Sheridan County's Daily NEWSpaper

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JANUARY 31, 2002, EDITION

Bill Needens

BUFFALO — Former Sheridan County rancher Bill Needens, 83, of Buffalo died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, at his home. Visitation will be 1-10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Carlton officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery. Mr. Needens was born April 29, 1918, on the Crow Indian Reservation near Hardin, Mont., to Jacob and Molly Needens. The family moved to Wyoming when he was a child, and he attended schools in Sheridan and Big Horn. He worked at ranches in Montana and Wyoming and operated a ranch in Wilsall, Mont., before buying and operating a ranch in Sheridan County. He married Ethel Graham Dec. 16, 1939. They lived on the Haley Ranch northeast of Buffalo. He married Juanita Brooks on Jan. 2, 1974. They resided in Buffalo, raising yearlings and operating the stockyards until he retired in 1994. He was director of the Co-op in Sheridan for several years and was a member of the school boards at Wilsall and the Shell Creek School. He was a member of the local roping club and provided livestock for the club’s events. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ed and Walt, and a grandson, Shelby Brooks. Survivors include his wife, of Buffalo; a son, William W. “Sonny” of Buffalo; a daughter, Robbin Murdock of Buffalo; two stepsons, Allen Brooks of Buffalo and Myron Brooks of Crawford, Neb.; two stepdaughters, Sandra Rives of Arvada, Colo., and Betty Knudson of Havre, Mont.; two brothers, Ike of George, Wash., and George of Dillon, Mont.; three sisters, Elsie Slusher and Helen Lind, both of Quincy, Wash., and Hilda Anderson of Sheridan; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Wesleyan Church Building Fund in care of Adams Funeral Home.

Sally Gilliland

Sheridan native Sally May Gilliland, 73, of Birney, Mont., died Monday, Jan. 28, 2002. A celebration of her life will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Elks Lodge in Sheridan. Family graveside services will be at a later date. Mrs. Gilliland was born Sept. 22, 1928, in Sheridan to Henry and Dorothy Woodard. She was a graduate of Sheridan High School and attended the University of Montana in Missoula. She married James Gilliland June 24, 1950, at the Three Circle Ranch in Birney. He preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, James; a daughter, Sue M. Anderson of Parkman; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Birney Church or the Elks Cemetery Fund in care of Delphine Toner at First Interstate Bank in Sheridan.

Frederick Whaley

Sheridan native Frederick Jackson Whaley, 27, of Worland died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, in Washakie Medical Center of complications from a train/car accident. He was the son of Keith Whaley of Sheridan. Funeral services were 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center with Pastor Anthony Roberts from the Church of God of Prophecy officiating. Private burial will be at a later date with graveside military rites by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bryant Funeral Home of Worland is handling arrangements. Mr. Whaley was born April 17, 1974, in Sheridan to Keith David and Betty Lou (Kraft) Whaley. The family moved to Worland when he was 2. He was a 1993 graduate of Worland High School. He married Kathryn Ann Kumpe on April 16, 2001, in Worland. He worked for the Worland School District, Pamida Discount, Swing Motor, Comfort Inn and, at the time of his death, 3-J’s Welding. He was preceded in death by grandfathers Jacob Kraft and Jack Whaley, and a grandmother, Vivian Bader. Other survivors include his wife and infant son, Matthew, and his mother and stepfather, Betty Lou and Duane King, all of Worland; his stepmother, Joyce Whaley of Sheridan; a sister, Tesa Lou King of Worland; two stepbrothers, Alan King of Amarillo, Texas, and Wayne Deatherage of Guymon, Okla.; four stepsisters, Rita Garcia of Worland, Rhonda Neighbors of Gillette and Mellissa Hazillt and Joyce Ann Laferty, both of Ardmore, Okla.; and a grandmother, Della Kraft of Worland. Memorials may be made to the Matthew Whaley Education Fund in care of Bryant Funeral Home, P.O. Box 524, Worland, WY 82401.

Maryanna Cooke

Maryanna D. Cooke, 84, of Wallingford, Conn., died Monday, Jan. 21, 2002, at the Masonic Geriatric Healthcare Center in Wallingford. She was mother of Susan Appell of Sheridan. Mrs. Cooke was born April 18, 1917, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Harold and Gladys Drake Williams. She taught in the Meriden and Wallingford school systems in Connecticut and was the first director of the Wallingford Day Care Center. She was a member of First Congregational Church in Wallingford. She was preceded in death by her first husband, A. Raymond Mahan; her second husband, Philander Cooke; and a brother, John R. Williams. Survivors include two other daughters, Mary Elizabeth Mahan of Conventry, Conn., and Diane Mahan Singh of Boulder, Colo.; four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Memorials may be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield, CT 06430, or to the First Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 23 S. Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492.

JANUARY 30, 2002, EDITION

Jerod Disney

Jerod D. Disney, 16, of Sheridan died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the family’s home, 53 Valley View Drive. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church with Pastors Kenneth Doolin and Tony Forman co-officiating. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rifle, Colo. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Disney was born June 21, 1985, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Charles and Deborah (Carlton) Disney. He grew up in a military setting. The family lived in Sioux Falls, Omaha, Neb., Fort Collins and Aurora, Colo., and Casper before moving to Sheridan. He was an avid hunter and played football and soccer. He loved to visit family in Hawaii and was a ranch hand on his uncle’s ranch in Oahu. He loved riding horses, motocross racing and four-wheeling. He worked at the Holiday Inn and McDonald’s. Survivors include his father of Sheridan and mother of Cheyenne; a brother, Robert J. of Sheridan; two sisters, Amanda and Kassandra Disney, both of Cheyenne; grandmothers Ethel Gibson of Waimanalo, Hawaii, and Kathryn Latham of Rifle; and grandfathers Charles L. Disney of Dove Creek, Colo., and Ronnie J. Carlton of Dunlap, Calif. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan FFA Program in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Mable Trehearne

BUFFALO — Former Arvada resident Mable Trehearne, 102, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, at the Shepherd of the Valley Care Center in Casper. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Carlton officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Trehearne was born March 5, 1899, in Buffalo to Alva and Maggie Lorah. She grew up in the Arvada area and married Lyle Trehearne there April 26, 1921. She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, Tom and Joe Lorah, and four sisters, Ethel Michelena, Emma Stewart, Myrtle Walsh and Josie Lorah. Survivors include a son, Lyle “Bud” Trehearne of Riverton; a daughter, Majorie Barker of Casper; a sister, Alice Christiansen of Douglas; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Buffalo Senior Center in care of Adams Funeral Home.

Delma Rummel

Delma C. “Thelma” Rummel, 80, of Hanover, Pa., died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, at Hanover Hall. She was mother of Lloyd G. Rummel of Sheridan. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hanover with the Rev. Joseph Gotwalt as celebrant. Burial will be in Marburg Memorial Gardens. Viewings are this evening and 10:30 until 11:30 Thursday at Panebaker Funeral Home in Hanover, with a prayer service at 8 p.m. today. Mrs. Rummel was born May 23, 1921, in Gettysburg, Pa., to William J. and Mary “Nellie” Horner Althoff. She attended school in Gettysburg and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hanover. She married Lloyd E. Rummel Nov. 29, 1941. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert J. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Bonnie R. Long of Hanover and Lisa A. Rummel of New Cumberland, Pa.; four other sons, Terry W. of New Oxford, Pa., Wayne E. of Thornton, Colo., and James A. and Rick W., both of Hanover; 19 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 5055 Grandview Road, Hanover, PA 17331.

John Strandholm

John A. “Jack” Strandholm, 76, of Michigan died Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, at Riverside Osteopathic Hospital in Trenton, Mich. He was father of John Strandholm of Sheridan. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Reamer Funeral Home in Pickford, Mich. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Ensign officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville in the spring. Mr. Strandholm was born May 30, 1925, in St. Petersburg, Fla., to Swedish immigrants John and Hannah Strandholm. The family moved to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula when he was an infant, and he grew up there in Hessel. He enlisted in the Navy Seabees as a carpenter’s mate at age 18 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He worked 30 years for the Cadillac Motor Car Co. in Detroit and was a member of Hessel Presbyterian Church, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Law-White Post in Hessel. Other survivors include his wife, Cleda; a son, Jeffery; a daughter, Karen; a sister, Margaret Muscoe; and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Motor Neuron Disease Fund, 1914/0316 Taubman Center, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0316; or to Hessel Presbyterian Church, Hessel, MI 49745.

JANUARY 29, 2002, EDITION

Vernon Hunter

Former Tongue River High School teacher Vernon A. Hunter, 72, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, at his ranch in Gillette. Vigil services will be 7 p.m. today at St. David’s Church in Broadus, Mont. Mass of Christian Burial will be recited at the church at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment will be on his family ranch in accordance with his request. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Hunter was born June 14, 1929, in Gillette to Albert A. and Leatha M. (Anderson) Hunter. He grew up on the family ranch in northern Campbell County and was a 1947 graduate of Johnson County High School in Buffalo. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Marquette University and was on the faculty of Tongue River High School 14 years. He was a past exalted ruler of Sheridan Elks Lodge 520. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was a member of the American Legion for many years. He was a life member of the National Education Association and Marquette Alumni Association. Survivors include two daughters, Elisa R. Bruce of Banner and Elana M. Hunter McLean of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a son, Leslie M. of Bismarck, N.D.; and four grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. David’s Catholic Church in Broadus.

Darrell Allen Drake

Darrell Allen Drake, 76, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Champion-Ferries Funeral Home, Pastor James Burt officiating. Viewing is 1-6 p.m. today. Mr. Drake was born Oct. 10, 1925, in Crow Agency, Mont., to W.C. and Maude Jones Drake. He attended Montana schools in Crow Agency and Hardin, until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944. He served on Iwo Jima, where he was wounded twice. Besides two Purple Hearts, he earned numerous other awards for his military service. Upon his recovery from his wounds, he also served in China. He was discharged in 1947. He married Velma Jean Robinson May 19, 1947, at Crow Agency, and worked at Custer Battlefield for the U.S. government. He also worked for the Bureau of Land Management as a ditch rider. He and his family moved to the Arvada-Spotted Horse area in 1951, where he ranched for 44 years. He retired in 1995 and moved to Sheridan. He enjoyed fishing, golf, gardening, camping, watching sports, playing guitar, and watching his children and grandchildren participate in school events. He served on the Campbell County Draft Board, School Board and Weed and Pest Board. He was also appointed to the Wyoming Wheat Commission. In Sheridan, he served on the advisory committee for the Veterans Administration at Fort MacKenzie. He participated in the U.S. Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Velma, Sheridan; four sisters, Hazel Davis of Hardin, Gertrude Denny of Garryowen, Mont., Opal Sams of Sheridan, and Bette Chimienti of Spokane, Wash.; four children, Barbara Fisgus of Albuquerque, N.M., Marilyn Howard of Gillette, and Leslie Drake and Lester Darke, both of Arvada; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ira, Howard and James Drake. Memorials are suggested to the Marine Corps League’s Big Horn Detachment Junior Shooting Team in care of Delphine Toner, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Phil Shanor

Phil Shanor, 77, of Ranchester died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, at his residence. Cremation has taken place and services are at a later date. Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Shanor was born May 7, 1924, in Sheridan to Jesse and Charlotte (Verley) Shanor. He married Karen Sells in Sheridan Jan. 7, 1953. He was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and wife. He loved the mountains, and spent most summers in the Big Horns camping and cutting wood for sale. He spent winters snowmobiling with his family and helping anyone with trouble. He donated many hours helping the Friends of Ranchester and surrounding areas. He enjoyed decorating the town and homes for Christmas. Mr. Shanor was preceded in death by a son, Joe O. Shanor; a grandson, Steven C. Shanor, two sisters, Lois J. Shanor and Mildred S. Williams; and a brother, Ray O. Shanor. Survivors include his wife, Karen, of Ranchester; a son, Steve, of Ranchester; two daughters, Terry Estes of Stuart, Fla., Robin Sullivan of Bozeman, Mont; four brothers, LeRoy Shanor of Deaver, Martin Shanor and Bill Shanor, both of Kalispell, Mont., and Bob Shanor of Powell; his sister, Betty Dalkey of Wenatchee, Wash.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Big Horns in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Marvin L. Verley

Marvin L. Verley, 64, of Sheridan died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Kane Funeral Home with Dr. Karl Hunt officiating. Mr. Verley was born Jan. 9, 1938, in Billings to Vern and Edna (Thayer) Verley. After graduation from Sheridan High School in 1957, he married Sue Compton March 25, 1960, at First United Methodist Church. Mr. Verley started and operated the Circle S Sanitation rural garbage collection service with his sons in June 1976, and remained its technical advisor. He worked 37 years for the city of Sheridan, retiring in May 1997 due to poor health. He enjoyed woodworking, growing African violets and being with his family. Mr. Verley is survived by his wife, Sue, of Sheridan; his daughter, Christy Verley of Sheridan; two sons, Randy and Allen Verley of Sheridan; four brothers, James, Fredrick and Calvin, all of Sheridan, and Herbert “Rex” of Alpine Junction. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Rocky Mountain Ambulance Service in care of Kay Roush, First Federal Savings Bank, Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Kathryn B. Day

Kathryn B. Day, 77, of Sheridan, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, at her residence. Cremation has taken place, and at her request no services will be held. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Mrs. Day was born Sept. 1, 1924, in Rochester, Ind., to Joseph and Neva (Dawson) Cunningham. After high school, she married Gene Day in Peru, Ind., Nov. 26, 1964. They owned and operated a salvage yard for many years. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and Bingo most of all. Survivors include two sons, Albert N. Bailey Jr. of Sheridan and Joe Bailey of Walkerton, Ind.; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kathryn Day Memorial Fund in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Jerod D. Disney

Jerod D. Disney, 16, of Sheridan died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the family home at 53 Valley View Drive. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church with Pastors Kenneth Doolin and Tony Forman co-officiating. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Friday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rifle, Colo. Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

JANUARY 28, 2002, EDITION

Darrell Drake

Darrell Allen Drake, 76, of Sheridan died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Burt officiating.

Marvin Verley

Marvin L. Verley, 64, of Sheridan died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.

Phil Shanor

RANCHESTER — Phil Shanor, 77, of Ranchester died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, at his residence. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.

JANUARY 25, 2002, EDITION

Eugene A. Sieczkowski

NORTH PORT, Fla. — Sheridan County native Eugene Albert Sieczkowski, 78, died here Monday, Jan. 14, 2002. Mr. Sieczkowski was born April 16, 1923, in Monarch. He was an Air Force veteran and belonged to Knights of Columbus and San Pedro Catholic Church. After retiring, he and his wife of 56 years, Gloria, traveled the country in their motor home, settling in North Port in 1999. Survivors include his wife; seven children, Sharon Marvel and Thomas E. Sieczkowski, both of East Hartford, Conn., Mary S. Eaton, Port Charlotte, Fla., Paul A. Sieczkowski, Rockport, Mass., Christine A. Gagne, Cromwell, Conn., Victoria Flores, Cheyenne, and Sally Winden, Fort Collins, Colo.; a brother, Robert Siegoski, Buffalo; three sisters, Irene Kekich, Sheridan, Theresa Markham, Aurora, Colo., and Ruth Whaples, Renton, Wash.; and 15 grandchildren. Services were Friday with arrangements by Farley Funeral Home, North Port. Memorials may benefit American Cancer Association, South County Unit, 2100 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite A, Venice, FL 34293.

JANUARY 23, 2002, EDITION

Jason Martini

Jason Henry Martini, 30, Sheridan, died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002, at Johnson County Healthcare Center in Buffalo from injuries received in a motor-vehicle accident. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Christian Church in Gillette with the Rev. Mike Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, with graveside services at 2 p.m. Mr. Martini was born Feb. 12, 1971, to Phyllis and James K. “Moe” Martini in Sheridan. He graduated from Campbell County High School in 1989 and attended Sheridan College. He worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway as an engineer. He enjoyed hunting and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He especially enjoyed being with his family, friends and his dog, Beevo. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Phyllis and Bernard Craig of Gillette; his grandmothers, Velma Harnish of Gillette and Katherine Martini Reed of Sheridan; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, James Martini Jr.; and two grandfathers, Henry Martini and Leroy Harnish. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Franklin Wiley

Franklin Wiley, 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002, in Westview Health Care Center in Sheridan. Mr. Wiley was born Sept. 5, 1916, in Kearney, Neb., to Myrtie and Alice (Cowell) Wiley. He grew up in Nebraska. He lived in several states before moving to Sheridan in 1950 to be with his uncle, who owned Wiley Oil Co. He worked at the Palace Cafe when it was owned by his friends, George and Venus Ghikas. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. Graveside service is 10 a.m. Thursday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

 

JANUARY 22, 2002, EDITION

Joseph Trierweiler

BUFFALO — Joseph Lee Trierweiler, 90, of Buffalo died Friday, Jan. 18, 2002, at the Johnson County Healthcare Center. Visitation will be 1-10 p.m. today in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Carlton officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army in care of Adams Funeral Home Chapel.

Franklin Samuel Wiley

Franklin Samuel Wiley, 85, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002, at Westview Healthcare Center. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

JANUARY 18, 2002, EDITION

Alice Sowada

Alice L. Sowada, 88, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Viewing will be 1-5 p.m. today at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Sowada was born March 9, 1913, in Roundup, Mont., to Peter and Betsy (Anderson) Peterson. She grew up and attended schools in Montana and North Dakota and received her nursing degree in Billings. She worked in San Francisco, Montana, Wyoming and Minnesota. She married Felix W. Sowada July 15, 1941. She worked in the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minn. The family moved to Sheridan in 1956, and she worked as a nurse in the VAMC here. She was a member of card clubs, Jeep Herders and a doll-collecting club. Her other interests included fishing, rock hunting, sewing, tole painting, playing cards, reading, music and dancing. Survivors include her husband of Sheridan; four sons, Robert of Grand Junction, Colo., David of Rock Springs, Felix of Gillette and Paul of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a daughter, Alice E. Sowada of Martinsburg, W.Va.; a sister, Agnes Andersen of Phoenix; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Citizens Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

JANUARY 17, 2002, EDITION

Doug Rockafellow

CLEARMONT — Doug Rockafellow, 62, of Clearmont died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, in Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette. Funeral services were 10 a.m. today at Adams Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Mike Lovato officiating. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. today in Dayton Cemetery. Mr. Rockafellow was born Nov. 26, 1939, in Alma, Mich., to Hubert and Alfretta (Fuller) Rockafellow. He received his education in Alma. After high school, he enlisted in the Army in September 1963. He was honorably discharged in February 1965. He married Ann Louise Berry June 10, 1967. They moved to the Ucross/Clearmont area, and he worked on the Lake DeSmet project. He married Lillie Craig Nov. 14, 1992. She preceded him in death. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and playing pool and darts. A brother also preceded him in death. Survivors include three sons, Dan of Story, David of Clearmont and Levi of Sheridan; a daughter, Debbie Cranford of Worden, Mont.; two sisters, Dorothy Snyder of Weidham, Mich., and Marilyn Whitney of Crystal Lake, Mich.; and nine grandchildren.

Alice Sowada

Alice L. Sowada, 88, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Viewing 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 Ron Stolcis officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Citizens Center or Holy Name Catholic Church.

JANUARY 16, 2002, EDITION

Jean Conley

Jean M. Conley, 75, of Sheridan died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, in Sheridan Manor. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Latter-day Saints Church with Bishop Richard Welch officiating. Viewing will precede services. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Champion Ferries Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Mrs. Conley was born Sept. 21, 1926, in Bridger, Mont., to Frank and Roxanna (Foust) Starina. Her mother died when she was an infant, and she was raised by her grandparents, Charles and Gertrude Starina, in Wyola, Mont. She attended high school in Lodge Grass, Mont. She married James Conley Jr. June 2, 1945, in Miles City, Mont. They came to Sheridan that year. She was active in the LDS Church and enjoyed cooking, canning and needlework. Survivors include her husband of Sheridan; three sons, David of Sterling, Colo., and Robert and Tommy, both of Sheridan; a half sister, Helen Hogan of Seattle; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Senior Citizens Center Day Break program, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

Josephine Polito

Josephine Polito, 91, of Sheridan died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, in Sheridan Manor. Vigil will be 7 p.m. today at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Liturgy will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Robert Fox as celebrant. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Miss Polito was born Dec. 2, 1910, to Bruno Leonard and Elizabeth (Varcelli) Polito in Cirella, Italy. The family came to the United States when she was 10 years old, and ranched at Decker, Mont. Miss Polito graduated from Kleenburn School. She moved to Sheridan in 1940 and worked for Superior Laundry. She retired in 1975. She returned to her hometown in Italy in 1977, then went on to Sydney, Australia, to fulfill a lifelong dream. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. Survivors include four sisters, Rose Baker, Mary Bach and Ellen Polito, all of Sheridan, and Lois Lewis of Hardin, Mont.; and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Memorials may be made to Holy Name Catholic Church or Holy Name School.

Dorothy Morosok

Dorothy M. “Dodie” Morosok, 89, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002, at her home. Vigil services will be 7 p.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis officiating. Mrs. Morosok was born Oct. 24, 1912, in Sheridan to Hugh “Pop” and Maude (Ferguson) Snively. She attended Linden Elementary School. The family moved to Ranchester when she was 15, and she played basketball and graduated from high school there. She married Andrew “Spider” Morosok Aug. 7, 1931, in Hardin, Mont. They renewed their wedding vows in 1962 at Holy Name Catholic Church. She worked two years at Sheridan Coil Factory, then worked at F.W. Woolworth 25 years as a department head. She was known as the “Candy Lady.” She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Saint Agnes Altar & Rosary Society, Eagles Auxiliary, Senior Citizens Center and the YMCA. She enjoyed playing bridge, pinochle and water exercise, and had a longtime passion for fishing. She loved being with her children, grandchildren and her dog, Buffy. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1978 and by a brother, Jack, and sister, Betty. Survivors include two sons, Andrew “Moose” Marosok Jr. and James, both of Sheridan; a daughter, Dorothy “Dodie” Watts of San Antonio; 11 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Citizens Center Mini-bus Fund, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

Dorothea Beckwith

Former Sheridan resident Dorothea Lucilla Beckwith, 89, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital in Thermopolis. Services are pending with Atwood Family Funeral Directors Inc. in Basin. Mrs. Beckwith was born July 5, 1912, in Basin to Owen and Francis Johnson. She graduated from Basin High School in 1931 and married Donald Borner in Billings. He died in 1932. She married Louis Leroy Beckwith March 26, 1933, in Billings. She traveled with him while he worked in construction and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He preceded her in death. She later lived in Diamondville for 26 years and was employed 18 years, until age 82, at the Senior Center of Kemmerer. She was active with the Kemmerer Business and Professional Women’s Club and a member of the First Baptist Church of Kemmerer. She moved to Sheridan in 1995 to reside with family. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Edna Louise (Beckwith) Cheatham, three sisters, two brothers and two grandchildren. Survivors include three sons, Leroy Owen of Basin and Larry Edward and Robert Eugene, both of Sheridan; a daughter, Sybil Marlene Bonar Hannah of Thermopolis; a brother, Paul Stanley Johnson of Basin; 12 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 21 step-great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Wyoming Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Cancer Society in care of Security State Bank, 201 S. Fourth St., Basin, WY 82410.

 

 

Alice Sowada

Alice Louise Sowada, 88, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Helen McKinley

BUFFALO — Helen Grace Heare McKinley, 78, of Buffalo and Darien, Conn., died Friday, Jan. 11, 2002, at her home in Darien. Funeral services were Tuesday at Noroton Presbyterian Church of Darien with Dr. George S. Cladis officiating. Interment will be Thursday in Buffalo under direction of Adams Funeral Home. Edward Lawrence Funeral Home of Darien handled arrangements in Connecticut.

JANUARY 15, 2002, EDITION

Josephine Polito

Josephine Polito, 91, of Sheridan died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, at Sheridan Manor. Vigil will be 7 p.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Liturgy will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Robert Fox as celebrant. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Holy Name Catholic Church or Holy Name School in care of Delphine Toner at First Interstate Bank in Sheridan.

Dorothy Marosok

Dorothy “Dodie” Marosok, 89, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002, at her home. Vigil will be 7 p.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Liturgy will be 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ron Stolcis as celebrant. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Citizens Center bus fund.

Jean Conley

Jean Marie Conley, 75, of Sheridan died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, at Sheridan Manor. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Church of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Richard Welch officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Champion Ferries Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Senior Citizens Center for Day Break, 211 Smith St., Sheridan.

 

JANUARY 14, 2002, EDITION

Charles Helvik

Charles Samuel “Chuck” Helvik, 76, of Sheridan died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Vigil service will be 7 p.m. today at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Mr. Helvik was born May 21, 1925, in Beulah, N.D., to Gerhard and Ida (Niedermeyer) Helvik. He graduated from high school in Beulah and from Wahpeton (N.D.) School of Science. He married Vi M. Schock in 1950 in North Dakota. They came in 1953 to Sheridan, where he worked for Montana-Dakota Utilities until retiring in 1986. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge 520. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed music.
He was preceded in death by a son, Mark, and by three sisters and three brothers. Survivors include his wife of Sheridan; two sons, Timothy C. of Sheridan and Patrick D. of Buffalo; a brother, Jerome of Albany, Ga.; a sister, Jeanette Isaak of Hugo, Colo.; and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Diabetes Research or the Cancer Institute in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Gerald Salveson

STORY — Gerald R. “Jerry” Salveson, 61, of Story died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Services will be 2 p.m. today in Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating. Mr. Salveson was born Aug. 23, 1940, in Wildrose, N.D., to Carl E. and Della A. (Skistad) Salveson. He grew up and attended school in Ray, N.D., graduating from Ray High School in 1958. He attended Minot (N.D.) State Teacher’s College. He married Carma Sue Holland June 17, 1960, in the Lutheran church in Ray. He worked in oil fields in Sidney, Mont., and Tioga, N.D., before moving to Gillette, where he worked for Halliburton Inc. for a number of years. He started BNS Testers with Dean Boese, serving the drilling industry until 1989. The Salvesons moved in 1990 to Florida, where he managed a recreational vehicle park and storage units in Melbourne. They moved to Story in September, and he drove a van for Rehabilitation Enterprises of North Eastern Wyoming. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Survivors include his wife of Story; two sons, Randy and Scott, both of Melbourne; a daughter, Jerri Lynn Hodges of Janesville, Calif.; three brothers, Marland of Casper, Lloyd of Farmington, N.M., and Curtis of Williston, N.D.; a sister, Mary Ware of Casper; and four granddaughters. Memorials may be made to RENEW, the American Heart Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Thomas Cotton

BIG HORN — Thomas Wendell “T” Cotton, 81, of Big Horn died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002, in Sheridan. No services are scheduled. A private family gathering will be this summer. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Cotton was born May 2, 1920, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Montana to Dr. Wendell Thomas and Ruth Cotton. He was raised by his grandmother, Ella Cotton Henschke, in Sheridan, where he attended school and graduated from high school in 1938. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940 and was stationed in Panama, where he trained as a fighter pilot. He was among the first U.S. pilots assigned in 1942 to Gen. Claire Chenault’s “Flying Tigers,” which became the 75th Fighter Squadron of the 14th Air Force. He was stationed at the air base in Hengyang, China, during his tour of duty. He married Lovena “Jinx” Pettit Feb. 22, 1946, in Reno, Nev. They spent their first year in Sheridan with Mr. Cotton’s grandmother, later moving back to Mrs. Cotton’s hometown of Coalinga, Calif. Mr. Cotton operated an air-charter business serving oil companies, and was a flight instructor at Coalinga Junior College before going to work for Flying Tiger Airline, a cargo company. He retired in 1980. He returned to the Sheridan area permanently in 1997. He was an active member of the Emergency Ham Operators network in Los Altos Hills, Calif., and a member of Sheridan Elks Lodge 520, the 14th USAF Association and the “Quiet Birdman.” Survivors include his wife of Sheridan; two sons, Wendell Reed of Bonny Doone, Calif., and Gregory Thomas of Scotts Valley, Calif.; a sister, Aloha Pettit Schaefer; and a grandson.

Aileen Tate

Aileen Marie Tate, 82, of Sheridan died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, in Billings. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.

Edward Patik

BUFFALO — Edward Joseph Patik, 79, of Lander died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, at the Johnson County Health Care Center in Buffalo. No services will be held in accordance with his wishes. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander. Arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home of Buffalo. Memorials may be made to the Barbara Davis Diabetic Center in Denver or donor’s local home health care service in care of Adams Funeral Home, 351 Adams St., Buffalo.

Jean Conley

Jean M. Conley, 75, of Sheridan died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, in Sheridan Manor. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Josephine Polito

Josephine Polito, 89, of Sheridan died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, in Sheridan Manor. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

 

JANUARY 12, 2002, EDITION

Charles Helvik

Charles “Chuck” Helvik, 76, Sheridan, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Vigil service is 7 p.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis officiating. Interment will follow in Sheridan Elks Cemetery.

Rolinda K. Payne

Rolinda K. Payne, 55, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, at the VA Medical Center in Sheridan. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor Terral Bearden officiating. Interment of cremains will be at a later date in Bozeman. Ms. Payne was born Sept. 2, 1946, in Columbus, Mont., to Gene and Glyta (Bolick) Payne. After graduating from high school, she served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1968. She attended college in Minneapolis, where she received a bachelor’s degree. She rejoined the Army in 1976 and was discharged in 1979. Survivors include a son, Bret W. Coffey of Butte, Mont.; a daughter, Ileen R. Coffey of Anderson, S.C.; her parents of Bozeman, Mont.; her brother, Wallace G. Payne of Kalispell, Mont.; and one granddaughter. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter in care of Kay Roush, First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Treasa Feaster

Treasa Feaster, 65, formerly of Sheridan, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in Mesa, Ariz. Mass was celebrated Saturday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Cheyenne. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery, Cheyenne. She was born in Vale, S.D. She was a former telephone company clerk, Survivors include two daughters, Debora Nielsen and Diane Louks; two sons, Jamie and Rick Feaster; two sisters, Mary Ann Powers and Francie Jacobsen; six brothers, Joe, Pius, Jim, Tom, Louie and Lefty Werlinger; and three grandchildren.

Gerald R. (Jerry) Salveson

Gerald R. (Jerry) Salveson, 60, of Story died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Services are 2 p.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating. Memorials are suggested to RENEW, the Heart Foundation, or donor’s choice in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, Sheridan.

JANUARY 11, 2002, EDITION

Damara Velikaneye

Damara Rae Velikaneye, 28, of Sheridan died Monday, Jan. 7, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be 2 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Ms. Velikaneye was born April 30, 1973, in Rock Springs to Joseph and Delores (Sekerak) Velikaneye. She graduated from Sheridan High School. She moved to Hawaii for several years, then returned to Rock Springs, where she attended school and began a career as a hairstylist specializing in razor cuts and chemical processing. She moved back to Sheridan in 1999 and continued her career as a hairstylist while also working at the Country Bounty. Survivors include a daughter, Mikani Doak; her parents; two sisters, Debi Klemo and Dawn Velikaneye; two brothers, Dean and Dan; and nine nieces and nephews.

Mike Legerski

Kooi native Mike J. Legerski, 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center in Dyer, Ind. Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. Sunday in the Hirsch Funeral Homes Hirsch Spindler-Koelling Chapel in Crete, Ill. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday in the Hirsch Spindler-Koelling Chapel. Mr. Legerski was born July 12, 1917, in Kooi. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and later worked for the Abex Corp. in Chicago Heights as a saw operator. He owned a farm in Crete township and was a founding member of the Crete Township Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; a sister, Mary; and two brothers, John and Joe. Survivors include two sons, Gerald Jerome of Story and Michael John of Crete; a sister, Anne Aksamit of Ranchester; and a brother, Tom of Sheridan. Memorials may be made to the Crete Township Fire District, 26064 S. Dixie Highway, Crete Township, Ill. 60417.

Wilbur Fisher

BUFFALO — Wilbur Fisher, 78, of Buffalo died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, at Deaconess Medical Center in Billings after a brief illness. He was father of Frank Fisher of Arvada. Visitation will be 1-10 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. until noon Monday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Charles Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in charge of military graveside rites. Mr. Fisher was born July 8, 1923, in New Harmony, Ind., to Hugar and Nellie Fisher. He served with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. He married Chriss Johnstone of Kaycee and worked for the Three T Ranch and in oil fields in Wyoming. He retired in 1978 in Powell. He married Jaci Nagel in Billings in May 1989, and they resided in Buffalo. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Ralph, Melvin, Bill and Jim; and a sister, Erna Mae Culiver. Survivors include his wife of Buffalo; a second son, Dick of Powell; two daughters, Linda Fisher of Casper and Lori Burgener of Nine Mile Falls, Wash.; two stepdaughters, Diane Canton of Billings and Cara Engstrom of Kingman, Ariz.; a stepson, John Rockwood of Phoenix; a sister, Betty Jo Hobbs of Midland, Mich.; and 10 grandchildren.

Rolinda Payne

Rolinda Payne, 55, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, at the VA Medical Center in Sheridan. Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor Terrel Bearden officiating. Burial will be in Bozeman, Mont., at a later date.

Gerald Salveson

STORY — Gerald R. (Jerry) Salveson, 60, of Story died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Charles Helvik

Charles S. Helvik, 76, of Sheridan died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

JANUARY 10, 2002, EDITION

Barbara Gutz

Barbara G. Gutz, 76, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Congregational Church with Pastor Bob Miller officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Gutz was born Aug. 28, 1925, in Burns to Robert and Anna “Lennie” (McConnaughey) Gutz. She graduated from high school in 1942 in Cheyenne and received a bachelor of science degree in home economics from the University of Wyoming.
She married John Mason Gutz June 30, 1946. She taught for 15 years in schools including Afton, Pinedale, Casper, Rawlins, Sheridan and Big Horn, where Mr. Gutz was employed. They came to Sheridan in 1961. Mrs. Gutz was the first director of the Sheridan Senior Citizens Center, and she and her husband were the first managers of Sheridan Square. She was the Western Welcome hostess in Sheridan for 15 years, before she retired in 1995. She was a member of First Congregational Church and Daughters of the Nile. She was active in volunteer work and enjoyed crafts, playing cards and being with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband in June 2001. Survivors include two sons, Henry of Tooele, Utah, and Mark of Belle Creek, Mont.; a sister, Lenore Berry of Cheyenne; a grandson; six step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church.

James Blare

James D. Blare, 65, of Casper died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, in Casper after a short bout with cancer. He was a former Dayton resident and father of Iris Stanton of Dayton. Services will be Saturday at the American Legion in Martin, S.D. Mr. Blare was born Aug. 4, 1936, in Gordon, Neb., to Doc and Grace Blare. He attended school in Martin. He served in the Army. After his honorable discharge, he married Millie Sully. They later divorced. He spent most of his working years in business with his father, for Blare Truck Line. He and his wife later owned and operated a restaurant and bar in Upton before he returned to the trucking business in Wyoming and South Dakota. During those years he lived in Martin, Dayton, Lander and Casper. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Patrick. Other survivors include two sons, Monty of Casper and James of Riverton; another daughter, Katie Randich of Olympia, Wash.; and nine grandchildren.

Marion Compton

TEN SLEEP — Former Sheridan resident Marion Potts Compton, 86, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, at Poplar Living Center in Casper. Services are 1 p.m. today at United Methodist Church in Ten Sleep with the Rev. Judith Bither officiating. Veile Mortuary of Worland is handling arrangements. The casket will be open at the church today until service time. Burial will be in Ten Sleep Cemetery. Mrs. Compton was born Sept. 23, 1915, in Grand Island, Neb., to Evart Ray and Hazel Jemima (Tharp) Potts. She married Uel W. Compton June 20, 1937, at Potts Ranch near Weston, and they lived in several places while she taught school. They lived in Sheridan 19 years before moving to Ten Sleep. She was preceded in death by her husband and a grandson. Survivors include two daughters, Sue Verley of Sheridan and Ula Dickerman of Casper; sons Bert, Norman J., and Rex, all of Ten Sleep, Bob of Billings and David of Casper; a sister, Eva Burton of Glendo; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to Ten Sleep United Methodist Women in care of Ten Sleep United Methodist Church.

Ruby Stetter

Former Sheridan area resident Ruby Ray (Pilch) Stetter, 84, of Frannie died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, in the Powell hospital. Services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Father Robert Fox officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Stetter was born May 30, 1917, in Zortman, Mont., to Joseph R. and Lucy F. (Poulin) Holt. She grew up and attended schools in the Mills and Casper area and graduated from Casper High School. She married Earl Mason Ray Sept. 6, 1939. They lived in the Hamilton Dome area. Mr. Ray died in an oil field accident in 1954. She moved to Sheridan, where she worked for the Ice Box Grocery on Coffeen Avenue. She married George Walter “Tony” Pilch Dec. 27, 1956, in Worland. They bought the Dayton Locker Plant, then started the Pilch Processing Plant in Acme. They moved to Alaska in 1975, and she worked as a police dispatcher in Seward. Mr. Pilch died in 1976. She moved to California, where she married Mudge Stetter Dec. 26, 1978, in Eureka. They moved to Frannie in 1986. Mr. Stetter died in March 2000. Mrs. Stetter was a member of the Catholic Church. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a son, Earl Wayne Ray, and by one brother and one sister. Survivors include two sons, Rod Pilch of Moose Pass, Alaska, and James A. Pilch of Lawrence, Kan.; three daughters, Adele Hooglund, Mary L. Pilch and Jane Perdue, all of Lawrence; a sister, Winnie Bond of Frannie; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank in Sheridan.

Damara Velikaneye

Damara Rae Velikaneye, 28, of Sheridan died Monday, Jan. 7, 2002, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating.

 

JANUARY 9, 2002, EDITION

Crestina Sanchez

Crestina M. “Cha Cha” Sanchez, 93, formerly of Sheridan, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, in Michael Manor in Douglas. Vigil service is 7 p.m. today at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Sanchez was born July 22, 1908, in San Luis, Colo., to Cristobal and Rosarito Martinez. She grew up in San Luis and married Pasqual Sanchez there on Nov. 22, 1926. They moved to Sheridan in 1943. Mr. Sanchez died in 1951. Mrs. Sanchez enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband, embroidery, watching her favorite “soaps” on television and spending time with her family. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. She moved to Douglas in the late 1980s. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Cora Trujillo; her brothers and sisters; and one great-granddaughter and great-grandson. Survivors include two sons, Archie and Art, both of Sheridan; three daughters, Angie Mesa and Ann Benbo, both of Douglas, and Cirea Trujillo of Sheridan; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Whedon Cancer Foundation, 30 S. Scott St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

Ruby Stetter

POWELL — Former Sheridan area resident Ruby Ray (Pilch) Stetter, 84, of Powell died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, in the Powell hospital. Services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Father Robert Fox officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation in care of Delphine Toner.

Dorothy Marosok

Dorothy “Dodie” Marosok, 89, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002, at her home. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Barbara Gutz

Barbara G. Gutz, 76, of Sheridan died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Damara Velikaneye

Damara Rae Velikaneye, 28, of Sheridan died Monday, Jan. 7, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.

Thomas W. Cotton

Thomas W. Cotton, 79, of Big Horn died Jan. 8, 2002, at his home. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

 

JANUARY 8, 2002, EDITION

Richard Jean (Dick) Bentzen

Richard Jean (Dick) Bentzen, 84, of Sheridan died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, at the VA Medical Center. Services are noon Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Sheridan with Pastor Kenneth Doolin officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Bentzen was born April 24, 1917, in Sheridan to Raymond Charles and Marie Natalie (Johnson) Bentzen. He attended Sheridan schools and graduated from Sheridan High School in midschool year 1935. He also attended two years of college at the Bradley School of Horology in Peoria, Ill, and graduated in 1939 with a degree in watchmaking. Mr. Bentzen was a World War II veteran serving in the Navy in the South Pacific on the aircraft carrier USS Sibony as an aircraft instrument repairman. He married Vivian Gail Laub July 14, 1940, in Sheridan. Mrs. Bentzen died in 1974. He later married Bea Wallace in Sheridan. She died in 1999. He was a watchmaker and set up his first watchmaker’s bench in the back of the White Swan Barber Shop. He then owned Sheridan Confectionery, which had a soda fountain, and he repaired watches in the back of his store. He later worked at the American Jewelry Store in Sheridan, then for Oswald’s Jewelry, where he retired after 43 years of watchmaking. Mr. Bentzen was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Sheridan and a member of the American Legion and the Powder River Navy. He loved travel, woodworking, singing and tinkering in his shop. Besides his wives, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond, Lyle and Donald. Survivors include two daughters, Marilee Myers of Lake City, Fla., and Jean Ellenwood of Sheridan; one brother, Carl Bentzen of Denver; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church in Sheridan or to the Dick and Bea Bentzen Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Wyoming Girl’s School, Box 868, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Edwin L. Sholine

Edwin L. Sholine, 79, of Sheridan died Friday, Jan. 5, 2002, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Lucas officiating. Mr. Sholine was born June 2, 1922, in Fort Collins, Colo., to William and Elizabeth (Rhieners) Sholine. He grew up and graduated from high school in Fort Collins and graduated from Colorado A&M University. He was a well-known athlete at both institutions. He served in the U.S. Army for three years in the Office of Strategic Services. From 1946-47 he played basketball for the Denver Nuggets. He married Alice Foreman May 13, 1946, in Cheyenne. They moved to the Sholine Ranch at Glendevey, Colo., where they resided 13 years. They moved to Saratoga in 1959. He managed the Cedar Creek ranch there until 1987, when they moved to Sheridan. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He belonged to Sheridan Wesleyan Church. Survivors include his wife of Sheridan; a son, Jeffrey Sholine of Sheridan; two daughters, Cyndee Jacobson, Sheridan, and Sallie Tippie, Denver; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army or Sheridan Wesleyan Church Building Fund.

Crestina M. Sanchez

Crestina M. Sanchez, 93, a former Sheridan resident, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, in Michael Manor in Douglas. Vigil service will be 7 p.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Marion Potts Compton

TEN SLEEP — Former Sheridan resident Marion Potts Compton, 86, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, at Poplar Living Center in Casper. Services are 1 p.m. Thursday at United Methodist Church in Ten Sleep with the Rev. Judith Bither officiating. Veile Mortuary of Worland is handling arrangements. The casket will be open at the church Thursday from 11 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in Ten Sleep Cemetery. Mrs. Compton was born Sept. 23, 1915, in Grand Island, Neb., to Evart Ray and Hazel Jemima (Tharp) Potts. She married Uel W. Compton June 20, 1937, at Potts Ranch near Weston, and they lived in several places while she taught school. They lived in Sheridan 19 years before moving to Ten Sleep. She was preceded in death by her husband and a grandson. Survivors include two daughters, Sue Verley of Sheridan and Ula Dickerman of Casper; a sister, Eva Burton of Glendo; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to Ten Sleep United Methodist Women’s organization in care of the Ten Sleep United Methodist Church.

 

JANUARY 7, 2002, EDITION

Viola Johnson

Viola Johnson, 91, of Sheridan died Friday, Jan. 4, 2002, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Cremation has taken place and memorial services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Fox officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery.

Ruby R. (Pilch) Stetter Ruby R. (Pilch) Stetter, longtime Sheridan resident, 84, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, in Powell Hospital in Powell. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Michael R. Bartolic

Michael R. Bartolic, 54, of Riverton, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Edwin L. Sholine

Edwin L. Sholine, 79, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Memorial services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with pastor Chuck Lucas officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army.

Richard Jean ‘Dick’ Bentzen

Richard Jean ‘Dick’ Bentzen, 84, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. Services are noon Wednesday at First Baptist Church with pastor Ken Doolin officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church of Sheridan or the Dick and Bea Bentzen Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Wyoming Girls School, Box 868, Sheridan, WY 82801. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

 

JANUARY 5, 2002, EDITION

Henry Washut

Kooi native Henry Paul Washut, 80, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002, at his home in Casper. Vigil for the Deceased will be 7 p.m. Sunday at Bustard’s Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church by the Rev. Father Michael Carr and the Rev. Monsignor James O’Neill. Rite of Committal will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Mr. Washut was born May 1, 1921, in Kooi to Paul Peter and Eva (Cieslar) Washut. He grew up in Sheridan and was a 1940 graduate of Sheridan High School. He married Paula Vivian Johnson Aug. 19, 1942, in Hardin, Mont. They moved to Casper in 1945. He helped build the Alaskan Highway during World War II and helped remodel and build North Side Center and Seton House. He was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts and member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He worked at Fred’s Town and Country, A.G. Thriftway and Smith’s grocery stores and was meat market manager at Roundup Market in Mills. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis and Robert, and a sister, Nina Ballek. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Art and Henry, both of Casper; two daughters, Sr. Renee Washut, SCL, of Denver and Kay L. Munson of Great Falls; two brothers, Arthur of Sheridan and Richard of Manson, Wash.; three sisters, Bertha Simmons and Ida Cichonski, both of Sheridan, and Emma Aksamit of Kleenburn; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Memorials may be made to the Holy Cross Center, 1030 N. Lincoln, Casper, WY 82601; St. Anthony’s School Teacher Fund, 218 E. 7th, Casper, 82601; or Central Wyoming Hospice, 319 S. Wilson, Casper, 82601. Memorials may also be left at Bustard’s Funeral Home and Crematory.

JANUARY 4, 2002, EDITION

Darleen Hollingsworth

Darleen M. Hollingsworth, 83, of Sheridan died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Viewing will be 5-6 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Melius officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Mrs. Hollingsworth was born Aug. 14, 1918, in Sheridan to James and Hazel (Snyder) McGovern. She was a 1937 graduate of Big Horn High School. She married George Peter “Pete” Pelissier in 1938 in Sheridan. He died in June 1991. She later married Everett A. Hollingsworth. He died June 31, 1992. She worked at the Rural Electric Association in Lodge Grass, Mont., from 1952-58. She also worked for Jiffy Coffee Center and PrestoPrint. She enjoyed gardening, reading, watching game shows and spending time with friends. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a brother, Harold; three sisters, Norma Wren, Connie Titland Coast and Letha May McGovern; and a daughter, Karen Salisbury. Survivors include three children, Cathy Hollingsworth Coggins and E. Scott Hollingsworth, both of Sheridan, and Bryan DeeAnn Hollingsworth Hartman of Denver; and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Darleen Hollingsworth Memorial Fund in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Margaret Stall

Sheridan County native Margaret Vivian (Banich) Stall, 72, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Littleton, Colo. Mrs. Stall was born June 8, 1929, in Acme, and the family moved to Sheridan in 1933. She married Sidney J. Stall of Big Horn. She was a member of the Ride the Rockies Team for 15 years, the Lakewood Athletic Club exercise group and the St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church choir and belonged to a stained glass class. She was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Harris of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Carol Thomas of Austin, Texas; two sons, Michael of Sugar Land, Texas, and William of Fairplay, Colo.; two sisters, Mrs. LeRoy Fradet of Sheridan and Mrs. Harold Roberts of Billings; and one grandchild. Memorials may be made to The Marge Stall Memorial Fund in care of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 6655 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton, Colo. 80128.

 

Jenine Fricke

Former Sheridan resident Jenine Eleanor Fricke, 51, of Cheyenne died Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, in Rawlins from injuries sustained in a car accident. Funeral services were Wednesday at the Episcopal church in Evanston with the Rev. Ray Walworth officiating. Interment was in Evanston City Cemetery. Crandall Funeral Home of Evanston handled arrangements. Mrs. Fricke was born Dec. 31, 1949, in Laramie to James Ross and Esther (Stricker) Fricke. She worked for the state of Wyoming as a driver’s license specialist and was a member of the Episcopal Church. Survivors include her mother of Evanston; a brother, James Ross Fricke II of Sandy, Utah; and two sisters, Jodine Steen of Casa Grande, Ariz., and Judith North of Evanston. Memorials may be made to the Cathedral Home for Children in Laramie.

Kenneth Manring

KAYCEE — Kenneth Harold Manring, 75, of Kaycee died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, at Johnson County Health Care Center in Buffalo. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today at United Methodist Church in Kaycee with the Rev. Dana Lohse officiating. Burial will be in Kaycee Cemetery. Arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home of Buffalo. Friends may donate to the family of Mr. Manring in care of Adams Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

JANUARY 3, 2002, EDITION

Darlene Hollingsworth

Darlene Hollingsworth, 83, of Sheridan died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Viewing will be 5-6 p.m. Friday at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Melius officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery.

John Rath

Memorial services for John Rath, 31, of Sheridan will be 3 p.m. Saturday at the Moose Lodge. Mr. Rath died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2001, at Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are with Hiers Funeral Home in Ocala, Fla.

JANUARY 2, 2002, EDITION

Sallee Weinberg

Memorial services for Sallee Weinberg, 93, of Sheridan will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Doug Goodwin officiating. Mrs. Weinberg died July 25, 2001. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.

Jessica Kukuchka

Jessica Marie Kukuchka, 5 months, of Powell died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at the home of her parents, Albert and Sara Powers Kukuchka. She was maternal granddaughter of Jim Powers and paternal granddaughter of Deloris Kukuchka, both of Sheridan. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Ballard Funeral Home in Cody with interment in Riverside Cemetery. The family has asked those attending to wear brightly colored clothing. She was born July 12, 2001, in Billings. Other survivors include two brothers, Kenyon R. and Matthew J., and a sister, Crystal D.; maternal grandmother Marie Burton of Joliet, Mont.; paternal grandparents Albert Sr. and Judy Kukuchka of Powell; and maternal great-grandmother Gladys Ervin of Florida. Memorials may be made to the Jessica Kukuchka Fund in care of Tony Helm, 601 E. Parmalee #11, Buffalo, WY 82834.