cave Creek, Ariz.; six brothers Louis F. Wolff of Salt Lake City, Vincent H. Wolff of Apache Junction, Ariz., James A. Wolff of Recluse and Donald L., Raymond R. and Harry L. Wolff, all of Gillette; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established to the Rockpile Museum to purchase a bronze or picture to honor pioneer women. Donations may be made in care of Stevenson Funeral Home.
Helen Margret Jilge, 89, of Sheridan died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place, and burial will be 1 p.m. Sunday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in the Wesleyan Church with Pastors Chuck Lucas and Bill Whitmore officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Center Day Break Program, Sheridan Wesleyan Church Building Fund or the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Robert K. Lix, 84, of Lodge Grass, Mont., died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Kane Funeral Home with Father Jim Antoine officiating.
February 25, 2003, Edition
BIG HORN Dixie L. McKenzie, 54, of Big Horn died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, in Deaconess Hospital in Billings of natural causes. Viewing will be 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Logan officiating. Cremation will follow the service.
Valerie E. Smith, 64, of Sheridan died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, in Westview Health Care Center. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Robert K. Lix, 84, of Lodge Grass, Mont., died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
February 24, 2003, Edition
Sheridan native Keith Foster, 71, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, at his home in Port Orchard, Wash., of cancer. Funeral services will be Wednesday at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Bremerton, Wash. Mr. Foster was born Feb. 19, 1932, in Sheridan to John and Grace Foster. He was a 1949 graduate of Sheridan High School and served in the Air Force Air Police Squadron from 1951 to 1955. He married Dixie Walker Aug. 19, 1956. She died in 1987. Mr. Foster was a 1960 graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Okla., and a 1965 graduate of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was minister at Evergreen Baptist Church of Port Orchard from 1987 to 2002. He married Rosemary Hamilton Jan. 15,1988. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, painting and gardening. Survivors include his wife; five children, Shay Foster of Anchorage, Alaska, Rowley Shaw of Issaquah, Wash., Roy Shaw of Medford, Ore., Sherri Williams of Arlington, Wash., and Rosanna Miller of Castle Rock, Colo.; a brother, Ralph of Clearmont; three sisters, Veran Schonenbach, Helen Harbel and Lu Reeves, all of Sheridan; and six grandchildren.
Helen Margret Jilge, 89, died in Sheridan Manor Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
February 22, 2003, Edition
Bernard A. Hylle, 81, of Austin, Minn., died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, in St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin. He was father of Denise Hylle of Sheridan. Funeral services were Thursday in St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery under direction of Worlein Funeral Home. Mr. Hylle was born April 13, 1921, in Austin to Andrew and Ingeborg (Bakketun) Hylle. He was a 1939 graduate of Austin High School and was an after-school custodian from 1938 until 1942. He was drafted into the Army during World War II and served with the engineers in Europe for three years. He worked as a mechanic for Hormel Foods Corp. from his return from the war until 1985, when he retired. He married Doris Nelson Sept. 10, 1949, in Austin. He was a lifelong member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and volunteered with transportation for organizations such as People Needing People, Wee Learning, the church van and St. Mark's van. He taught Sunday school for 35 years and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He was among veterans honored by the French government a few years ago. He enjoyed playing snooker at the Senior Citizens Center and summer vacations at Whitefish Lake. He also enjoyed reading, sports, woodworking and playing with and reading to his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant sister and a brother, Arthur Martin. Survivors include his wife; three other children, Paul of Grand Meadow, Minn., Barbara of Minneapolis and John of Owatonna, Minn.; a sister, Selma Matter of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and two grandchildren.
February 21, 2003, Edition
Services for former Sheridan resident Ida Lenz, 96, are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, Pastor William Heine officiating. Mrs. Lenz died Monday, Oct. 30, 2000, at Aurora Hospice Care Center in Aurora, Colo. Her body was donated to the Anatomical Society of Denver and later cremated. She was born July 30, 1904, in Minnesota to Herman and Emma Gerlach Wolf. The family moved to a farm near Park City, Mont., when she was a small child, and she completed her education in Billings and Minnesota. She married George Peter Lenz on Sept. 10, 1922, in Park City. They moved to Sheridan in 1929 and, after World War II, to Thermopolis, where they opened an auto-parts store. She ran the store for a while after Mr. Lenz's death in 1952. She then worked for Gottsche Rehabilitation Center and moved to Denver, where she earned her licensed practical nurse degree from St. Luke's in 1962. She worked in the St. Luke's emergency room until retiring, then served several years as a private duty nurse. She was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Ralph Lenz, in 1976, two brothers, and four sisters in addition to her husband. Survivors include two daughters, Helen Sembra of Denver and Ruth Kerbel of Sheridan; a son, Howard Lenz, Thermopolis; a sister, Hazel DeFour, Red Lodge, Mont.; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may benefit Hospital Auxiliary in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
Pastor Louis M. Behlow, 52, of Sheridan died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Kent Bahruth officiating. Mr. Behlow was born Jan. 14, 1951, in San Francisco to Richard and Donna (Barich) Behlow. The family lived in several places before coming to Sheridan when he was a young boy. He graduated from Sheridan High School and attended Sheridan College, where he met Joyce Fuller. They married May 16, 1971, in California. They lived in Sheridan, where he worked as a carpet installer. He was pastor of Four Square Gospel Church in Buffalo for seven years and then associate pastor at Family Life Center in Sheridan. He was the timer for basketball games at Sheridan College for more than 20 years. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and enjoyed archery, bow hunting, fishing, motorcycles, snow machines and bowling. He was preceded in death by his mother; a brother, Scott; and a sister, Shari. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Rochelle Deibele and Becky Behlow, both of Big Timber, Mont; a brother, Rich of Dayton; a sister, Karen Rachelle of Carmel, Calif.; his father and stepmother, Millie Behlow, of Sheridan; and three grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to the Family life Center, 118 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Edward Sittner, 79, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, at his Sheridan residence. Cremation has taken place, and no services will be held at this time. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
Barbara Ann Knibb, 65, of Sheridan died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at Westview Health Care Center of cancer. Cremation has taken place and no service will be held at this time. Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Knibb was born July 28, 1937, in Bronx, N.Y., to John and Georgiana Huestis. She had lived in Wyoming for the past 15 years. She was an active member in recovery and support groups, was interested in American Indian culture, and was an avid lover of nature. Survivors include three daughters, Kathleen Hammock of Illinois and Susan Hammock and Jackie Knibb; three sons, Thomas Knibb of Missouri, Dale Hammock of Wyoming and Jack Hammock of California; and nine grandchildren.
James T. O'Boyle, 68, of Sheridan died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, in the Sheridan VA Medical Center. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be at a later date in Huron, S.D. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. O'Boyle was born Sept. 17, 1934, in Huron to Dominic and Genevive (Corrigan) O'Boyle. He grew up in the Huron area and left high school to serve as a nurse in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He graduated from Huron College after the war and obtained a master's degree from South Dakota State University in Aberdeen. He taught, coached, tested and counseled high school students for many years. He worked with American Indians in South Dakota. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, basketball, track and the Minnesota Vikings. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Davis. Survivors include a daughter, Deb Hofmeier of Sheridan; a son, Jim Jr. of Cody; two sisters, Jeanne Hofland of Chokio, Minn., and Patti Erlandson of St. Paul, Minn.; and four grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Homeless Shelter in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
February 20, 2003, Edition
Sheridan native Candace Shovlain Leyton, 54, died of breast cancer Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, at her residence in Vienna, Va. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna. Mrs. Leyton was born July 6, 1948, in Chadron, Neb., to E.R. (Scoop) Shovlain and Georgia Shovlain. She was a 1966 graduate of Sheridan High School, where she was an honor student. She graduated from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1970 and received a master's degree in learning disabilities in 1977 from George Mason University. She began her teaching career in Fairfax County, Va., in 1971 and was elected to the advisory board of the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She was a frequent presenter at math conferences and workshops in the early 1990s. She participated in the first national teachers group trained by New York's Metropolitan Opera to develop children's opera. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and its Sanctuary Choir in Vienna. Survivors include her husband, Peter S. of Vienna; two children, Craig H. of Charlotte, N.C., and Vanessa E. of Vienna; and one sister, Kaleen Shovlain Gilstad.
Clay M. Moeller, 21, of Sheridan died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, in Casper in a logging accident. Funeral services were this morning at Sundance United Methodist Church with the Rev. Scott Firminhac officiating. Burial will be in Miller Creek Cemetery. Mr. Moeller was born March 7, 1981, in Sundance to Monte and Deb (Humphrey) Moeller. He was a 1999 graduate of Sundance High School and attended Black Hills State University. He recently moved to Sheridan as an employee of Hutton Logging. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, music, art and working on his car. His father preceded him in death. Survivors include his mother of Sundance; a sister, Candace of Bakersfield, Calif.; two brothers, Chris of Beulah and Caleb of Sundance; grandparents Tuff and Peggy Moeller of Sundance, Bud and Janice Humphrey of Aladdin and Ann and Jerry Blackford of Nevada; and two great-grandmothers, Ethel Moeller and Opal Oudin, both of Sundance. A memorial has been established in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are with Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel, Sundance.
Memorial graveside services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery for former Sheridan resident Ida Lenz, 96, who died Monday, Oct. 30, 2000, in the Aurora (Colo.) Hospice Care Center. Pastor William Heine will officiate. Cremation has taken place. Those attending may gather at Kane Funeral Home just before the service.
BIG HORN Dixie L. McKenzie, 54, of Big Horn died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, in Deaconess Hospital in Billings. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Louis Behlow, 52, of Sheridan died Thursday, Feb. 20, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
James Thomas O'Boyle, 68, of Sheridan died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. Services are pending at Kane Funeral home.
February 18, 2003, Edition
Bernard Arnold Hylle, 81, of Austin, Texas, died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin. He was father of Denise Hylle of Sheridan. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Worlein Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Mr. Hylle was born April 13, 1921, in Austin to Andrew and Ingeborg (Bakketun) Hylle. He graduated in 1939 from Austin High School. He worked as an after-school custodian from 1938 until 1942. He was drafted into the Army during World War II and served with the engineers in Europe for three years. He then worked as a mechanic for Hormel Foods Corp. until he retired in 1985. He married Doris Nelson Sept. 10, 1949, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. He was a lifelong member of St. Olaf Church and volunteered with transportation for organizations such as People Needing People, Wee Learning and St. Mark's van. He taught Sunday school 35 years and volunteered many hours to Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Hylle was among veterans honored by the French government in the late 1990s. He enjoyed playing snooker at the Senior Citizens Center and spending summer vacations at Whitefish Lake. He also enjoyed reading, sports, woodworking and playing with and reading to his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant sister and a brother, Arthur Martin. Survivors in addition to his daughter include his wife; two sons, Paul of Grand Meadow, Texas, and John Bernard of Minneapolis; a sister, Selma Matter of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and two grandchildren.
BUFFALO Glen Leroy Buck Palmer, 62, of Buffalo died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at Johnson County Health Care Center after a long illness. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel with Father John Meyer officiating. Visitation is 1-10 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Bread of Life Food Pantry or St. Francis Animal Shelter in care of Adams Funeral Home.
February 17, 2003, Edition
Barbara Knibb, 65, of Sheridan died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, in Westview Health Care Center. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
BUFFALO Caroline Josephine Sorenson, 94, of Buffalo died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at Amie Holt Care Center. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. today in Willow Grove Cemetery with Father Charles Taylor officiating. Arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Buffalo Senior Center in care of the funeral home.
Virginia M. Seagrave, 87, of Sheridan died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at her residence. Cremation has taken place. No services are planned. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Mrs. Seagrave was born July 12, 1915, in Greenville, Texas. She attended school and college in Texas and Louisiana. She married Edwin Seagrave Oct. 11, 1940, in Galveston, Texas. She lived in Bronxville, N.Y., and Seminole, Fla., before moving to Sheridan in 1996 to be near her son and family. She made beaded flowers, necklaces and other jewelry, and some of her works were displayed at Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library. She was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include a son, Charles of Big Horn; and one granddaughter.
February 15, 2003, Edition
Patricia L. "Patty" Campbell, 79, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Ray Clark officiating. Private family graveside services will be at a later date for burial of cremains. Mrs. Campbell was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Nekoosa, Wis., to Frank and Ruth (Rohmbach) Fero. She attended school in Milwaukee and moved to Lusk in 1936. The family moved to Torrance, Calif., in 1941, and Mrs. Campbell graduated that year from Torrance High School. She returned to Lusk, where she met Malcolm "Bud" Campbell. They married July 4, 1942, in Kimball, Neb. They moved to Story in 1947, and Mr. Campbell worked for the Wyoming State Fish Hatchery. The family moved to the Bird Farm at Big Horn in 1949 and lived there until Mr. Campbell retired in 1984. They moved to Sheridan, then to Escondido, Calif. They returned to Sheridan in 1993. Mrs. Campbell belonged to First Presbyterian Church and Sheridan Junior Womens Club and served on several advisory boards in the Sheridan area. She was a member of Sheridan Country Club, an avid golfer and enjoyed reading, traveling with her husband and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. Survivors include her husband; a son, Craig of Billings; a daughter, Celia Urion of Kamuela, Hawaii, and Sheridan; a brother, Rex Fero of Logan, Utah; and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Shrine Childrens Hospital, P.O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801 or to Ronald McDonald House in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan WY 82801.
February 14, 2003, Edition
Pauline R. Holmes, 83, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in the Elks Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Holmes was born March 25, 1919, in Sheridan to Paul and Ruth (Chapman) Workman. She grew up in and around Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School. She worked at Fryberger's Guest Ranch and met Ray Holmes there. They married Jan. 18, 1940, in Gillette. They worked and lived at more than a dozen ranches in Wyoming, Colorado and Montana from 1940-68. They spent the next 12 years at the Diamond Cross Ranch in Birney, Mont., until late 1980 when they moved to Sheridan. The couple were featured in a 1981 television documentary on ranching, On the Cowboy Trail, and in the book, Working Cowboy, published in 1995. Mrs. Holmes enjoyed cooking, painting, sewing and gardening and was an active member of the Cowbells (now Sheridan County CattleWomen). She spent many years working with 4-H groups. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley Dupree of Chevy Chase, Md., and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Center or the Big Horn Historical Society in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Donald H. Horsley, 74, of Sheridan died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, in Yakima, Wash. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Sunday in First Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Arthur Maendl officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling local arrangements. Mr. Horsley was born Sept. 6, 1928, in Decker, Mont., to Sherman and Jeanette Horsley. He married Dorothy P. Bugher July 4, 1953. Mrs. Horsley died in 1987, and Mr. Horsley married Rosemary Owsley in 1989. He was a bricklayer and helped build many structures in and around Wyoming and Montana. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and sports in which his children and grandchildren were involved. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren; a brother, Russell; and a sister, Marion Shimek. Survivors include his wife of Yakima; a daughter, Sherrie Legerski of Sheridan; four sons, Don and John, both of Sheridan, Frank of Gillette and Dave of Scottsbluff, Neb.; three sisters, Maxine Neadley, Virginia Boyko and Nancy Solom; eight brothers, Sherman Jr., Dick, Jack, James Skip, Jerry Wayne, Frank, John and Dale; 16 grandchildren; and nine step-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Donald H. Horsley Memorial Fund in care of Kay Roush, First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Patricia L. Patty Campbell, 79, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Ray Clark officiating. Private family graveside services will be at a later date for burial of cremains. Memorials may be made to Shrine Children's Hospital, P.O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801 or to Ronald McDonald House in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Virginia Seagrave, 87, of Sheridan died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at her residence. Services are pending. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
February 13, 2003, Edition
John T. Jack Switzer, 74, of Sheridan died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, in Westview Health Care Center. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Thursday at Kane Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday in Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ronald Stolcis officiating. Cremation has taken place in accordance with Mr. Switzer's wishes. Mr. Switzer was born in Sheridan Jan. 2, 1929, to Wayne and Esther (Waugh) Switzer. He graduated from Sheridan High School and Sheridan College and attended the University of Wyoming. He left the university to go to Arizona after he and his brothers bought a ranch there. The ranch was later sold, and Mr. Switzer worked as a wrangler for the Flying E ranch and on the Desert Caballeros Ride held annually in Wickenburg, Ariz. He ranched in Arizona, Colorado and Montana before returning to Sheridan. He enjoyed photography, cowboy poetry and sports, was active in jackpot rodeos, and assisted as a rodeo timer. He was a lifetime Sheridan Booster Club member, a member of the first Boys State group to go from Sheridan to Washington, D.C., in 1946, and a member of the After 50 Club in Sheridan and the Elks Lodge in Wickenburg. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bob. Survivors include four sisters, Prudence Grunkemeyer and Marilyn Toland, both of Sheridan, Frances Brewster of Burlington, Iowa, and Nancy Haynos of St. Marys, Kan.; three brothers, Dean of Circle, Mont., Kenneth of Ojai, Calif., and Bill of Las Vegas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan High School Booster Club or the Sheridan College Rodeo Team in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Glen Howard Jack Sweem, 83, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003, at Sheridan Manor. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday in First United Methodist Church in Upton with the Rev. Tom Saur officiating. Burial will be in Upton Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Mr. Sweem was born Feb. 16, 1919, on the Sweem homestead three miles east of Upton to James H. and Frances Hulbert Sweem. He attended Upton Elementary School and was a 1937 graduate of high school in Hot Springs, S.D. He attended Black Hills Teachers College in 1938 on a football scholarship. He enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard in 1939 and joined the U.S. Army in 1941. He married Frances Pollard Oct. 5, 1941, in Moorcroft. He operated the family farm at Upton and worked at bentonite plants. He later worked 14 years at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs. He loved farming and ranches, horses, cattle, the Big Horn Mountains, hunting elk and fly-fishing. Survivors include his wife of Sheridan; a son, John Leroy of Sheridan; a daughter, Glenda Faye Mobley of Moorcroft; four granddaughters; and seven great-grandchildren.
Donald H. Horsley, 74, of Sheridan died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, in Yakima, Wash. Cremation has taken place in Yakima. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Sunday in First Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Arthur Maendl officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling local arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Donald H. Horsley Memorial Fund in care of Kay Roush, First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Patricia L. Campbell, 79, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Pauline Holmes, 83, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in the Elks Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.
February 12, 2003, Edition
Joseph W. Fox, 89, of Sheridan died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Viewing will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Jack Shriver officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mr. Fox was born March 25, 1913, in Kingfisher, Okla., to John and Elsie (Warren) Fox. The family homesteaded in Montana, then moved to the Sheridan area. Mr. Fox was a 1932 graduate of Sheridan High School and worked on ranches near Arvada and for Railway Express in Sheridan. He worked for Railway Express in Washington state during World War II. He returned to Sheridan after the war and was a logger with Shrum Lumber Co. until he purchased a ranch south of Sheridan. He married Katherine Wantulok May 6, 1952, in Red Lodge, Mont. He was preceded in death by his wife; brothers Jerry, Gene, Guil and Art; and his companion, Edith Collins. Survivors include two sons, Joe Fox of Sheridan and Jack Shriver of Walnut Creek, Calif.; a daughter, Mary Ann Conis of Federal Way, Wash.; a brother, Lester Fox of Sheridan; a sister, Barbara Roach of San Francisco; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
DAYTON Chester C. Gupton, 89, of Dayton died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, at his residence. Funeral services will be 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Goodin officiating. Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette. Mr. Gupton was born Jan. 10, 1914, in Fulford, Fla., to Timothy and Celia (Lackous) Gupton. He grew up on the family's ranch near Gillette and was a graduate of Campbell County High School. He married Gladys Thompson Nov. 11, 1935, in Hot Springs, S.D. He worked on ranches in Campbell and Sheridan counties and went to work for the Padlock in 1952. He became cow foreman and worked on the ranch 45 years. He was a member of the Padlock Roping Club and a 50-year member of the Odd Fellows. He enjoyed mules, fishing, rodeo, reading Westerns and raising roses. He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, Tim; and a daughter, Virginia. Survivors include his friend and companion, Kitty Brooks of Dayton; two sons, J.C. of Dayton and Neil of Lost Springs; a daughter, Roxine Dunne of Rancho Murieta, Calif.; a brother, Sam of Gibbonsville, Idaho; a sister, Mary Morel of Sheridan; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Patsy Jean Bergstrom, 76, of Sheridan died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, in Deaconess Hospital in Billings. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Peter Zietlow officiating. Mrs. Bergstrom was born July 20, 1926, in Upton to Keith and Leta Taylor. She grew up on the family ranch near Sundance and was a graduate of Sundance High School. She attended Black Hills Teachers College at Spearfish, S.D., St. McNamara School of Nursing in Rapid City and the University of Wyoming. She married Robert Bergstrom June 30, 1948, in Newcastle. They lived in Fort Collins, Colo., Newcastle, Worland and Laramie before moving to Sheridan in 1994. Mrs. Bergstrom was a member of Phi Sigma Alpha Sorority, Christian Women's Club and the Hospital Auxiliary. She also was a member of First United Methodist Church, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir in Tucson, Ariz., during winters there. She enjoyed dancing and reading. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2001 and a daughter, Terri Linn. Survivors include two sons, Arthur of Banner and Timothy of Mesa, Ariz.; a brother, Bill Taylor of San Jose, Calif.; and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Bergstrom Memorial Funds in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
John T. "Jack" Switzer, 74, of Sheridan died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, in Westview Health Care Center. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday at Kane Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday in Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ronald Stolcis officiating. Cremation has taken place in accordance with Mr. Switzer's wishes. Memorials may be made to Sheridan High School Booster Club or the Sheridan College Rodeo Team, both in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Glen Sweem, 83, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
February 11, 2003, Edition
John T. Jack Switzer, 74, of Sheridan died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, in Westview Health Care Center. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Virginia Louise Carlton, 80, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place with Kane Funeral Home handling arrangements. Inurnment will be in Minden, Neb., in the spring. She was born April 12, 1922, in Rockford, Ill., and lived most of her life in Nebraska, moving to Sheridan in 2000. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Russell A. Reckard, and second husband, Ralph Carlton. Survivors include her son, Rod L. Reckard of Sheridan; two sisters, Mildred Mercer of Massillon, Ohio, and Esther Eaton of Bertrand, Neb.; one brother, Robert Marble of California; three grandsons; and several nieces and nephews.
Joseph W. Fox, 89, Sheridan, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Viewing is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, the Rev. Jack Shriver officiating, with burial in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.
Patsy Jean Bergstrom, 76, Sheridan, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, at Billings Deaconess Hospital. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home, the Rev. Peter Zietlow officiating.
Chester C. Gupton, 89, Dayton, died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, at his home. Services are 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home, Pastor Dennis Goodin officiating, with burial at 11 a.m. in Mount Pisgah Cemetery, Gillette.
February 10, 2003, Edition
Pauline Polly Kuzara, 91, died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, at her home in Sheridan. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Interment will be in the Elks Cemetery. Mrs. Kuzara was born Dec. 8, 1911, in Sheridan to John and Nora Caywood. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1930 and from the University of Wyoming in 1934 with a bachelor of arts degree in physical education. She was a member of the Chi Omega and Phi Gamma Nu sororities and frequently visited the university and her sororities during homecoming activities. She married Stanley Kuzara June 8, 1935, in Golden, Colo. They lived in Sheridan, Casper, Cheyenne, Roswell, N.M., Denver, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Pueblo, Colo., before returning to Sheridan in 1949. She assisted her husband in many endeavors including the real estate and insurance business, the International Association of Turtles and the Wyomo Oil Co. She was an active member for years in the Does and PERLS organizations. She and her husband traveled abroad several times and in the United States while attending real estate and Elks conventions and other activities. She was preceded in death by her husband in January 2000. Survivors include her daughter, Janet Kilpatrick, of Sedona, Ariz.; sons Rick of Sheridan and Robert of Bellevue, Neb.; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to the Elks Cemetery Fund in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Virginia Louise Carlton, 80, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place with Kane Funeral Home handling arrangements. Interment will be in Minden, Neb., in the spring. She was born April 12, 1922, in Rockford, Ill., and lived most of her life in Nebraska, moving to Sheridan in 2000. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Russell A. Record, and second husband, Ralph Carlton. Survivors include her son, Rod L. Record of Sheridan; two sisters, Mildred Mercer of Massillon, Ohio, and Esther Eaton of Bertrand, Neb.; one brother, Robert Marble of California; three grandsons; and several nieces and nephews.
BUFFALO Joan Edna Jody Roediger, 73, of Buffalo died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo with the Rev. Mike Carlton officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-10 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Memorials may be made to the Arc of Natrona County in care of Adams Funeral Home.
William Edward Bill Semler, 74, of Bayfield, Colo., died Friday, Feb. 7, 2003, at his residence after a long illness. He was brother of Michael D. Semler of Sheridan. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday in Pine River Valley Baptist Church in Durango, Colo. Burial will be in Ignacio Cemetery-East in Ignacio, Colo. Visitation will be noon until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hood Mortuary. Mr. Semler was born Sept. 6, 1928, in Durango to Gustav and Martha Semler. He worked on pipelines and drilling rigs in northern New Mexico and worked winters at the sawmill in Bayfield. He worked for Basin Livestock for many years, then for High Country Cattle. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines. He married Lydia E. Kennedy May 31, 1960, in Durango. He was a member of the Oxford Grange. He enjoyed fishing, baling hay, hunting and guns. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Paul G., Herbert Teddy and Jack. Survivors in addition to his brother include his wife of Bayfield; two sons, Wayne and Jack, both of Bayfield; a sister, Betty Louise Bishop of Olathe, Colo.; and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Mercy, 375 E. Park Ave., Durango, CO 81301; or to Ignacio Young Farmers Scholarship Fund in care of Larry Baird, 1495 C.R. 321, Ignacio, CO 81137.
Chester Clayton Gupton, 89, of Sheridan died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, at his residence. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Joseph W. Fox, 89, of Sheridan died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Patsy Bergstrom, 76, of Sheridan died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, in Billings Deaconess Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
February 8, 2003, Edition
Myrtle B. Trumbull, 83, of Buffalo died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, in the Amie Holt Care Center. She was mother of James Trumbull of Sheridan. Visitation will be 1-10 p.m. Sunday at Adams Funeral Home in Buffalo. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday in the Church of Christ in Buffalo with evangelists Doug Stahl and Dennis Steele officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Trumbull was born Aug. 25, 1919, in Mount Pleasant Township, Pa., to George and Maude McDermott. She grew up and was educated in Pennsylvania. She married Domer Grace on May 27, 1937. She worked as a telephone operator in the Navy Department in Washington, D.C., and in defense plants. She married Elmer Pritts on Aug. 26, 1946. They lived in Stahlstown, Pa., where she worked for the Rolling Rock Country Club. She married James Trumbull on Dec. 17, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Mich., and they lived there until 1971, when Mrs. Trumbull moved to Ligonier, Pa. She moved to Buffalo in 1978. She enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables with friends and working in her yard and garden. She was preceded in death by three sons, a sister, two brothers and two grandchildren. Survivors include another son, Ralph Pritts of Texas; four daughters, Eva Thomas of Dunedin, Fla., Sandra Corey of Caldwell, Idaho, Ella Mae Clingerman of Buffalo and Eleanor Ruth Hemmerling of Douglas; two sisters, Mary Hoffer of Waterford, Pa., and Melinda Stahovic of Latrobe, Pa.; 26 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Church of Christ in care of Adams Funeral Home.
Former Sheridan resident Joseph G. Papa Joe Byrtus, 86, died Friday, Feb. 7, 2003, in Shepherd of the Valley Care Center in Casper. Rosary will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday in Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ronald Stolcis officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with Rite of Committal and military rites by the National Guard and Honorary Guard of Sheridan. Casper arrangements are with Bustard's Funeral Home and Crematory. Mr. Byrtus was born Aug. 1, 1916, in Kooi to Michael Frank and Kathryn (Evaniski) Byrtus. He attended school in Kleenburn. The family moved to Sheridan in the early 1930s, and Mr. Byrtus worked for Archie Craig, who owned the Sheridan Greenhouse. Mr. Byrtus enlisted in the military in the late 1930s. He was stationed in Monterey, Calif., and was assigned to the medical corps at the outbreak of World War II. He served the war years on a hospital ship that transported wounded individuals back to the United States. He married his wife, Helen, in 1943 after meeting her in New York. They returned to New York after he was discharged, and he operated a crane for the construction company that many years later built the World Trade Center. They lived in New Jersey after his retirement, until Mrs. Byrtus died. Mr. Byrtus returned to Wyoming to be with family. He enjoyed working on vintage cars and machinery and collecting and restoring old clocks. He loved to dance. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Michael, Edward and Rudolph; and three sisters, Mary Delcamp, Bettie True and Cornelia Dennis. Survivors include a daughter, Teresa of New York; and two sisters, Frances Wright of Sheridan and Stell Coffman of Sunset, Utah. Memorials may be made to Holy Name School in Sheridan.
Virginia Carlton, 80, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place with arrangements by Kane Funeral Home. Burial will be in Minden, Neb., in the spring.
Pauline Kuzara, 91, of Sheridan died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, at her residence. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in the Elks Cemetery.
February 7, 2003, Edition
Sheridan native Margaret Marie Medley, 79, of Casper died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in the Wyoming Medical Center. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Casper. Mrs. Medley was born Dec. 23, 1923, in Sheridan to Henry and Alice (Ferguson) Jenkins. She was a 1941 graduate of Big Horn High School and a 1943 graduate of business school in Sheridan. She married William Oatts Sr. in 1945 in Sheridan. They later divorced. She married Harry S. Medley Feb. 1, 1956, in Casper, where they made their home. She worked as a legal secretary for various attorneys and oil companies until 1977, when she opened the Turquoise Shop in the Ramada Inn. She operated the shop until retiring in 1984. She was active in Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9439 and was a Pink Lady at the Wyoming Medical Center for many years. She enjoyed playing bingo, needlepoint, gambling at Prairie Winds in South Dakota, watching game shows and collecting art. She was preceded in death by Mr. Medley in 1993; a brother, Bud; and a sister, Merle Denton. Survivors include four sons, William Oatts Jr. of Sheridan, Mark Medley and Matthew Medley, both of Casper, and Michael Medley of Silver City, N.M.; three daughters, Michelle Meeks of Riverton, Debra Berk of Las Vegas and Laurie Chomiak of Provo, Utah; a sister, Ada Smith of Sheridan; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wyoming, P.O. Box 273, Casper, WY 82602.
Jesse E. Dannels, 75, of Decatur, Ark., died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. He was father of Frank Dannels of Sheridan. Cremation has taken place, and family memorial services are planned later. Arrangements are with Parker Mortuary of Joplin. Mr. Dannels was born July 30, 1927, in Altoona, Kan., to Leonard Bud Dannels and Stella Mae Noakes Dannels.
Arlene E. Truax, 88, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in the home of her caregiver, Karen Shell, in Banner. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Kane Funeral Home handled local arrangements. Mrs. Truax was born Feb. 22, 1914, in Ottawa, Ill., to Dora (Mick) and Arthur Snook. She completed school, then married Lloyd Truax in Ovid, Colo. She was a homemaker and rancher for most of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Jerrald. Survivors include three daughters, Lorene Smidley of Banner and Darlene Haight and Patsy Wilhelm, both of Steamboat Springs. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Center in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Edith Mae (Kimmel) Collins, 87, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in Rapid City. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Saturday and 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in the Elks Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Collins was born May 14, 1915, on a homestead near Young's Creek, Mont. She attended Pearl School on Young's Creek and was a 1933 graduate of Sheridan High School. She married George Joe Collins Sept. 16, 1933, in Hardin, Mont. He died in 1984. Mrs. Collins worked at the high school until she and her husband bought the 88-cent Store. She also worked at the CloverLeaf Bakery and Safeway and alongside her husband on ranches. She liked to dance and loved country music. She crocheted, played cards, and enjoyed looking at family pictures, hunting and fishing and spending time with her children and their families. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, two brothers and six sisters. Survivors include a son, Kelly of Sheridan; three daughters, Judy Yorio of Rapid City and Marjorie Mitrenga and Jeannette Douglas, both of Sheridan; a sister, Ada Spear of Sheridan; 22 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Sheridan Pastor Joseph Aaron Keys Jr., 56, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, of cancer. Memorial services are 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, and 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in Polson, Mont. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Keys was born July 24, 1946, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Lillian and Joseph Keys. He grew up in Macedonia, Iowa. He attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and studied philosophy and religion as an undergraduate. At Claremont School of Theology, he received a master's degree and Ph.D. in international development. He began his ministry as an undergraduate student serving churches in rural Iowa and continued to work as youth minister in southern California while finishing graduate school. He served in Sierra Leon in West Africa as a graduate student intern for the United Methodist Church in 1970-71. He met his wife, Sally, at the Congregational Church of the Good Shepherd when he went to California for graduate school. They married Aug. 15, 1971, in Oneonta Congregational Church in Pasadena, Calif. He was ordained a deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1972. They served as missionaries in Meru, Kenya, from 1978-1985. He served 27 churches and was rural development coordinator for the Meru District of the Methodist Church in Kenya. He was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church while serving in Kenya. They returned to California in 1985 but wanted to raise their family in a rural environment. They accepted a call to the First United Methodist Church in Polson. He served the church and community for eight years. He was active in the Post Polson Players and choral groups. The family moved to Sheridan in 1993, where he served as pastor at First United Methodist Church until his death. He was active in the Sheridan Ministerial Association and UMC Yellowstone Conference committees, chairman of Hospice of the Bighorns, and served on the Wyoming Girl Scout Council and as an officer with the Wyoming Church Coalition. He cherished fly-fishing and hunting with his son and time spent with his family. He appreciated all kinds of music, loved travel and working with youth, and was a Macintosh computer aficionado. Survivors include his wife; his mother of Polson; a daughter, Jocelyn Smiley, of Salem, Ore.; and a son, Joseph, of Bozeman, Mont. He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Julia. Memorials are suggested to the memorial fund at the Sheridan and Polson United Methodist Church to be used for youth ministry, mission or scholarships.
Virginia Carlton, 80, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place with Kane Funeral Home handling arrangements. Mrs. Collins will be buried in Minden, Neb., in the spring.
Pauline Kuzara, 91, of Sheridan died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, at her residence. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
February 6, 2003, Edition
Edwin Thomas Ted Meredith III, 69, of Big Horn died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, in the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Cremation has taken place, and Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines. Dunn's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Meredith was born Feb. 7, 1933, in Chicago. He was grandson of the founder of Des Moines-based Meredith Corp., which publishes Better Homes and Gardens, Successful Farming, and other home and family magazines. He majored in geology at the University of Arizona and joined the family business in 1956 after serving three years in the U.S. Army. He held management positions in the company's magazine, book and printing groups. He became chairman of the executive committee of the board of directors in 1988, a position he held at the time of his death. He lived most of his life in Big Horn on the family ranch. He was a director of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the J.N. Ding Darling Foundation and a trustee of the Iowa 4-H Foundation and the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Mont. He was active with the Boys & Girls Club of America. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Mid Meredith Zuendel. Survivors include his wife, Katie of Des Moines; a son, E.T. Tom Meredith IV of Big Horn; a daughter, Mell Meredith Frazier of Des Moines; and eight grandchildren.
Felix W. Sowada, 91, of Sheridan died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Visitation will be 1-5 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis as celebrant. Burial will be in the Elks Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mr. Sowada was born Sept. 27, 1911, in St. Wendel, Minn., to Valentine and Rosalia (Waverek) Sowada. He grew up and attended schools in Minnesota. He and his eight brothers formed their own baseball team and played teams from other towns. He worked on a farm for his room and board before joining the Army in 1931. He was discharged in 1933. He returned to Minnesota and married Alice Peterson July 15, 1941. He worked for the Veterans Administration. He transferred to the Sheridan VA Hospital in 1958. He was a coordinator in the physical, medical and rehabilitation services. He retired in 1966. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Sheridan Elks Lodge 520, a former member of the Knights of Columbus, the Jeepherders and numerous card clubs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball, gardening and rock hunting. He was preceded in death by five brothers, two sisters and one grandchild. Survivors include four sons, Felix of Gillette, David of Rock Springs, Robert of Grand Junction, Colo., and Paul of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a daughter, Alice of Martinsburg, W.Va.; three brothers, Ernie, Moses and Mickey, all of Minnesota; two sisters, Lorraine Petersen of Clear Lake, Minn., and Irene Jozefiak of Chicago; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Holy Name Catholic Church, 260 E. Loucks St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Lloyd Red Rooster Griffith, 96, of Newcastle died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, in Weston County Manor. Survivors include a sister, Dolly, of Sheridan. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. Sunday in Worden Funeral Chapel, Newcastle. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday in the high school auditorium in Weston County with Pastors Al Sims and Norm Brotzman officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery followed by coffee at Michaels' Senior Center. Mr. Griffith was born near Red Butte Nov. 2, 1906, to Tim and Annie (Mock) Griffith. He was the self-proclaimed guardian of Red Butte, a geologic landmark north of Newcastle, protecting the site with a double-barreled shotgun against trespassers. He enjoyed playing music and being with friends. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Winnie, Fern and Buleauh; two half sisters, Elvira Vine and Minnie Vine; and three half brothers, Johnny Vine, Harry Vine and Pete Vine. Memorials may be made to Weston County Manor.
The Rev. Joseph A. Keys Jr., 56, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday in First United Methodist Church with Rev. David Duprey and Rev. Nancy Slabaugh-Hart officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
BUFFALO Gerald John Bugher, 64, of Buffalo died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in the Johnson County Health Care Center after a short illness. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Carlton officiating. Visitation will be 1-10 p.m. Friday and 9-11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Adams Funeral Home.
Edith Mae Collins, 87, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in Rapid City. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Virginia Carlton, 80, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in Sheridan Manor. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
February 5, 2003, Edition
Felix W. Sowada, 91, of Sheridan died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Visitation will be 1-5 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis as celebrant. Burial will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Holy Name Catholic Church, 200 E. Loucks St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Former Sheridan resident Harvey (Hollis) Cantrell, 74, of Phoenix, died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, in Phoenix. He was brother of Daisy Williams of Sheridan. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday in the Good News Bible Church, 218 W. Burkitt St. in Sheridan, with the Rev. Berry Moen officiating. Mr. Cantrell worked many years at Sheridan Iron Works and was a longtime member of Sheridan Moose Lodge. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; a daughter, Zillie; two brothers, William and Buster; and a sister, Myrtle. Survivors include five children, Tony, Jack, Patsy and Hollis, all of Phoenix, and Bill of Phoenix and Oklahoma; another sister, Francis Ballard of Chicago; and several grandchildren.
Joseph A. Keys, 56, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
February 4, 2003, Edition
BUFFALO Marguerite Luella Maggie Knudson, 94, of Buffalo died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, in the Amie Holt Care Center in Buffalo. She was mother of three Sheridan County residents. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the church with Father Charles Taylor as celebrant. Mrs. Knudson was born Oct. 22, 1908, in Holbrook, Iowa, to John and Honora Slattery Smith. The family moved to the Copps Ranch on Clear Creek, about 12 miles east of Buffalo, when she was 6. The family later moved to the 3U Ranch south of Arvada. Mrs. Knudson attended high school in Buffalo, earned a teaching certificate and taught in rural schools in the Arvada community. She married Carl Knudson in 1939. They bought the Crazy Woman Ranch on Powder River and lived there until 1976, when they retired to Buffalo. Mrs. Knudson was preceded in death by her husband in 1976 and by two brothers and seven sisters. Survivors include two sons, Ken and Ed, both of Arvada; a daughter, Margaret Briesmeister of Ucross; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Arlene E. Truax, 88, of Sheridan died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at the home of her caretaker, Karen Shell. Burial will be in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Local arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
February 3, 2003, Edition
Former Sheridan resident Janice Lee (Spencer) Mahoney, 62, of Casper died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, after a battle with cancer. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in First Assembly of God Church with Pastor A.G. Miller officiating. Arrangements are with Bustards Funeral Home. Mrs. Mahoney was born Jan. 11, 1941, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Thelma Mae (Moser) and George Spencer. The family moved to Casper when she was 7 years old, and she graduated from Natrona County High School in 1959. She married Duane Mahoney July 5, 1959. They moved to Sheridan in 1960 and returned to Casper in 1970. Mrs. Mahoney drove a bus for the Wyoming School for the Deaf. She was a co-parent for many students who attended the school. She and her husband owned and operated Blue American Lenders Service Co. from 1980-2000. Mrs. Mahoney also owned and operated Blue Ribbon Awards, worked as a hostess at Fireside Dining and worked with Great Western Insurance Co. in conjunction with Bustards Funeral Home. She belonged to First Assembly of God Church, where she played the organ, taught Sunday school and served in women's ministry and as a greeter. She was preceded in death by her husband and a sister, Donna Kay Eads. Survivors include two sons, Kip and Spencer; a daughter, Annette DuBridge; two sisters, Linda Stamm of Salt Lake City and Martha Meloy of Oklahoma City; a brother, Keith Spencer of Riverton; and four grandsons. Memorials may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice.
February 1, 2003, Edition
Donald W. Moser, 72, of Berne, Ind., died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003. He was father of Dianne Bramwell of Sheridan. Funeral services were at Cross United Church of Christ in Berne. Burial was in the MRE Cemetery in Berne. Mr. Moser was born Jan. 25, 1930, to Franklin and Evelyn (Love) Moser. He married Kathleen Kauffman April 29, 1948. He owned and operated R&D Trucker until he retired. He was a Democratic member of his county council for 12 years, a member of Cross United Church of Christ and former member of the church consistory. He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul William. Survivors in addition to his daughter include his wife; three sons, Randy, Doug and Reid, all of Berne; a brother, Richard F. of Bluffton, Ind.; and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Sheridan.
Thomas Hunt, 55, Sheridan, died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Viewing is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home. The family encourages his Vietnam-veteran brothers to attend. Graveside services are 1 p.m. Tuesday at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, S.D. Mr. Hunt was born Nov. 28, 1947, in Hurst, Ill., to Frank and Jeanette (Tripp) Hunt. He served in the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam and was discharged in 1968. He was a motorcycle enthusiast who also enjoyed camping, saddlery and building models. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Tia Hunt. Survivors include his wife; a son, Ian Hunt, Sheridan; and two grandchildren.
Felix Sowada, 91, of Sheridan died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
GILLETTE Funeral Services for Kenneth James Melton, 49, are 11 a.m.Monday at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Gillette, Wyoming, with Pastor Martin Crump officiating. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Sundayat the Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel, Gillette.Mr. Melton died Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, in Odessa of natural causes. He was born Aug. 8, 1953, in Clinton, Ark., to Neil and Paula Bingham. As a toddler he and his family moved to El Paso where he was raised and educated. Following high school he attended trade school in Fort Worth earning his certification in mechanics. After school he moved to Billings to pursue his career in a machine shop. There he married Cindy Shima. They later divorced. In 1987 he moved to Sheridan and worked for IPGI, where he was part of creating the first hard chrome facility in Wyoming. In Sheridan, he met Katie Panetta; they married April 6, 1990 in Deadwood, S.D. In late 1992, the couple moved to Gillette, where he began working for EMS. Survivors include his wife Katie, of Gillette; his son, Tyler Eugene of Gillette; daughter Shawna Marie of Salt Lake City, Utah; his father, Neil, of Odessa, Texas; a brother, Mickey Joe; and a sister, Sue. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother. Memorials are suggested in Ken's name and can be sent to Stevenson Funeral Home, 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716.Home.