Sheridan County's Daily NEWSpaper
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May 31, 2006 Edition
Funeral services for Amy Elizabeth Coggins, 37, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Kevin Jones officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Big Horn. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Mrs. Coggins died Friday, May 26, 2006, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital of apparent natural causes. She was born Sept. 26, 1968, in Boston to Stuart and Elizabeth (Hillis) Wakeling. She grew up and attended schools in Boston. She graduated from Cactus High School in Phoenix in 1987. She attended nursing school at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix and worked at Vencor Hospital there for 15 years, starting as a nursing assistant. She moved to Sheridan in 2004. She was a member of the Baptist Church. She enjoyed camping and being with her family. She was preceded in death by her mother and grandparents. Survivors include her husband, Roger; her father of Phoenix; three sons, Tim and Joshua Thomas and Dillon Coggins, all of Sheridan; a daughter, Nicole Coggins of Auburn, Calif.; and a sister, Becky Wakeling of Boston.
May 30, 2006 Edition
A celebration of the life of Dean Kiester, 64, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Chuck Gifford officiating. Inurnment of cremains will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery and will be followed by a luncheon for family and friends at the home of Linda and David Kiester, 855 Illinois St. Mr. Kiester died Friday, May 26, 2006, in Sheridan VA Medical Center. He was born May 27, 1941, in Miles City, Mont., to Thomas Marian and Melissa Ann (Owsley) Kiester. The family moved to Sheridan in 1951, and he attended Sheridan schools. He went to work for Sheridan VA Medical Center. He joined the U.S. Army on Dec. 7, 1965. He served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged Oct. 17, 1968. He returned to Sheridan and worked for the VAMC as a cook. He retired in May 1995 as chief of dietetics. He enjoyed bowling and was an avid New York Yankees fan. He also enjoyed his grandchildren and growing tomatoes. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Survivors include two daughters, Reagan LePage of Tyler, Texas, and Kim Marr of Flagstaff, Ariz.; two brothers, David of Sheridan and Richard of Dallas; two sisters, Doris Watt and Judy Bobbitt, both of Sheridan; and two grandsons. Memorials may be made to Lukas LePage College Educational Fund in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, 46 W. Brundage St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Amy Elizabeth Coggins, 37, of Sheridan died Friday, May 26, 2006, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Big Horn.
Viva W. “Vi” Nelson, 82, of Sheridan died Monday, May 30, 2006, at Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be later at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sheridan. Inurnment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
May 29, 2006
No newspaper published — Memorial Day.
May 27, 2006 Edition
Miles Junior Buell, 85, of Buffalo died Thursday, May 25, 2006, at his residence after an eight-year battle with prostate cancer. He was brother of Eldon Buell of Sheridan. Private graveside committal services will be later. Visitation will be from 1-9 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Mr. Buell was born June 8, 1920, at the Glen Haven ranch on Shell Creek north of Buffalo. He grew up on the family ranch and attended Shell Creek Piney School. He was a 1938 graduate of Johnson County High School. After high school, he attended vocational agriculture classes in Sheridan for two years. He joined the U.S. Navy in December 1941 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he lived in Denver for a couple of years operating an ice cream shop. He married Gwen Hodges in Denver in March 1948. They moved to the family ranch on Shell Creek. They later lived on the Silva Ranch on Clear Creek and in Coos Bay, Ore., for six years. They were divorced, and Mr. Buell returned to Buffalo and worked at the Massey Ferguson Dealership. He and his brother later bought the dealership. He married Peggy Mathany on Nov. 5, 1971, in Billings. They made their home in Buffalo. Mr. Buell bought out his brother's interest in the dealership in 1972 and operated it until 2005, when poor health forced him to retire. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Anchor Lodge No. 7 AF&AM, Kalif Shrine, Scottish Rite, Golden Rod Chapter 13 of Order of the Eastern Star, and a life member of Elks Lodge 520, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. He was a member of the Johnson County Cemetery board from its inception until 2004 and a member of the 49'ers Dance Club and the Big Horn Poker Club in Sheridan. He enjoyed gardening, irrigating and fishing. He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Warren Buell of Casper and Jack Matheny of Gillette; three daughters, Barbara Lavaty of Portland, Ore., Patty Peterson of Ogden, Utah, and Darlene Case of Gillette; two other brothers, Charles of Buffalo and Ralph of Cheyenne; a sister, Frances Jochem of Belgrade, Mont.; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Susie Bowling Lawrence Hospice or St. Francis Animal Shelter in care of Adams Funeral Home.
Former Sheridan resident Timothy Eli McHenry, 65, of Worland died Tuesday, May 23, 2006, in Worland. Cremation will take place following a family visitation, and a memorial service will be later. Arrangements are with Veile Mortuary of Worland. Mr. McHenry was born March 15, 1941, to Laura Mae (Mitchell) McHenry in Gillette. He moved to Billings in 1950 to live with a brother after his mother's death. He was a 1959 graduate of Billings Senior High School. He attended college at Missoula, Mont., on a football scholarship for a year. He married Karen I. Schroeder on June 9, 1962, in Billings. They moved to Sheridan, and Mr. McHenry worked at Gambles Store until 1967, when he was transferred to the store in Bozeman, Mont., as assistant manager. He moved to Worland in 1970 to manage the Gambles Store there. Mr. McHenry later worked for Worland Ford as a salesman for several years before going into the insurance business for Farmer's Union and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Wyoming. He later was employed by the city of Worland. He served several terms on the Worland City Council and was mayor for one term. He was a former member of Jaycees and the Wyoming National Guard. He was an avid tennis player and golfer and enjoyed fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Jill Jones, Amy Calhoun and Jenny Ketterling, all of Worland; three brothers, Charles of Billings and Holland and Kenneth, both of Sheridan; and eight grandchildren.
May 26, 2006 Edition
No obituaries reported
May 25, 2006 Edition
Memorial services for Ellen Marie Gravos, 56, of Sheridan will be later in Watford City, N.D. Mrs. Gravos died Sunday, May 21, 2006, at her residence. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Gravos was born Dec. 29, 1949, in Worland to V.W. “Frosty” and Ione (Fry) Tidemann. She married Ralph Gravos on July 5, 1967, in Williston, N.D. She was a secretary for R&R Specialties in Williston, owned and operated the Hard Ride Liquor Co. in Alexander, N.D., and worked for Carl's Bakery in Watford City. She belonged to Zoar Lutheran Church in Arnegard, N.D., and the Women's Petroleum Club. She enjoyed the outdoors and fishing with her husband and their dog, Griff. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband; a son, Kelly of Minneapolis; and siblings Arlen Tidemann of Texas, Gayle Dawson of Casper and Scott Tidemann of Arizona.
May 24, 2006 Edition
Adeline Rose “Ada” Johnson, 90, of Riverton died Saturday, May 20, 2006, at her residence. She was mother of Terry L. Johnson of Sheridan. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today at Davis Funeral Home in Riverton. Burial will be in Fort Bridger Cemetery. Mrs. Johnson was born May 24, 1915, at Encampment to Frank and Jennie (Wirth) Murray. The family moved by wagon to a homestead at Mountain View when she was a year old. She graduated from Mountain View High School and was a 1934 graduate of the Broadway Beauty School in San Diego. She was in the beauty business for 36 years. She owned the H&A Beauty Salon in Cody and the LaVogue Beauty Salon in Lander. She retired in 1970. She married Chester Earl Johnson in Ogden, Utah, in 1939. They owned and operated Johnson Plumbing and Heating until his death in 1984. Mrs. Johnson attended the Christian Church in Riverton. She enjoyed caring for her flowers, knitting and crocheting. She cooked and baked for family and friends until two weeks before her death. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She lived in Lander 31 years. After her husband's death, she moved to Casper to be near her daughter. She returned to Riverton in 1996. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Violet Burton of Evanston and Jessie Teeples of Portland, Ore.; and a brother, Everett Murray of Mountain View. Other survivors include a daughter, Linda Kantor of Casper; a brother, Glenn Murray of Caldwell, Idaho; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Isabella's Little Miracles, 4935 Scenic Route, Casper WY 82601.
Harold V. `Spike' Olson
Masonic funeral services for Harold V. “Spike” Olson, 80, of Sundance will be 11 a.m. Friday in the Masonic Lodge Hall in Sundance conducted by Sundance Lodge 9 A.F.&A.M. Mr. Olson was the father of Donna Cope of Sheridan. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Friday in Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, S.D. Visitation will be 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Friday in the Masonic Lodge Hall. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home of Sheridan. Mr. Olson died Saturday, May 20, 2006, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. He was born April 21, 1926, at Arpan Flats near Belle Fourche, S.D., to Harry and Grace (Bellen) Olson. He grew up and attended school at Arpan Flats and was a 1944 graduate of Belle Fourche High School. He joined the U.S. Navy immediately after graduation and served during World War II, earning the Victory Medal, Asiatic/Pacific Area Campaign Medal and the American Area Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged on May 16, 1946. He returned to the Belle Fourche area and worked for Black Hills Power and Light Co. as a lineman for several years. He later worked all over the United States for Line Builders Inc. He joined Range Telephone in 1960 as a superintendent in Forsyth, Mont. He retired from Range in 1986 in Sundance as a service representative. He married Betty Pauline Wetsch on Sept. 5, 1968, in Sheridan. He was a member of Hiram Lodge 52 A.F.&A.M. of Forsyth, York Rite Bodies of Forsyth, Kalif Shrine of Sheridan and Inyan Kara Shrine Club of Sundance. He was an Honorary 33rd degree Mason of the Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Montana. He was a member of Electa Chapter 5, Order of the Eastern Star of Sundance, American Legion of Sundance, Loyal Order of Moose of Belle Fourche, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Sheridan Elks Lodge 520, the U.S. Navy Memorial and Ducks Unlimited. He was active with the Senior Citizens Center in Sundance. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing, gambling in Deadwood, S.D., and being with his family. He was preceded in death by a sister. Survivors include his wife; four sons, Mike Olson of Gillette, Allan Olson of Hay Market, Va., Ron Wetsch of Drummond, Mont., and Rick Wetsch of McCook, Neb.; two other daughters, Punky Zastoupil of Forsyth and Valerie Olson of Billings; a sister, Margorie Russo of Ark Dale, Wis.; 20 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Shrine Children's Travel Fund in care of Kalif Shrine Center, P.O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Funeral services for John Mates, 74, of Big Horn will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Tom Ogg officiating. Mr. Mates died Sunday, May 21, 2006, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. He was born Oct. 4, 1931, in Acme to John and Anna (Boyko) Mates. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1948 and served until 1951, when he was honorably discharged. He married Janice Hyde on March 3, 1967, in Sheridan. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing or gardening in the summer. He also enjoyed being with his family, polka music, singer Ernest Tubb and dancing. He was a Denver Broncos fan. He owned and operated a landscaping company for 35 years. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and the Eagles Lodge. He was preceded in death by two sons, Johnny Mates in 1990 and Randy Romeo in 1973; and a sister, Grace Kuta. Survivors include his wife; six daughters, Linda Williamsen and Nancy Perry, both of Gillette, Rita Corlis and Renee Garriffa, both of Sheridan, Jeanne Badgett of Arvada, Colo., and Janice Peterson of Encampment; three sons, Robert Romeo of Goshen, Ohio, Richard Romeo of Story and Ronald Romeo of Sheridan; a brother, Frank of Salinas, Calif.; two sisters, MaryAnne Haner of Wichita, Kan., and Janne Gaddis of Golden, Colo.; 24 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Big Horn Fire Department in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Funeral services for Violet Ileen Stam, 85, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish, S.D. Mrs. Stam died Sunday, May 21, 2006, in Sheridan Manor. She was born Aug. 20, 1920, on a farm near Wessington, S.D., to Charles and Laurinda (Ocean) Doering. She grew up in South Dakota and was a 1938 graduate of high school in Plankington, S.D. She married Jacob Stam on Aug. 15, 1940. They lived in Plankington until 1952, then moved to Spearfish, S.D. Mrs. Stam worked as a motel maid, in a laundry and as a Spearfish Police Department dispatcher. She was a Scouting den mother, 4-H leader and Boy Scout leader. Mr. Stam died in 1972. Mrs. Stam moved to Sheridan around 1990. She worked as security person at Heritage Towers for a few years. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, baking, making quilts, gardening, playing pinochle, decorating cakes and being with her grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Orville, and two grandsons. Survivors include two sons, Joseph of Wasilla, Alaska, and James of Athole, Idaho; two daughters, Barbara Hirchert of Sheridan and Deloris Higgs of Buffalo; a brother, Marvin Doering of Wessington Springs, S.D.; two sisters, Ruby Gray of Pierre, S.D., and Dorothy Powell of Wessington Springs; 11 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Donations may be made to the Violet Stam Memorial Fund in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Former Sheridan resident Esther Reynolds, 83, died Tuesday, May 16, 2006, in Billings. Cremation will take place, and services will be later. Mrs. Reynolds was born March 1,1923, in Gillette to Alta (Garrett) and Benjamin Laney. She attended school in Gillette. She married Gerald Hockett in 1941; they divorced. She married Chuck Sarratt in 1946; they divorced in 1955. She later married Al Reynolds. She was a life member of Sheridan Elks Lodge 520. She and her mother were in the restaurant business most of their lives. She owned the Silver Spur in Sheridan for many years. She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Arley. Survivors include three sons, Gary Hockett of Billings, Lonnie Sarratt of Beaumont, Calif., and Bill Reynolds of Tigard, Ore.; two daughters, Tamy Green of Sheridan and Kim Murillio of Worden, Mont.; a brother, Harley Laney of Las Vegas; a sister, Eleanor Milliron of Sheridan; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Ellen Marie Gravos, 56, of Sheridan died Sunday, May 21, 2006, at her residence of natural causes. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be later in Watford City, N.D. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
May 23, 2006 Edition
Funeral services for Violet Ileen Stam, 85, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish, S.D. Mrs. Stam died Sunday, May 21, 2006, in Sheridan Manor. She was born Aug. 20, 1920, on a farm near Wessington, S.D., to Charles and Laurinda (Ocean) Doering. She grew up in South Dakota and was a 1938 graduate of high school in Plankington, S.D. She married Jacob Stam on Aug. 15, 1940. They lived in Plankington until 1952, then moved to Spearfish. Mrs. Stam worked as a motel maid, in a laundry and as a dispatcher for the Spearfish Police Department. She was a Scouting den mother, 4-H leader and Boy Scout leader. Mr. Stam died in 1972. Mrs. Stam moved to Sheridan around 1990. She worked as security person at Heritage Towers for a few years. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, baking, making quilts, gardening, playing pinochle, decorating cakes and being with her grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Orville, and two grandsons. Survivors include two sons, Joseph of Wasilla, Alaska; two daughters, Barbara Hirchert of Sheridan and Deloris Higgs of Buffalo; a brother, Marvin Doering of Wessington Springs, S.D.; two sisters, Ruby Gray of Pierre, S.D., and Dorothy Powell of Wessington Springs; 11 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Donations may be made to the Violet Stam Memorial Fund in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
John Mates, 74, of Big Horn died Sunday, May 22, 2006, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Tom Ogg officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Big Horn Fire Department in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
May 22, 2006 Edition
Lola L. Slepitis, 80, of Dayton died Thursday, May 11, 2006, at her residence. No services are planned. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Slepitis was born Dec. 12, 1925, in Denver to Milton and Clara Louise (Mayfield) Woods. She grew up and attended schools in Denver. She was a clerk for the Colorado Game, Fish and Parks Department and for St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. She married Albin Joseph Slepitis on Sept. 17, 1961, in Raton, N.M. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, crafts and baking pound cakes for her grandchildren's schools. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Anntoinette Slepitis-Brady of Ranchester; five sons from a previous marriage; and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Sheridan Senior Citizens Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Harold V. “Spike” Olson, 80, of Sundance died Saturday, May 20, 2006, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. He was father of Donna Cope of Sheridan. Visitation will be 9-10:30 a.m. Friday in the Masonic Lodge Hall in Sundance. Masonic funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday by Sundance Lodge 39 A.F.&A.M. in the Masonic Lodge Hall. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Friday in Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may benefit Shrine Children's Travel Fund in care of Kalif Shrine Center, P.O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801.
May 20, 2006 Edition
Everett K. Fowler, 94, of Sheridan died Thursday, May 18, 2006, at Sheridan Manor. Cremation has occurred, and memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, S.D. Mr. Fowler was born Oct. 28, 1911, in Belle Fourche to Merton and Harriett (Slaughter) Fowler. He grew up on the family homestead northwest of Belle Fourche. He graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 1929 and attended business school in Rapid City. He participated in one of the last major cattle drives in western South Dakota in 1932 when, because of drought, his family trailed about 1,000 head from the ranch about 250 miles to winter pasture in the north-central part of the state. The cattle were trailed back in the spring. Mr. Fowler married Georgia Thomas in June 1932. She died in October 2000. Mr. Fowler left the family ranch in 1943 and owned and operated a four-lane bowling alley in Belle Fourche. He later worked in other area jobs. The family moved to a farm near Fruitdale, S.D., in 1949, then to a ranch near Sundance. Mr. Fowler later lived in Spearfish, S.D., for several years. He moved to Sheridan in December 2000 to be near one of his sons. Survivors include three sons, Everett M. of Mesa, Ariz., Robert G. of Evansville and Guy E. of Sheridan; 15 grandchildren; and a number of great- and great-great-grandchildren.
Sheridan native Boyana K. Brown-Redman, 90, died March 25, 2006, in Grass Valley, Calif. Funeral services were March 31 at Hooper and Weaver Mortuary in Nevada City, Calif. Burial was in Sierra Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Mrs. Redman was born July 15, 1915, in Sheridan to Radisav and Meleva Kekich. During World War II, she worked with the American Red Cross. She and her husband, Ed Jesse Brown Jr., owned dairy ranches in Franklin, Calif., and on the Garden highway near Elk Grove, Calif., and leased a cattle ranch near Rumsey, Calif. He preceded her in death. She moved to Loomis, Calif., in 1956 and raised horses. She served on PTAs in the Franklin and Loomis school districts. She was Placer County (Calif.) grand jury foreman for several terms and was in charge of the local precinct polling booths during elections. She was active in real estate for 25 years in Sacramento and Nevada counties. She was a 50-year member of the Penryn Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and was Worthy Grand Matron of Eastern Star for the state of California in 1979. She was a member of the Servian Orthodox Church. She and her sister, Sophia Ducich, helped establish the St. Sava Mission and Camp in Jackson, Calif. She married James Edmond Redman in 1983 in Newcastle, Calif. In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, two sisters and a grandson. Survivors include her husband, James Redman of Grass Valley; children Larry Barbula, Cynthia Salhany, Yelena Holt, Jesse Brown, Stephen Brown, Jim Redman, William Redman and Steve Redman; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
May 19, 2006 Edition
No obituaries
May 18, 2006 Edition
Wanda Jean Hape, 66, of Sheridan died Tuesday, May 16, 2006, at her residence. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Derryberry officiating. A reception for family and friends will be at the home of Mrs. Hape's daughter, Juanita Balding, 86 Peno Road, immediately after the service. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 W. Fifth St., or First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 215 W. Works St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Roger Powell, 69, of Sheridan died Wednesday, May 17, 2006, at his residence. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
May 17, 2006 Edition
Sheridan native Donna L. Lane, 59, of Lodge Grass, Mont., died Sunday, May 14, 2006, in Billings St. Vincent Health Care. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Bullis Mortuary Funeral Chapel in Hardin, Mont. Inurnment will be in Lodge Grass Cemetery. Mrs. Lane was born May 30, 1946, in Sheridan to Clem Overturf and May Ekis. She lived in Lodge Grass all her life and attended schools there. She married Ron Lane on Aug. 22, 1980, in Lodge Grass. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking and her dogs. She was preceded in death by a son, Gerald Castle. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Charles and Russell Torrance; five sisters, Martie Bowman, Lorraine Anderson and Joyce Bird, all of Billings, and Betty Mullenberg and Nancy Mullenberg, both of Lodge Grass; and two brothers, Chuck Overturf of Parkman and Roger Overturf of Wyola, Mont.
May 16, 2006 Edition
Graveside services for Franklin G. Dever, 84, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. Bill Cummins officiating. Military rites will be by the American Legion and Wyoming National Guard. Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. today at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Dever died Sunday, May 14, 2006, in Westview Health Care Center. He was born March 14, 1922, on a farm near Adrian, Mo. He married Rosy May Seward on May 29, 1942, in Butler, Mo. He was inducted into the service in December 1942 at Leavenworth, Kan., and fought in World War II. He received a Bronze Star for his action in a military operation on Leyte, Philippine Islands, in October 1944. After the service, he did custom trucking until 1952, when he and his family moved to Hollenberg, Kan. There he operated a service station and garage, did trucking and drove a school bus. The family moved to Dayton in 1963, and Mr. Dever worked as a ranch hand for Harold Arney. He later moved closer to Big Horn and worked on the Bar 13 ranch for Allen Fordyce, then leased the Roger Rochford Ranch on Soldier Creek and did haying, trucking and combining. He later returned to the Big Horn area, where he continued trucking, did shop work and built machine trailers. He was active in the Souls Harbor ministry in Sheridan. He enjoyed working with cattle and helping those in need. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Warner. Survivors include his wife of Sheridan; and a sister, Lois Marie Seitz of Derby, Kan.
Chaz G. Ready, 17, of Sheridan died Sunday, May 14, 2006, in a car accident. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Donations may be made to the Chaz Ready Memorial Fund in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Thomas LeRoy Johnson, 60, of Sheridan died Saturday, May 13, 2006. Viewing will be noon until 8 p.m. Thursday at Kane Funeral Home. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial of cremains will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.
BUFFALO — Cheryl Ann Everhart, 56, of Buffalo died Tuesday, May 2, 2006, in Johnson County Memorial Hospital. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Saturday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel with Ron Cook officiating. Memorials may be made to the Cheryl Everhart Benefit in care of the funeral home at 351 N. Adams in Buffalo.
May 15, 2006 Edition
Graveside services for Dorothy F. Hansen, 94, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. John Jackson officiating. Viewing is until 4 p.m. today at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Hansen died Thursday, May 11, 2006, in Sheridan Manor. She was born Aug. 11, 1911, in Custer, S.D., to Frank and Blanche (Campbell) Mullenbrink. She grew up and attended schools in South Dakota. She married Albert Hansen on Aug. 14, 1929, in South Dakota. They later lived in Colorado and Ogden, Utah, where Mrs. Hansen worked at an Army depot during World War II. The family moved to Sheridan in 1944, and she worked for Tudor Cleaners. The family moved to Alaska in 1951, then to Washington, Kansas, Illinois and Cheyenne while Mr. Hansen worked for the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Hansen died in Cheyenne in 1978. Mrs. Hansen returned to Sheridan in 1983. She was a member of Sunrise Assembly of God. She enjoyed helping at Sheridan Manor for many years and also volunteered at Heritage Towers, serving meals until 2001 and leading a fitness class for a few years. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Jean Rosendahl and Audrey Kocur; two brothers; and three grandchildren. Survivors include a daughter, Lynda Baker of El Paso, Texas; 12 grandchildren; and a number of great- and great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Sunrise Assembly of God, 570 Marion St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
May 13, 2006 Edition
Funeral services for John T. Driskill, 92, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, 3179 Big Horn Ave., with the Rev. Ken Doolin officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Driskill died Thursday, May 11, 2006, in Sheridan Manor. He was born Aug. 24, 1913, in Childress, Texas, to Clarence A. and Margaret E. (Summers) Driskill. The family moved to Arvada when he was 4 years old, and he attended schools there. He attended barber school in Denver in 1931. He moved to Sheridan in 1934 and worked for the OK Barber Shop here. He opened the White Swan Barber and Beauty Shop in Sheridan in 1936, operating the business until his semiretirement in 1982. He also owned the Rock Trim Motel from 1957-72, the Down Town Apartments and several other real estate holdings in Sheridan. He married Ruth Carroll on Oct. 13, 1935, in Sheridan. She died Jan. 13, 1980. He married Ruth Ralston in March 1981. She died in 1991. He married Dorothy Wilson on June 12, 1993, in Sheridan. She died July 7, 2005. Mr. Driskill enjoyed fishing and hunting and became an avid golfer after his retirement. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Sheridan and enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include two daughters, LaVina Fuller of Story and Ruth Faye O'Neal of Sacramento, Calif.; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church.
Dorothy F. Hansen
Dorothy F. Hansen, 94, of Sheridan died Thursday, May 11, 2006, in Sheridan Manor. Viewing will be noon-4 p.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. John Jackson officiating. Memorials may benefit Sunrise Assembly of God Church, 570 Marion St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
May 12, 2006 Edition
Former Sheridan resident Neal Weber Shew, 90, of Billings, died Monday, May 8, 2006, at Deaconess Billings Clinic. A celebration of his life was this morning in Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings. Burial of cremains will be 11 a.m. Monday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings. Mr. Shew was born Jan. 14, 1916, in Oblong, Ill., to Levi and Mertie (Tate) Shew. He grew up in southern Illinois and served in the Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he moved to Sheridan, where he worked as a carpenter. He married Valda Wilder and later moved to Billings, where he worked as a contractor. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion and was an avid fisherman. He was preceded in death by his wife and a son, Earl. Survivors include a daughter, Nadean Dralle of Clarksville, Iowa; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Kenneth Revland, 75, of Sheridan will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Revland died Saturday, May 6, 2006, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. He was born Jan. 22, 1931, to John and Agnes (Lund) Revland. He enlisted in the Army after high school and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953. He was a former resident of Gillette.Survivors include a sister, Shirley, of San Diego. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Veterans Home, 600 Veterans Lane, Buffalo, WY 82834.
John T. Driskill, 92, of Sheridan died Thursday, May 11, 2006, in Sheridan Manor. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ken Doolin officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 3179 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801.
May 11, 2006 Edition
Janet Rodgers, 68, of Sheridan died Wednesday, May 10, 2006, at her residence after a two-year battle with cancer. At her request, cremation has taken place, and no services are scheduled. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Rodgers was born Aug. 24, 1937, in Sheridan to Alfred and Grace (O'Dell) Talcott. She married Larry Rodgers here on Feb. 17, 1969. She worked as a nurse for many years. She enjoyed drawing and painting with watercolors, sewing, crocheting, crafts, playing cards, bingo and other games, baking cookies, making candy, taking pictures and walking. She was preceded in death by her husband and two grandchildren. Survivors include a son, Ernie Parnell of Sheridan; five daughters, Dixie Johnson of Whitewright, Texas, Cathy Salo of Los Lunas, N.M., Colleen Rodgers and Patricia Jaramillo, both of Sheridan, and Carleen Chips of Salem, W.Va.; a sister, Abbie Richardson of Sheridan; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
William Phillip “Phil” Richardson, 53, of Sheridan died Saturday, May 6, 2006, at Sheridan VA Medical Center after a long illness. At his request, cremation has taken place. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Richardson was born April 28, 1953, in Riverton to Don and Beverly (Hall) Richardson. He was a 1971 graduate of Roundup (Mont.) High School. He served in the U.S. Army for three years, including a tour in Germany. He worked in the oil fields for most of his life, including for Baker Oil and R&S Well Service. He battled multiple sclerosis for 17 years. He was preceded in death by his mother and his stepmother, Gwen Richardson. Survivors include his father of Thermopolis; two brothers, Ronnie of Anchorage, Alaska, and Donnie of Basin; and a sister, Diane of Worland. Memorials may be made to Blue Envelope Fund or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Wyoming Chapter, 525 Randall Ave., Suite 105, Cheyenne, WY 82001.
May 10, 2006 Edition
Christian Wake Service for Elizabeth P. Bondi, 91, of Sheridan County will be 7 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Mrs. Bondi died Friday, May 5, 2006, at Westview Health Care Center. She was born March 7, 1915, to Harry and Minnie (Lykinse) Poynter in Vanceburg, Ky. She moved to Big Horn at age 15 with her oldest sister, Gladys Pointer Hale, and Mrs. Hale's husband, who had been hired as principal of Big Horn High School. Mrs. Bondi attended Big Horn High School and played on the girls' basketball team. She graduated in 1933 as valedictorian. She worked at several businesses, including Bondi's Resort in the Big Horn Mountains, the Daniel Fisher Store in Denver and Brown Drug in Sheridan. She married Gene Bondi on Feb. 1, 1941, in Sheridan. They moved to Portland, Ore., returning to Sheridan after World War II. She and Mr. Bondi operated Bondi Distributing Co., a wholesale and retail petroleum distributorship and ranch-supply business in Sheridan. She was active in civic and charitable organizations including youth sports programs, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Women's Auxiliary, Holy Name and its Altar and Rosary societies, Sheridan Does, Eagles Auxiliary, and the Sheridan County and Wyoming state Democratic Party. She volunteered at Sheridan VA Medical Center and worked on fundraisers with her husband, including the Wyoming Cancer Society, American Heart Association and a state voter initiative to establish fish and wildlife habitat. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's athletic competitions. She was preceded in death by Mr. Bondi in 1995. Survivors include two sons, Harry of Casper and Bert of Denver; and three grandsons.
May 9, 2006 Edition
Funeral services for Lucille F. Emery, 80, of Douglas will be 2 p.m. today in the Congregational Church of Christ in Douglas with the Rev. Carol A. Prochaska officiating. Burial will be in Douglas Park Cemetery with graveside rites by Mountain Valley Rebekah Lodge 15. Mrs. Emery died Friday, May 5, 2006, in Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. She was mother of Ben Emery of Story and a former area resident. She was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Iola, Ill., to Jesse T. and Hazel (Mason) Freeman. The family moved to Wyoming when she was 5, settling in the Keeline area. She was a 1944 graduate of the high school in Manville — the first of her family to finish high school. She completed teacher's training and taught in rural schools in Niobrara County. She married Donovan H. Emery on Sept. 12, 1948, in Douglas. They lived on the family ranch until 1953, when they moved to Lance Creek. The family moved to Jay Em in 1960, and Mr. Emery worked for the 0-10 ranch. They moved to Douglas, where they owned and operated D&L Auto Wash. Mrs. Emery was a member of Congregational United Church of Christ, Mountain Valley Rebekah Lodge 15 — holding local and state offices — for 60 years, Manville Homemakers, and former member of North Platte Homemakers. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and going to the Douglas Senior Citizens Center, where she sang, participated in jam sessions and played pinochle with the “Wednesday Group.” She later lived with her son and his family in Story during the school year, helping with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 18, 1990; a sister, Helen Purlenfein; brothers Curtis, Ralph, Vaughn, Arthur, Warren and Lee; and a grandson. She was special friend of the late Allen Heins of Manville. Survivors include two other sons, Bert and George, both of Douglas; a sister, Vira Haller of Casper; and seven grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Congregational United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 122, Douglas, WY 82633, or Douglas Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 192, Douglas, WY 82633. Arrangements are with Gorman Funeral Homes Converse Chapel of Douglas.
Memorial services for Bernice Cook Garretson, 90, will be 11 a.m. Monday in Heart of the Rockies Church in Fort Collins, Colo. She was sister of Elaine Hayes of Sheridan. Mrs. Garretson died Tuesday, April 25, 2006, at Sterling House Assisted Living in Fort Collins. She was born May 16, 1915, in Mullen, Neb., to Ed and Sadie Cook. The family moved to Wyoming when she was a child. She graduated from Clearmont High School in 1933 with high honors and received training as a teacher. She taught school in the Clearmont area until 1937, when she married Lawrance “Red” Garretson. Mr. Garretson served in the Army during World War II, and Mrs. Garretson worked in an aircraft factory. The family moved to Fort Collins after the war. Mrs. Garretson was a child care provider, 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher, worked with the Larimer County Extension Service and was active in outreach. She was an advocate of animal rights and worked to prevent use of animals in product testing. She was preceded in death by her husband; two sisters, Lois Moore and Geraldine Powell; and a brother, Jimmy. Survivors include two daughters, Jan Hawn of Fort Collins and Karla Williamson of Loveland, Colo.; two brothers, Ed Cook of Mesa, Ariz., and Bert of Colorado Springs, Colo.; another sister, Mary Lewis of Forsyth, Mont.; and two grandsons. Memorials may be made to Larimer County Humane Society or Heart of the Rockies Church Memorial Fund.
BUFFALO — John Clayton Long “Bopper” Elsom, 9, of Johnson County died Saturday, May 6, 2006, in a go-cart accident at his home south of Buffalo. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Visitation will be 1-9 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel. Private burial will be at the family ranch south of Buffalo following services. Memorials may be made to the Nature Conservancy in care of the funeral home.
Ruby Montgomery, 85, of Sheridan died Monday, May 1, 2006, at Sheridan Manor. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. June 9 at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Goodwin officiating.
William Richardson, 53, of Sheridan died Sunday, May 7, 2006, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. Cremation has taken place, and no services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
Memorial donations in honor of Paul William `Bill' Reinke, 49, of Arvada may be made to Elks Lodge Cemetery Fund in care of Adams Funeral Home in Buffalo. Mr. Reinke's obituary was published in Monday's Sheridan Press.
May 8, 2006 Edition
Private family services will be later for Paul William “Bill” Reinke, 49, of Arvada. Arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home of Buffalo. Mr. Reinke's body was found Saturday six miles from his home near Arvada. He had been missing since November 2004. Mr. Reinke was born Nov. 20, 1954, in Sheridan to Paul and Jeanette Reinke. He was a 1973 graduate of Sheridan High School. After high school, he worked for Ray Shreve as a ranch hand. He later worked for Big Horn Coal as a heavy-equipment operator and for Spring Creek Coal. He married Nancy Gorzalka in 1974 in Sheridan. They made their home here and were later divorced. Mr. Reinke married Kathleen Hollcroft in 1995. They made their home in Arvada, where he ranched and later worked for Don Malli Construction. A life member of the National Rifle Association, he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and hiking. Survivors include two sons, Jay of Wyarno and Sam of Arvada; a daughter, Nicole Steir of Sheridan; his parents of Sheridan; and two grandchildren.
Elizabeth Bondi, 91, of Sheridan died Friday, May 5, 2006, at Westview Health Care Center. A Christian Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. May 15 at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery.
Former Story-area resident Lucille F. Emery, 80, of Douglas died Friday, May 5, 2006, in Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Congregational United Church of Christ in Douglas with the Rev. Carol A. Prochaska officiating. Burial will be in Douglas Park Cemetery with graveside rites by Mountain Valley Rebekah Lodge 15. Arrangements are with Gorman Funeral Homes & Monuments Converse Chapel in Douglas. Memorials may be made to Congregational United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 122, Douglas, WY 82633 or Douglas Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 192, Douglas, WY 82633.
May 6, 2006 Edition
No obituaries reported.
May 5, 2006 Edition
Graveside services for Rosemary Erck Glantz, 87, of Sheridan County will be 3 p.m. Saturday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. Scott Lee officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Glantz died Wednesday, May 3, 2006, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. She was born and grew up in the Parkman area, where her parents, Louis and Rosa (Mattes) Erck, were ranchers. She was a lifelong resident of Sheridan County and a 1938 graduate of Sheridan High School. She worked as a registered nurse for Sheridan Memorial Hospital for more than 40 years, retiring in 1986. She married George Glantz on Dec. 24, 1941, in Hardin, Mont. They made their home in Sheridan. After retiring, she enjoyed travel, gardening and reading. She was preceded in death by her husband and seven siblings, Frank, Alice, Louis, Jimmy, Marguerite, Eleanor and Josephine. Survivors include three children, Richard and Rita Glantz and Robin Duncan, all of Sheridan; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Memorials may be made to Sheridan College Nursing Program Scholarship Fund in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Cheryl Ann Everhart, 56, of Buffalo died Tuesday, May 2, 2006, in Johnson County Memorial Hospital. Memorial services will be announced by her family at a later time. Arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home of Buffalo. Memorials may be made to Cheryl Everhart Benefit in care of the funeral home, 351 N. Adams in Buffalo.
May 4, 2006 Edition
No obituaries reported.
May 3, 2006 Edition
James T. Blansett, 65, of Sheridan, died Friday, April 28, 2006, in Westview Health Care Center. Memorial services will be this summer. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Blansett was born May 11, 1940, in Sheridan to James and Martha (Robb) Blansett. He grew up in Sheridan and was a 1958 graduate of Sheridan High School. He attended Sheridan College. He spent most of his life working as an entertainer in country nightclubs in Montana and Wyoming. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves. He was an artist, a student of American history and enjoyed country music. Survivors include three sisters, Linda Grosso and Pat Tomsovic, both of Sheridan, and Leta Kobielusz of Gillette; and various nieces, nephews and their children. Memorials may be made to Mercy & Grace Ministries, P.O. Box 6818, Sheridan or Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation's “Honor/Memorial Program” at P.O. Box 391, Sheridan.
Donald Frederick Tyler, 82, of Sheridan, died Sunday, April 30, 2006, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place. Memorial graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Hardin (Mont.) Fairview Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements are with Bullis Mortuary of Hardin. Mr. Tyler was born April 16, 1924, in Eldorado Springs, Mo., to Fred and Grace Myer Tyler. He grew up and was educated in Missouri and Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II in northern France and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged. He married Marge Volk in Hot Springs, S.D. The couple moved to Hardin in 1948. Mr. Tyler worked as a boiler man for Holly Sugar Corp. for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and being with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Slovack; two sisters, Mildred Marrow and Ruth Ball; three brothers, Ralph, Bill and Merle; and three grandsons. Survivors include a son, Donald of Billings; four daughters, Sharon Wobig of Dayton, Beverly Gracia of Three Forks, Mont., Melody Davis of Bozeman, Mont., and Barbara Bogunovich of Big Horn; a sister, Shirley Allen of California; two brothers, Bud of Kansas and Herman of Missouri; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.
Memorial graveside services for Constance M. “Connie” Smith, 93, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Friday in the Elks Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery under direction of Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Smith died Tuesday, May 2, 2006, in Sheridan Manor. She was born March 9, 1913, in Elrod, S.D., to Robert H. and Myra Irena (Fuller) Beatty. She grew up on the family's farm near Clark, S.D., and was a 1930 graduate of Henry (S.D.) High School. She graduated from South Dakota State University-Brooking in 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She came to Wyoming in 1935 and taught school at Arvada. She married Edward G. Smith on Feb. 6, 1937, in Billings. Mr. Smith worked for the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, and the family lived in various communities in Wyoming and on the Brewer, John E. Rice and Duncan ranches. They lived on the Brewer Ranch in Banner from 1952-1974, when they retired. Mrs. Smith taught at Banner School for several years until it closed, then taught at Buffalo elementary and junior high schools until 1974. The Smiths moved to Story, then to Buffalo in 1993. Mr. Smith died in 1997. Mrs. Smith moved to Sugarland Ridge in Sheridan in 2000. She was a member of the Christian Church of South Elrod, S.D. She enjoyed being on the ranch in Banner as well as reading, playing cards, dancing at the Elks Club and travel. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters. Survivors include two sons, Steve of Sheridan and Walter C. “Butch” of Idalia, Colo., and Story; two grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to the Elks Cemetery Fund, 45 W. Brundage St., Sheridan, WY 82801, or to Johnson County Library, 171 N. Adams, Buffalo, WY 82834.
Ruby Montgomery, 85, of Sheridan died Monday, May 1, 2006, at Sheridan Manor. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Laila Eleanor Pixley, who died Tuesday, April 25, 2006, was 89. Her age was incorrectly published as 69 in her obituary April 27.
May 2, 2006 Edition
Robert Jesse McClelen, 54, of Buffalo died Friday, April 28, 2006, in a truck wreck near Leiter. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Pete Friese officiating. Visitation will be 1-9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A graveside committal service will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Memorials may be made to Operation Blessing in care of Adams Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams, Buffalo, WY 82834.
Former Sheridan resident Johnny Edward Kerbel, 35, died Friday, April 21, 2006, in Murray, Utah, according to his family. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. May 13 at the Christian Life Center, 2352 E. Highway 193, Layton, Utah. Arrangements are with Leavitts Mortuary. Mr. Kerbel was born Oct. 27, 1970, in Billings to John Paul and Grace Ann Kerbel. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. He grew up and attended schools in Sheridan and was a 1989 graduate of Sheridan High School, where he was active in football, soccer and gymnastics. He was a 1991 graduate of Sheridan College, with an Associate of Applied Science degree in law enforcement. He attended continuing education classes at the University of Montana. He joined the U.S. Army in September 1992. He also worked in a variety of sales positions. He enjoyed sports, fishing and hunting. Survivors include five half brothers and four half sisters.
Memorial services for Kenneth Stratton, 74, of Sheridan were March 26 at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Terral Bearden officiating. Mr. Stratton died Friday, March 24, 2006, in Sheridan VA Medical Center after battling cancer since June. He was born Feb. 18, 1932, in Allegan County, Mich., to Jay Gould Stratton Sr. and Gertrude Clarabelle Collins Stratton. He joined the U.S. Army in August 1950 and was honorably discharged in August 1953. He married Henrietta Marlene Canfield on June 2, 1962, at Alton Bible Church near Lowell, Mich. He worked at several jobs including short-order cook, woodworking, tree trimming, security guard at the Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer, S.D., and semitruck driver for about 20 years. He enjoyed working on older-model cars, playing guitar and singing and listening to country-Western music. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Orletta (Stratton) Havens, and two brothers, Rex Leo and Raymond Eugene. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Sharon Pat Ayers of Reed City, Mich.; four sons, Kenneth Allan of North Branch, Minn., Benjamin Jay of Gillette, Lucas Denver of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jonathan Andrew of Denver; three brothers, Jay Gould Stratton Jr. of Hastings, Mich., Paul of Wellston, Mich., and Larry of Wyoming, Mich.; two sisters, Amy Ione (Stratton) Reed of Akron, Colo., and Sharon Linda (Stratton) Newsome of Delton, Mich.; 19 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
May 1, 2006 Edition
Darlene L. Hanson, 83, of Sheridan died Thursday, April 27, 2006, at her residence. No services are planned. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Hanson was born April 4, 1923, in Kanawha, Iowa, to Oliver and Grace (Foster) Thorson. She grew up and graduated from high school in Iowa. She married Arlon Hanson on Jan. 18, 1945. They lived in Iowa and Illinois. Mrs. Hanson was a secretary for the school district in Champaign, Ill. Mr. Hanson died in 1978. Mrs. Hanson moved to Sheridan in 2001 with a daughter. Survivors include two daughters, Elana Hanson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kim Weerts of Sheridan; two sisters, Sharron Henrikson and Deanna Reisen, both of Lisle, Ill.; and three grandchildren.
James T. Blansett, 65, of Sheridan died Friday, April 28, 2006, at Westview Health Care Center. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.