Sheridan County's Daily NEWSpaper
Sheridan County's Daily NEWSpaper
Webspinner's Note: We are starting to archive our obituaries. They are archived as to the DAY THE NOTICE WAS IN OUR NEWSPAPER.
September 30, 2005 Edition
Maria A. Ludecke, 97, Sheridan, died today, Sept. 30, 2005, at Sheridan Manor. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
September 29, 2005 Edition
Thomas R. McClusky, 85, of Sheridan died Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. McClusky was born Jan. 23, 1920, in Crosby to John and Nora (Scullen) McClusky. He lost his hearing at age 6 and attended the school for the deaf in Colorado Springs, Colo., graduating at 16. He also graduated from Buffalo High School and played football and basketball on the high school teams. He married Florence Stout in Casper. He owned and operated McClusky Boot and Shoe Repair, played intramural basketball for the Sheridan Beer team and enjoyed woodworking and watching sports on television. He was preceded in death by his wife and a stepson, Archie McCarty. He was a special friend of Carol Reed. Survivors include a stepdaughter, Joan Clift of Story; a sister, Catherine Demchok of Sheridan; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Wade Howard Ruegamer
Wade Howard Ruegamer, 39, of Big Timber, Mont., died Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, at his residence. He was a graduate of Sheridan High School and brother of Wendy Dewey of Sheridan. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Pius Church in Billings. Arrangements are with Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Mr. Ruegamer played Legion baseball and was a member of his high school golf team. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Regis College in Denver and worked as a bank examiner for the state of Wyoming. He was a veteran of eight years in the Army, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. He was preceded in death by his mother. In addition to his sister, survivors include his father, Bill, of Billings; three nieces; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials may be made to Grizzly Athletic Scholarship Association at the University of Montana-Missoula.
Former Sheridan resident Dustin Ray Henthorn, 30, of Everett, Wash., died Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, in a motorcycle accident in Seattle. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services were Sept. 17 at City of Refuge Christ Church in Marysville, Wash. Mr. Henthorn was born Nov. 26, 1974, in Rock Springs to Dennis R. and Christine (Vasquez) Henthorn. The family moved to Sheridan in 1978, and Mr. Henthorn attended schools here through seventh grade. The family moved to Everett in 1988. Mr. Henthorn was a 1993 graduate of Mariner High School in Everett and a 2003 graduate of Edmonds Community College. He married Lisa Epstein on July 26, 2002. He was a former employee of Boeing and worked for Chubb Insurance at the time of his death. Survivors include his wife; his parents of Marysville, Wash.; a sister, Renee of Everett; his maternal grandparents, Joe and Dee Vasquez of Green River, and his paternal grandmother, Marie Henthorn of Casper. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross for its Hurricane Katrina Fund.
At the request of James L. Stone, 65, of Sheridan, cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Mr. Stone died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005, at his residence. Survivors include a daughter, Cheryl Marlowe of Sheridan; and one grandchild. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
September 28, 2005 Edition
Larry P. Mau, 58, of Sheridan died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. Cremation has taken place. Graveside inurnment services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Greybull Cemetery. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Mau was born Dec. 1, 1946, in Greybull to Paul and Frances (Williams) Mau. He attended elementary school in Greybull and graduated from high school in Worland. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in forestry. He enjoyed fishing and collecting jade and Indian artifacts. He was a member of American Legion Post 7 and Church of the Nazarene. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include a sister, Linda Tacy of Samson, Ala.; an aunt, two nieces, three grandnieces and two grandnephews.
James L. Stone, 65, of Sheridan died this morning, Sept. 28, 2005, at his residence. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Anne Elizabeth Sanders Cook, 92, of Sheridan died Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church with Revs. Doug Melius and Brian Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic Circle of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Cook was born May 6, 1913, in Great Falls, Mont., to Clara Nelson Sanders and Joseph E. Sanders. She was a graduate of Montana State University-Bozeman with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Mortar Board and Phi Kappa Phi honorary societies. She married Willard E. Cook Sr. on July 27, 1938, in Fargo, N.D. They moved to Sheridan in 1944. She was past state president of Chapter T, PEO Sisterhood, and also belonged to First Presbyterian Church (where she was past president of women's groups), the American Association of University Women, Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Stephen. Survivors include a son, Willard E. Jr. of Boxford, Mass.; two daughters, Judith Garber of Big Horn and Janet Cook of Indianola, Wash.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to PEO Educational Projects in care of Carol Stewart, 140 Edwards Court, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Gordon E. “Baba” Shipman, 91, of Sheridan died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005, at his residence. A private committal service is planned. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Shipman was born June 8, 1914, in Osseo, Wis., to Harry and Effie Mae (Miller) Shipman. He grew up and attended schools in Wisconsin. He married Arlene Gunnderson on Dec. 7, 1934, in Eau Claire, Wis. She died in 1968. He moved to Wyoming in the early 1940s and worked as a radio announcer in Casper. He was the first announcer in Wyoming to report the death of Franklin Roosevelt. Mr. Shipman owned and operated several businesses including real estate, a liquor store, and a chicken farm. He married Mia Hale in 1970 in Casper. She died in 1986. Mr. Shipman moved to Story in the early 1970s. He managed Bi-Rite Liquor and operated Wyoming Real Estate. He owned and operated TLC Greenhouse for many years. He married Betty Stroup in 1988 in Hamilton, Mont. They lived in Sheridan until her death in 2002, when Mr. Shipman moved to Montana. He returned to Sheridan in 2004 to be near a grandson. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Joann Milender; two brothers, Max and Bert; and two sisters. Survivors include two daughters, Maxine Vering of Sun City, Ariz., and Patty Krasovich of Hamilton; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial services for former Sheridan County resident Frances Stall Husdale, 73, will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Kevin Jones officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Husdale died Monday, Sept. 19, 2005, in Custer, S.D., after a long illness. A full obituary was published in the Sept. 21 Sheridan Press. Memorials may be made to Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library.
Former Sheridan resident Eric Charles St. Cyr, 35, of Belleville, Mich., died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005, near his home. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at David C. Brown Funeral Home with the Rev. Ben Maton officiating. Cremation has taken place. Mr. St. Cyr was born July 6, 1970. He was a 1988 graduate of Belleville and founder of Neighborhood Helping Hand, doing interior and exterior repair, lawn maintenance and landscaping. He enjoyed writing poetry, latch-hooking and the company of his dog, Dakota. Survivors include his father, Clifford Charles of Belleville; his mother, Kathy Vicchy of Powell; nine siblings, Sandra, Adrienne De Mond and Nicole Davenport, all of Belleville, Michelle Towler of Ypsilanti, Mich., Jill Vicchy of Mesa, Ariz., Kim Vicchy of Ketchikan, Alaska, Wendy Smith of Powell, Robin Vicchy of Laramie, and Michael Vicchy of Littleton, Colo.; and his lifelong friend, Michael Sturtz.
September 27, 2005 Edition
Beverly M. Kwallek
Graveside services for Beverly M. Kwallek, 76, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in Dayton Cemetery with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Kwallek died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. She was born Sept. 29, 1928, to Robert and Lorena (Dunning) Brookins. She married Earl Kwallek on Dec. 6, 1947, in Lovell. She enjoyed crafts, knitting, picnics in the mountains, attending family sporting events and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and a sister, Barbara Spencer. Survivors include three sons, Robert of Jackson, Dan of Phoenix and Rich of Gillette; two daughters, Deb of Gillette and Karen Parker of Marshallville, Ga.; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Whedon Cancer Foundation in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Larry P. Mau, 58, of Jeffrey City died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, in Sheridan VA Medical Center. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
September 26, 2005 Edition
No Obituaries reported.
September 25, 2005 Edition
Graveside services for Beverly M. Kwallek, 76, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in Dayton Cemetery with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Kwallek died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. She was born Sept. 29, 1928, to Robert and Lorena (Dunning) Brookins. She married Earl Kwallek on Dec. 6, 1947, in Lovell. She enjoyed crafts, knitting, picnics in the mountains, attending family sporting events and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and a sister, Barbara Spencer. Survivors include three sons, Robert of Jackson, Dan of Phoenix and Rich of Gillette; two daughters, Deb of Gillette and Karen Parker of Marshallville, Ga.; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Whedon Cancer Foundation in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Larry P. Mau, 58, of Jeffrey City died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, in Sheridan VA Medical Center. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
September 24, 2005 Edition
A memorial service for Ibrahim Robert P. Montgomery, 68, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Derryberry officiating. Mr. Montgomery died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005, in Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place. He was born Jan. 21, 1937, in Denver to Eugene and Elma (Powell) Montgomery. He was a 1954 graduate of Denver East High School and a 1958 graduate of the University of Denver. He joined the Peace Corps and served in Africa for two years. He remained in Africa for another six years and married Ina Coumare there. He returned to Denver and taught American government and social studies at George Washington High School and coached basketball. He retired from teaching in 1994. He moved to Sheridan in 1997 and helped coach basketball at Sheridan College with Bruce Hoffman. He enjoyed basketball, fishing, reading, studying African culture, playing Scrabble and spending time with friends and family. Survivors include two sons, Sadat of Lewisville, Texas, and Ibrahim of Chicago; three daughters, Djenebou Montgomery, Mariamou Sims and Kadiatou Petridis, all of Chicago; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Funeral services for Sheridan County native Margaret A. Gammon, 75, of Buffalo will be 10 a.m. Tuesday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Meyer officiating. Visitation will be 1-10 p.m. Monday and 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services. Mrs. Gammon died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, at her residence. She was born April 15, 1930, in Sheridan to Santiago and Ethel Michelena of Arvada. She grew up on the family ranch on Powder River south of Arvada and was a 1948 graduate of Johnson County High School. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., for one year and later attended the University of Wyoming for a year. She married John P. Gammon on June 29, 1949, in Arvada. They lived at the TA Ranch, then in Laramie while attending UW. They returned to the TA Ranch until 1951, when Mr. Gammon joined the Marines. They lived in Quantico, Va., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., while he was in the service. They returned to the TA until spring 1979, when the ranch was sold. Mrs. Gammon worked at the Central Garage and Johnson County Co-op. The Gammons lived in Buffalo and wintered in Arizona until her death. Survivors include her husband; a son, John, and daughter, Marie Miller, both of Buffalo; a sister, Candida Kuhn of Buffalo; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Bread of Life Food Pantry in care of the funeral home.
September 23, 2005 Edition
Robert P. Montgomery, 68, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005, in Sheridan Manor. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
September 22, 2005 Edition
Funeral services for former Sheridan resident Jackie Ann (Obermueller) Harmon, 46, of Chehalis, Wash., will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. William Heine officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Harmon died Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, after a year and a half of battling cancer. She was born Aug. 5, 1959, in Lincoln, Kan., to Reinold and Martha Obermueller. She attended grade school in Westfall, Kan. The family moved to Greeley, Colo., where she attended middle school, then moved to Sheridan, where she graduated from high school in 1977. She married Ron Harmon on Dec. 15, 1978. They moved to Yakima, Wash., in 1979. Mrs. Harmon worked for Metal Benders as a bookkeeper starting in 1992, then kept books for CMV Fabrication (now FAB Tech) before moving to Chehalis in 1998. She worked at Industrial Fabrication and Testing as a controller until her death. She enjoyed her family, her friends and her work. Her father died in 1982. Survivors include her husband and children, Nicholas, Neil, Newton, Nathan and Nicole, all of Chehalis; stepchildren Sherina Eissler of Billings, Debra Hibbert of Cheyenne and Kenneth Harmon of Sheridan; her mother of Sheridan; and her brothers and sisters, Darla Lotz of Park City, Mont., Peggy Landis of York, Pa., Candy Morris of Woodstock, Ga., and Brian Obermueller of Sheridan. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1300 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Visitation for Eva Knighten Garland, 68, who died Monday, Sept. 19, 2005, will be 1-9 p.m. today in Adams Funeral Home Chapel, and funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday in the chapel. The times were erroneously reported in Wednesday's Sheridan Press.
September 21, 2005 Edition
Frances Stall Husdale, 73, a longtime school teacher in the Sheridan area, died Monday, Sept. 19, 2005, in a nursing home in Custer, S.D., after a long illness. She had lived the last five years in South Dakota. Funeral services will be at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at a time to be announced, according to her family. Mrs. Husdale was born July 12, 1932, in Port Chester, N.Y., to Sidney J. and Helen Read Stalling. The family moved to Big Horn in 1942. She was a 1950 graduate of Big Horn High School. She received a degree in elementary education in 1957 from the University of Wyoming and her master's degree in curriculum and instruction in 1991. She taught elementary school in Sheridan for many years. She married Air Force Lt. Col. Cameron Husdale in July 1958 at Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he was stationed. The family lived in Las Vegas, Japan and South Carolina while he was in the service. He retired in 1969, and they lived along Tongue River near Ranchester for 16 years. Mr. Husdale died in 1985, and Mrs. Husdale moved into Sheridan. She was an avid Bronco fan. She and her sister-in-law, the late Marge Stall, traveled for several years. She met Clint Gregory of Hot Springs, S.D., in 1999, and in 2001, she moved to Hot Springs to be with him. They traveled in the United States and abroad. Her master's thesis at UW became the book, “The Little Blue School,” about a rural one-room schoolhouse north of Sheridan. The book is credited with helping spur restoration of the school. She later wrote a history of St. John's Parish in Centreville, Va. She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Sheridan and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hot Springs. She belonged to the Travelers Club of Hot Springs, PEO Chapter M in Hot Springs and Sheridan Book Club. She was preceded in death by a brother, Sidney J. Stall Jr. Survivors include two sons, John of Warrenton, Va., and Gregory of Magna, Utah; a brother, Bill Stall of Sacramento, Calif.; and two grandchildren.
Memorial services for Ralph D. Cross, 68, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Miller officiating. Mr. Cross died Friday, Sept. 16, 2005, at his residence. He was born June 7, 1937, in Scottsbluff, Neb., to Harvey and Coral (Nighswonger) Cross. He grew up in Nebraska and ranched in Banner County, Neb., for several years. He married Sandra Christman on Feb. 11, 1966, in Wyoming. They lived in several states, including Montana, before settling in Sheridan in 1997. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Tim of Phoenix and Justin of Olympia, Wash.; a daughter, Shelley Edwards of Cody; four sisters, Irene Coen, Betty Hacker and Janice Wynne, all of Harrisburg, Neb., and Janie Necessary of Damascus, Va.; and eight grandchildren.
Eva Martha (Knighten) Garland, 68, of Buffalo died Monday, Sept. 19, 2005, at her residence. She was stepmother of Bill Garland and sister of Martha Mack and Beth Cook, all of Sheridan. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dana Lohse officiating. Visiting hours will be 1-9 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services. Mrs. Garland was born Oct. 5, 1936, in Edgerton to Dallas and Martha Knighten. She attended Billie Creek Elementary School and schools in Buffalo before her family moved to Kaycee. She was a 1954 graduate of Kaycee High School and studied accounting at Casper College. She moved back to Kaycee in 1957 and purchased the Feed Rack Hotel and Cafe. The Feed Rack burned down in 1963. She built another cafe in Kaycee, which she operated for two years. She married Cecil Walkin in 1957. She married Walt Howard in 1965; they were divorced. Mrs. Garland moved to Sheridan. She married Tub Garland on March 3, 1989, and they lived in Buffalo. Mrs. Garland opened Eva's Place Cafe in Buffalo in 1989 and operated it for two years. She later worked at various places in Buffalo as a cook until 1999, when she retired. She volunteered at Buffalo Senior Center. She was preceded in death by a son, Sonny Howard; three brothers; and one sister. In addition to her sisters and stepson, survivors include her husband; a daughter, Glory Walkin of Casper; two stepsons, Kelly of Thayne and George of Bremmerton, Wash.; a stepdaughter, Chris Vasco of Buffalo; three brothers, Earl Knighten of Thermopolis, David Knighten of Orem, Utah, and Jim Knighten of Glen Allen, Alaska; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Senior Center in care of the funeral home.
Former Sheridan resident Jackie Ann (Obermueller) Harmon of Chelalis, Wash., died Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, after a one and one-half year battle with cancer. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. William Heine officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1300 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
September 20, 2005 Edition
Ralph Cross, 68, of Sheridan died Friday, Sept. 16, 2005, at his residence. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Miller officiating.
September 19, 2005 Edition
Joeie Kay (Klotz) Emerick, 64, of Sheridan died Friday, Sept. 16, 2005, at her residence after a battle with brain cancer. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hope Lutheran Church, 1911 U.S. Highway 87 East in Billings. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. today at Cremation or Funeral Gallery in Billings and will continue there from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday. Mrs. Emerick was born April 26, 1941, in Billings to Joseph and Kathleen (Wright) Klotz. She attended school in Lockwood, Mont., and graduated from Billings Senior High School. She married Leroy “Fuzzy” Emerick on Jan. 9, 1960. They moved to Sheridan in 2003 following retirement. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Scott of Billings and Shaun of Shepherd, Mont.; a daughter, Sharla Duncan of Sheridan; her mother of Billings; two brothers, Dick Klotz of Billings and Ben Klotz of Townsend, Mont.; two sisters, Cathy Shelly of Cincinnati and Cindy Robertson of Whitehall, Mont.; and six grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran Church in Billings or Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1300 W. Fifth St. in Sheridan.
September 17, 2005 Edition
No obituaries reported.
September 16, 2005 Edition
No obituaries reported.
September 15, 2005 Edition
Memorial services for Scott A. Haglund, 33, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ronald Stolcis officiating. A reception will follow in Holy Name Parish Hall. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Haglund died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005, in the Big Horn Mountains. He was born Sept. 17, 1971, in Denver to Ron and Virginia (Woslager) Haglund. The family moved to Sheridan when he was a child. He was a 1991 graduate of Sheridan High School and a 1994 graduate of the Denver Institute of Technology, where he received an outstanding student award. He was a delivery driver for United Parcel Service. He married Lisa Huber on Jan. 8, 1997, in Sheridan. A member of Big Horn Mountain Eagles, he enjoyed darts, fishing, hunting, camping, water sports and being outdoors. He was preceded in death by a grandmother, Betty Woslager, and his stepfather, Sam Nishoff. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Kaleb, Jacob and Dominic Grosso, all of Sheridan; his father of Buffalo; his mother, Virginia Nishoff of Sheridan; a brother, Shawn of Sheridan; a sister, Tanya of Rapid City; a stepbrother, Scott Nishoff of Shanghai, China; and his grandfather John Woslager of Sheridan.
A Celebration of Life for Russell E. “Rusty” Elliott, 90, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Elliott died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. At his request, cremation has taken place. He was born June 18, 1915, in Paris, Ill., to Fred and Clara (Barkley) Elliott. The family, including Mr. Elliott's grandparents, moved to Gillette and homesteaded in 1917. Mr. Elliott attended schools in the Gillette area and high school in Midwest. He moved to Sheridan in 1940 to work for the CX and Sheridan Heights ranches. He married Sheridan native Darlene Sayles on Aug. 15, 1943, in Hardin, Mont. He went to work for United Geophysical Co. in 1947, then in 1949 as an operator at Acme Power Plant for Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. He retired after 28 years. He maintained an active woodworking shop after retirement, and he enjoyed making and playing dulcimers. He also enjoyed working in his garden, “live” theater and entertaining schoolchildren and groups with his dulcimers. He was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and sang in the church choir. He also sang with the Sheridanaires. He worked for several years as church custodian. He was a 55-year member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 646 in Sheridan. He was preceded in death by a brother, two stepbrothers and a half sister. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Judy G. Huhman of Enid, Okla.; a stepbrother, Paul Hite of Longview, Wash.; and four grandsons. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Window Project, 102 S. Connor St., or Sheridan Senior Citizens Center, 211 Smith St.
Services for Phyllis L. Wyatt, 83, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Wyatt died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005, at her son's residence. She was born June 28, 1922, in Sheridan to Orville and Helen Dot (Davis) Dana. She was a graduate of Sheridan High School and attended Woodbury College in Los Angeles, where she majored in art and interior decorating. She married Charles James Wyatt Sr. on Sept. 14, 1944, in Los Angeles and worked 30 years as a Mountain Bell Telephone Co. operator. As an artist, she received many awards, including Congressional Awards that allowed her art to be hung in the Senate and House buildings in Washington, D.C., and Cheyenne. She and Mr. Wyatt owned Paintbrush & Palette from 1974-81, then operated Co-op Gallery 348 from 1987-90. Mrs. Wyatt was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and the church's Altar Guild, Telephone Pioneers of America, Alpha Iota National Sorority, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Second Marine Division Association, Wyoming Art Association and Sheridan Artists Guild, where she served two years as president. A signature member of the Wyoming Water Color Association, she enjoyed snowmobiling and travel. She was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers, Wayne, Lowren and Eugene Dana. Survivors include two sons, Jim Jr. and Michael, both of Sheridan; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Sept. 14, 2005 Edition
Former Dayton rancher Donn T. Davies, 89, of El Prado, N.M., died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005. Arrangements are with Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home in Taos, N.M. He ranched in Dayton from 1957 to 1970. In 1992, he received the Chester A. Reynolds Award at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. In 2004, he was inducted into the Culver Military Academy Horsemanship Hall of Fame in Indiana. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Anne Donston of Dayton. Survivors include his wife, Henny; four children, Maria Scott of Mill Valley, Calif., Donn of Taos, Charles of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Susie Tate of Cimarron, N.M.; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Maverick Rodeo Club Maverick Construction Fund in care of Steve Rick, P.O. Box 581 Cimarron, NM 87714.
Phyllis L. Wyatt, 83, of Sheridan died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005, at her son's residence in Sheridan. Cremation has taken place. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Hospice of the Big Horns, Shrine Crippled Children's Fund or the Sheridan Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Funeral services for Doris Iola Mitchell Coon, 90, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Coon died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. She was born April 17, 1915, to Minnie Maude Graves and Ormond Michael at the family farm in Burlington Junction, Mo. She left home at age 12 to attend Maryville (Mo.) High School. She graduated in 1931. She received a teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State Teachers College. She earned her master's degree in education at age 56. She married Herbert Burl Coon on June 8, 1946, in Olathe, Kan. They lived in Missouri, Kansas and, later, in Nevada, where Mrs. Coon taught for 21 years. She retired from teaching in 1981 following the death of her husband. She moved to Billings, then to Sheridan, where she lived for the past 15 years with her son. She enjoyed reading and travel. Survivors include a son, Donald E. Coon of Sheridan; a daughter, Sandra K. Hoffman of Dallas; three sisters, Ruth McClurg of Tulsa, Okla., Mary Weir of Maryland, Mo., and Zella Pluhaugh of Athens, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Whedon Cancer Foundation in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Scott A. Haglund, 33, of Sheridan died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005, in the Big Horn Mountains. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. A reception will follow in the church parish hall. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
September 13, 2005 Edition
Doris M. Coon, 90, of Sheridan died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
No services are planned for Sheridan County native John Drobish, 77, of Amity, Ore. Mr. Drobish died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005. A complete obituary with photo was published in Saturday's Sheridan Press.
September 12, 2005 Edition
A celebration of life for Carliene Kathryn Georgen, 73, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Derryberry officiating. Cremation has taken place, and a private family inurnment of cremains will be later. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Georgen died Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, in St. Vincent's Medical Center in Billings from complications of diabetes. She was born June 13, 1932, in Sheridan to Carl K. and Blanche Evelyn (Jenkins) Peters. She grew up and attended schools in Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School. She worked as a bookkeeper at the Montgomery Ward Store in Sheridan for several years. She married Kenneth Earl Georgen on Aug. 14, 1952, in Sheridan. They moved to Worland and later to northern California. Mrs. Georgen later returned to Sheridan and worked at Jorgenson's Jewelry, then as bookkeeper for Ralph Groshart until she retired from Groshart Eye Clinic in 1997 after more than 35 years. She was a member of the Trail End Guilds and enjoyed gardening, reading and collecting antiques. Survivors include a son, Kenneth Michael of Auburn, Wash.; a daughter, Cynde Georgen of Sheridan; and one grandchild. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Education Strip Assistance Program or Trail End Guilds in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Warren James “Jim” Ullery, 87, of Kaycee died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005, at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Kaycee Methodist Church with the Rev. Dana Lohse officiating. Visitation is 1-9 p.m. today at Adams Funeral Home Chapel and from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday at Kaycee Methodist Church. Burial will be in Kaycee Cemetery. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association Research Foundation or Hoof Prints of the Past Museum in care of the funeral home.
September 10, 2005 Edition
Funeral services for Frank Demchok, 83, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronald Stolcis officiating. Burial will be in the new Eagles Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with military rites by the Wyoming National Guard and American Legion Post 7 of Sheridan. Mr. Demchok died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. He grew up and attended schools in Sheridan and was a 1940 graduate of Sheridan High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in December 1941 and arrived in Scotland in September 1942. He served 33 months with the 8th Air Force, 93rd Bomb Group, 329th Squadron, in England. He was discharged Sept. 5, 1945. He married D. Lerrene “Rene” Powell on Feb. 9, 1947, in Sheridan. He worked for the CB&Q-Burlington Northern Railroad for 41 years, until Sept. 12, 1986, serving as switchman and yardmaster. He was a life member of Eagles Aerie 186 and United Transportation Union 951. He enjoyed golf, bowling and fishing. He was preceded in death by his wife and two brothers. Survivors include two daughters, Frankie Marks of Salt Lake City and Gayle Brantz of Sheridan; a brother, Bill of Sheridan; three sisters, Kate Schubert of Bremerton, Wash., Alice Mentock of Cody, and Virginia Doyle of Kansas City, Mo.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Shrine Children's Travel Fund, P.O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801.
John Drobish, 77, of Amity, Ore., died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005, at his residence of a heart attack. He was the brother of Anne Belish of Ranchester and Martha Kobielusz of Sheridan. Funeral arrangements are pending in Oregon. Mr. Drobish was born Sept. 22, 1927, in Dietz to John and Eva (Boyak) Drobish. He graduated from high school in 1946 and was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Kuzma, and a brother, Robert. Survivors include a daughter, Kathy Leppin, and two sons, Tim and Layton, all of Oregon; another sister, Dolores Wagner of Sundance; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Carliene K. Georgen, 73, of Sheridan died Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, in Billings. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Derryberry officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
September 9, 2005 Edition
No obituaries reported.
September 8, 2005 Edition
Diane “Coco” Larsen, 61, of Sheridan died Monday, Sept. 5, 2005, at her residence. At her request, cremation has taken place, and a private family memorial service will be later. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Larsen was born Sept. 30, 1943, in Waukegan, Ill., to James A. Witten Sr. and Myrtle (Oulds) Barlow. The family later moved to the Banner area. Mrs. Larsen was a 1961 graduate of Big Horn High School. She married Harry A. Larsen in 1988 in Las Vegas. She enjoyed hunting, camping, travel, gardening and NASCAR. Mr. Larsen preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Richard M. Wimer of Casper; two daughters, Sheila M. Wimer of Casper and Charle' E. Drews of Vallejo, Calif.; two brothers, James A. Witten Jr. of Casper and Billy Witten of Big Horn; three sisters, Linda Evans of Neenah, Wis., Janet Pate of Willis, Texas, and Sharon Flores of Wonder Lake, Ill.; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Home Care Health at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, 1401 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Memorial services for Clyde E. Terrell, 68, of Story are planned for a later date. Mr. Terrell died Monday, Sept. 5, 2005, at his residence after a long battle with cancer. Cremation has taken place with arrangements by Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Terrell was born Dec. 26, 1936. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Hobert.
Survivors include his wife, Gisela; two daughters, Sally Bush and Shary Myers, both of Indiana; three sons, Douglas, Dennis and Duane, all of Indiana; two sisters, Ruby Michael and Mary Alice Brosman, both of Indiana; five brothers, Wayne, Russell, Lowell, Charles and Carl, all of Indiana; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Fisher House at Denver VA Medical Center, American Cancer Society, Sheridan VAMC Hospice Program, or Buffalo Music Study Club Youth Scholarships in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Frank B. Demchok, 83, of Sheridan died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Stella Gorzalka, 82, of Sheridan died Friday, Aug. 26, 2005, at her residence. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
September 7, 2005 Edition
Memorial services for Eva Annabell Bunn, 89, of Sheridan will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Fir Lane Memorial Park Funeral Home and Chapel in Spanaway, Wash. Local arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Bunn died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. She was born Dec. 23, 1915, in Seraco County, N.D., to William and Sarah (Willis) Wetzel. She played the piano starting in her early teens and provided music for barn dances, grange dances, weddings and senior citizens dances. She played for a choral group at Araby Acres in Yuma, Ariz., and was a cook at a nursing home in Puyallup, Wash. She married Warren Bunn on Oct. 20, 1937, in Detroit Lakes, Minn. He preceded her in death. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson. Survivors include a daughter, Jeanette Buxton of Sheridan; two sons, Dennis of Spanaway and Dwight of North Bend, Wash.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Rosie P. Wolfe, 82, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Friday in Sheridan Elks Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Viewing will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Wolfe died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. She was born Sept. 14, 1922, in Kleenburn to Frank and Elizabeth (Mediate) Pedulla. She grew up and graduated from high school in Sheridan. After high school, she married Roy E. Cotton. They divorced. She cooked on ranches for many years and worked as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell until she retired. She married E.C. “Bud” Wolfe in Sheridan. He died in 1987. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and Telephone Company Pioneers. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking for friends and family. In addition to Mr. Wolfe, she was preceded in death by three infant children and eight brothers and sisters. Survivors include a son, Dan Cotton of Richmond, Calif.; two daughters, Diana Sonderby of Sheridan and Donna Hobbs of Baton Rouge, La.; three stepdaughters, Kay Pittman, Peggy Ann Buss and Patti Klinkosh, all of Sheridan; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Memorials may be made to the Kelly Schreibeis Memorial Foundation in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Clyde E. Terrell, 68, of Sheridan died Monday, Sept. 5, 2005. remation has taken place. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Fisher House, Denver VA Medical Center, American Cancer Society, Sheridan VAMC Hospice Program or Buffalo Music Study Club Youth Scholarships in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
BUFFALO — Hazel H. Odegard, 84, of Buffalo died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be 1-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial with graveside rites will be in Willow Grove Cemetery following Saturday's services. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Animal Shelter in care of the funeral home.
BUFFALO — A. John Graham, 75, of Buffalo died Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005, in San Diego. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Brauer officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Memorials may be made to John Graham Memorial School Funds in care of the funeral home.
September 6, 2005 Edition
Former Sheridan resident Herschel Wayne McClure, 81, of Casper died Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, at Wyoming Medical Center. Cremation has taken place, and at his request no services are planned. Arrangements are with Newcomer Funeral Homes. Mr. McClure was born June 15, 1924, in Maysville, Mo., to Frank and Martha (Johnson) McClure. The family moved to Gillette when he was 4 years old. He grew up in the Gillette area and was a 1942 graduate of Campbell County High School. He worked as a cowpuncher during summers. After graduation he was employed full time for the Keline Ranch south of Gillette. He married Evelyn D. Lynde on Aug. 9, 1943. He joined the Army in April 1945 and served in the 785th Military Police Battalion. While on Okinawa, he was Gen. Eisenhower's driver during a tour of the island. He received his honorable discharge in November 1946 during the Army's demobilization. He went to work for Wunderlick Construction Co. and moved to Kingman, Ariz., where the company decommissioned 10,000 military aircraft. While with Wunderlick, he helped build the Cherry Creek Dam in Denver, the Eisenhower Tunnel at Loveland, Colo., and the Trenton (Neb.) Dam. In 1954 he moved his family to Sheridan and spent the next 28 years working for the Caterpillar Dealership in Wyoming. He was transferred to Casper in 1966. He retired in 1982, and he and Mrs. McClure traveled to all 50 states. Their winter home was in Mesa, Ariz. Mr. McClure also enjoyed woodworking, stained glass works, fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by a sister, Maureen Hayden. Survivors, all of Casper, include his wife; two sons, Terry and Jeff; two daughters, Phyllis Letz and Susan Miller; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131. The donation should include the following information, according to the funeral home: “In Memory of Herschel W. McClure,” the name and address of the person who should be notified of the gift (Evelyn McClure, P.O. Box 50277, Casper, WY 82609) and the name and address of the donor.
Joseph “Ed” Cherni, 53, of Sheridan died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, at his residence. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Inurnment of cremains will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with military honors. Mr. Cherni was born March 21, 1952, in Sheridan to Joseph and Helen (Madzia) Cherni. He was a 1971 graduate of Sheridan High School. He joined the U.S. Marines in 1972 and served until his honorable discharge in 1973. He worked for Burlington Railroad for several years before attending welding classes at Sheridan College. After completion, he worked as a welder on construction projects throughout Wyoming. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, visiting with people, and his dogs, Snowflake and Taz. He was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his mother of Sheridan; a son, Robert of St. Louis; and two sisters, Elizabeth and Barbara Cherni, both of Sheridan.
BUFFALO — Janice Feeger, 78, of Buffalo died Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, at her residence. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo with the Rev. Kirk Peters officiating. Visitation will be 1-10 p.m. today and 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday in Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside rites.
Eva Annabell Bunn, 89, of Sheridan died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at Fir Lane Memorial Park Funeral Home and Chapel in Spanaway, Wash. Local arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
BUFFALO — Karen Munoz Plaza, 63, of Buffalo died Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, in an automobile accident on Interstate 90 north of Buffalo. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated this morning at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with the Rev. George Von Kaenel as celebrant. Rosary was recited Monday at the church. Arrangements were with Adams Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Animal Shelter in Buffalo in care of the funeral home.
Rosie P. Wolfe, 82, of Sheridan died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Stolcis officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Kelly Schreibeis Memorial Foundation in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Diane “Coco” Larsen, 61, of Sheridan died Monday, Sept. 5, 2005, at her residence. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
September 3, 2005 Edition
Former Sheridan resident Charlie McGaw, 72, of Oral, S.D., died Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, after battling cancer. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, S.D., with the Rev. Kevin Clark officiating. Inurnment will be 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D. Arrangements are with McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Mr. McGaw was born Feb. 23, 1933, in Sutherland, Neb., to G.W. and Ella McGaw. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1951. While he played on the Sheridan football team, the Broncs won two state championships and he was named as an All-State Guard. He later played football on the University of Wyoming's freshman team. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955. He continued to play football for the Navy. He married Sharon Archer on Nov. 27, 1957, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sheridan. The couple later moved to Chadron, Neb., where Mr. McGaw attended college and played football on an undefeated team for the Chadron State Eagles. He graduated from Chadron with a bachelor's degree in education in 1960. The family moved to Hot Springs where Mr. McGaw taught biology, coached high school football and was assistant high school principal. In 1968, he received his master's Degree in education from Chadron State College. He and Mrs. McGaw established Fall River Floral in 1974. They moved to a farm outside Oral in 1984. In 1993, Mr. McGaw was inducted to the Football Hall of Fame at Chadron State College. He enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables and watching his grandchildren's sports. He was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne McGaw. Survivors include his wife, of Oral; three daughters, Lisa Bryant of Custer, S.D., Robyn Peterson of Hemingford, Neb., and Jo McGaw of Salt Lake City; a son, Scott of Park City, Utah; a brother, Bruce of King Hill, Idaho; a sister, Lennes Jackson of Roseville, Minn.; and seven grandchildren. A memorial has been established in Mr. McGaw's name for the St. John's Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Hills, Southern Hills Branch.
BUFFALO — Tom Gandy, 84, of Buffalo died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, in the Johnson County Health Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo with the Rev. George Von Kaenel as celebrant. Visitation will be 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the church. Burial with graveside rites will be in Willow Grove Cemetery after the services Wednesday. Memorials may be made to St. John's Catholic Church or the Buffalo Senior Center in care of the funeral home.
September 2, 2005 Edition
No obituaries reported
September 1, 2005 Edition
Graveside services with military honors for Gerald F. Kelly, 85, of Sheridan will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sheridan Masonic Cemetery with Chaplin Arden Haeffner officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Kelly died Monday, Aug. 29, 2005, in the Sheridan VA Medical Center. He was born July 22, 1920, in Newton, Iowa, to Ivan and Ora (Link) Kelly. The family moved to Jackson Hole when he was 5 years old. He grew up on a ranch on Beaver Creek and attended Sheridan schools. He was a 1940 graduate of Sheridan High School. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941. His unit was captured by the Japanese in the Philippines at the start of U.S. involvement in World War II, and he spent the next three and one-half years in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps in the Philippines and Japan. He returned to Sheridan after the war. He married Anna Sundquist. He worked at the Sheridan VAMC — originally the Fort MacKenzie Veterans' Hospital — until 1975, when he retired. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent every weekend in the mountains teaching his sons to hunt and fish. They camped in tents until he and his family built a cabin on Big Willow. He was a life member of the Elks Club, Masons, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a Cub and Boy Scout leader, and he and his wife were cribbage players. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ivan Kelly Jr.; a sister, Lorena Stevens; and a son, Gerald Jr. Survivors include his wife; a son, Melvin; a grandson; and three great-granddaughters. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Fund in care of Brenda Torrens and Nicole Christensen, Bank of the West, 2 N. Main St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Funeral services for Ralph Taylor Watkins, 87, of Sheridan will be 10 a.m. Saturday in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo with Mike Leibee officiating. Visitation will be 1-9 p.m. Friday and 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Mr. Watkins died Monday, Aug. 29, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 10, 1918, in Dunnegan, Mo., to Ira and Nora Taylor Watkins. He grew up and attended school in Missouri. He worked as a ranch hand for several years after moving to Wyoming. He married Dorothy Osborne in Jetsmore, Kan., in 1943. They moved to Colorado Springs, Colo. Mr. Watkins joined the Army and served in the European Theater during World War II. In 1946, the family moved to Johnson County where Mr. Watkins did ranch work and became a heavy equipment operator. He also worked as a miner in Idaho and for the Shrum Lumber Co. at a sawmill in the Big Horn Mountains. He worked on the North Slope and other locations in Alaska as a supervisor and foreman for more than 15 years. Mrs. Watkins died in May 1979. Mr. Watkins retired in 1983 and moved to Sheridan in 2000. He was a member of the Elks Club and the International Order of Operating Engineers, was an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping in the mountains. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister and a brother. Survivors include a daughter, Karen Leibee of Baker, Mont.; a half-sister, Alice Pitts of Bolivar, Mo.; his special friend and companion, Eloise Edwards of Sheridan; a granddaughter; and a great-grandson. Memorials may be made to the St. Francis Animal Shelter in care of the funeral home.
Arvada native Hazel I. Fox, 90, of Cheyenne died Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005, at the Life Care Center. Cremation has taken place at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens under direction of Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes. Private family services are planned. Mrs. Fox was born Feb. 10, 1915, in Arvada to Dave and Mabel Elliott. She had lived in Cheyenne 15 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold M. Fox, in 1984, and by two brothers and three sisters. Survivors include a son, Arthur A. of Puyallup, Wash.; a daughter, Karen Patterson of Cheyenne; a brother, Curtis Elliott of Recluse; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.