Wyoming Logo is Exclusive Property of Mary and Don Saban. Perpetual Copyright 1998. All Rights Reserved.
FREMONT COUNTY, WYOMING
OBITUARIES AND DEATH NOTICES
As published in one of the Fremont County Newspapers - the Riverton Ranger, The Lander Journal, and The Dubois Frontier. Permission to publish given in writing by Steve Peck, Owner/Editor of the above news publications.
July 2000
July 2, 2000 - Riverton Ranger - none
July 3, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
BENTON - Ronald M. Benton
Ronald M. Benton, an administrator for Fremont County School District 14 in Ethete, died Saturday, July 1, 2000, at his rural Ethete home. He was 57 years old.
A memorial service is Wednesday, July 5, at 10 a.m. from the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton with interment Friday, July 7, at 4 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minot, N.D. Military committal rites will be by the American Legion Post.
Viewing is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, from the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Ronald Maurice Benton was born Oct. 12, 1942, in Minot, N.D., the son of Earl Benton and Jennie Lang.
He was graduated from Model High School in Minot and from the Wapeton State School of Science. He received his bachelors degree from Minot State University with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. He received advanced education and administrative credits from North Dakota State University and Montana State University.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with the U.S. Navy with Company 62-249 in San Diego on the USS Point Defiance as a pipe fitter. In addition to San Diego, he was stationed in San Antonio, Texas.
Mr. Benton was an educator and certified master teacher.
In February of 1963, he married Mary in San Diego, Calif. They were later divorced.
Mr. Benton was a lay minister and lifetime church deacon and trustee. He was a member of the rodeo club, serving for 16 years as secretary. He served four years as a church sevretary, was a member of the Vietnam Veterans' Club, and had served eight years as secretary and vice chairman of the Twin Butte Community Organization. He was a member of the American Legion Post 303.
Mr. Benton had lived in Ethete for nine years. Prior to that he lived in Holliday, N.D., for 13 years and Twin Buttes, N.D., for five years.
His family says Ronald Benton "believed in Jesus" and, they say, "his greatest passion was his children and grandsons. Dad was considerate of others in many ways," the family says, "a kind word or a simple hug that added joy in our lives. Dad was our strength on discouraging days. He loved the beauty of the landscape that God put beneath his feet. Dad thanked God every day for the blessing that life shared his way."
Ron Benton had been employed at the Ethete schools since 1991, as a master teacher, director of Title VII, director of CCLC 21st Century, and instructor in drug and alcohol prevention.
Prior to coming to Fremont County he taught 1973-1991 in the Twin Buttes School District 37 in North Dakota as a guidance counselor, Title I coordinator, Title III coordinator, director of Title VII, special education program supervisor, school community liaison and Johnson O'Malley program coordinator.
He spent 18 months as director of the Twin Buttes Youth Home.
In the Ethete community he had been active in the school's National Geography Bee, spelling bee, fund raising for St. Jude Children's Home, parent activities, tutoring activities and staff development and training activities.
Survivors include daughters Rhonda Schweitzer and Jennifer Arndt; five grandchildren; his parents, Jennie Lang and Helen Benton; brothers Warren Benton, Perry Benton, Gary Benton, and Brad Benton; sisters Eline Kunkle, Vivian Bradwisch, Lenor Zietz, and Iris Gallegan, and his former wife, Mary Kearney of South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by parents John Lang (sic - should this be Jennie Lang?)and Earl Benton; and grandparents Elbert and Mabel Benton and Jorgen and Mabel Bowe.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
DAVIS - Stuart E. Davis
Fremont County native Stuart E. Davis died Saturday, July 1, 2000 in Rockport, Texas at the age of 41.
Services are Saturday, July 8, at 10 a.m. from the Davis Funeral Home in Riverton. Burial follows at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton.
Services are being held in Texas on Wednesday, July 5.
Stuart Earl Davis was born April 30, 1959, in Lander, the son of Donald Philip and Helen (Ryff) Davis.
He attended schools in Riverton until 1978, when he went to work in the Gas Hills and Jeffrey City as an underground uranium miner. He completed his GED in 1984 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served for 13 years, being discharged as a Gunners Mate 1st Class.
He married Pamala Shepperd on March 22, 1991, in San Diego, Calif.
Mr. Davis was a ferry boat captain and certified marine firefighter.
His family says he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.
Survivors include his wife, Pamala of Rockport; a son, Jimmy Shepperd; daughters Teri Woollvand and Marine Woollvand, all of San Antonio; his mother, Helen Hays of Riverton; brothers MSgt Frederick "Mike" Davis and his wife Jane of Escondido, Califor; sisters Phyllis Lorimer and her husband Lee of Broomfield, Colo., and Donna Shaw of Cyeyenne.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald P. Davis; stepfather Lee J. Hays; paternal grandparents Suzie and Earl Davis and maternal grandparents Hazel Bair and Frank Ryff.
Local arrange ments are by the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
CORNISH - Bob Cornish
Memorial services for Ernest "Bob" L. Cornish are WEdnesday, July 5, at 2 p.m. from the Senior Citizens Center in Shoshoni. Cremation has taken place.
Mr. Cornish died Friday, June 30, 2000, at the Lander VAlley Medical Center. He was 82 years old.
Bob Cornish was born June 20, 1918, in Ainsworth, Neb., the son of Guy and Alvina Cornish. He grew up and attended school in Ainsworth, were he purchased his first truck and went into the trucking business at the age of 17.
Mr. Cornish entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and was in the 747 Tank Battalion where he was one of the first to land on Normandy Beach. Bob fought in the European, African and Middle Eastern theaters until the end of World War II.
After serving in the military, Bob married Violet Westover Hallgrimson. Until 1960, the couple lived in Nebraska, at which time they moved to Wyoming. Bob went back into the trucking business until his retirement in 1987.
He is survived by his wife, Violet, of Shoshoni; two sons, Corky Cornish and wife Linda of Shoshoni, and Ronald Cornish and wife Hazel of San Bernardino, Calif.,; one daughter, Bobbie Greavue and husband Bill of Heighwood, Mont., 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, the Rev. Joe Downs and wife Nell of Ulysses, Kan; one sister, Wanita Kroger and husband Gene of Harvard, Neb., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 5, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
HANWAY - Thomas Joseph Hanway
Thomas Joseph Hanway, age 73, died Friday, June 30, 2000, in Great Falls, Mont., while visiting family.
Services are Thursday, July 6 at 10 a.m. from St. Stephens Mission south of Riverton, with the Rev. Harold Gannon officiating. Interment follows at the Hanway Family Cemetery on the Little Wind River at Arapahoe.
A rosary is Wednesday, July 5 at 7 p.m. at Eagle Hall at St. Stephen's, with a wake to follow.
Thomas Joseph Hnway was the son of Paul B. and Cassie (Friday) Hanway. He grew up on the Wind River Indian Reservation in the Arapahoe area. He attended schools in St. Stephens and trade school in California.
Mr. Hanway was a rancher and mechanic. His family says he enjoyed riding horses, carving, mechanics, traveling and being with family and friends.
Survivors include daughters Gale Bodry of Norwalk, Calif., Carmon Hanway of La Habra, Calif., and Sherin Norton of Corna, Calif; sons Guy Hanway of Great Falls, Thomas Hanway Jr. of La Habra, and Danny Montoya of Buena Park, Calif.; sisters Dorothy Hanway of Tacoma, Wash., and Mary Hanway Farris of Taholah, Wash.; brother Francis "Frenchie" Hanway of Sequim, Wash.; 17 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Aurelia Lawson, Josephine Delorme and Margaret Hanway; brothers Ernest, William, Lois, Paul Jr., James and Herbie Hanway.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 6, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
BARDO - Dale M. Bardo
Lander native Dale M. Bardo died Monday, June 5, 2000, in Lusk, at the age of 88.
Services were Monday, June 12, from the Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Home in Lusk.
Dale Marine Bardo was born May 20, 1912, at Platte, S.D., the younger of two sons of Earl Melvin Bardo and Elsie May (Blue) Bardo. After three years at Kalispell, Mont., the family moved to Lander in 1915. Dale's father died of typhoid fever in 1919, leaving his widow to rear Dale and Gerald.
Dale was educated in the Lander schools, graduating from high school in 1930.
He was introduced to the printing trade at the Wyoming State Journal in Lander when he was in the eighth grade, after years of being a newsboy. He became proficient as a lithotype operator during high school, earning money toward his college education. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University for two years when was graduated in 1934 from the University of Nebraska, also in Lincoln, with a degree in journalism.
The Lander Journal and its owner, L. L. Newton, took their former employee in at $10 a week, following his graduation. During that period, Dale taught a high school journalism class and supervised University of Wyoming extension classes.
Dale's first real job after college was in 1935 with a weekly newspaper at Wahoo, Neb., where he joined his brother Gerald on the staff. There he met Helen Towler, who had come from Minneapolis to visit her sister Jane, Mrs. Gerald Bardo and husband.
Dale Bardo and Helen Towler were married at the Richfield Methodist Church in MInneapolis on Oct. 10, 1936. From Wahoo, they moved to Toledo, Iowa, where Dale was employed as news/advertising man on the weekly newspaper. Daughter Susan was born in Toledo.
A few months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Dale accepted a similar position with the Garner, Iowa, weekly newspaper. Son Richard was born there. As a father and member of an older age group and essential industry, Dale was not called to service until late in World War II. That call was canceled as the war neared conclusion.
In 1946, Dale became manager of the Plentywood (Mont) Herald. Then, in 1948, Dale joined The Lusk Herald, primarily as a Linotype operator.
Dale retired in October 1982, having participated in the Herald's transition from letterpress to offset printing and having mastered the new c omputerized phototypsetting machines.
Dale Bardo was extensively involved in instrumental and vocal music. He was a self-taught trumpet player.
During college summers, he helped organize jazz dance orchestras in Lander. Also in Lander, he directed a successful church orchestra after college.
Active in church for most of his life, Dale served in many capacities, including committee work and the teach of Sunday School. He was a member of the Lusk Congreagational Church.
He helped initiate two Lusk programs - Head Start and Meals on Wheels and served on the boards of both. He served on a Boy Scout committee, was largely responsible for the National Humantiies Series programs in Lusk, and served as chairman in organizing and directing the Dr. Walter E. Reckling Memorial projects.
His family says Dale enjoyed Wyoming's outdoors, especially trout fishing, primarily in the mountains out of Lander. In later years, the Bardos enjoyed several trans-ocean cruises, the first of which celebrated their 50th wedding addniversay in 1986.
Dale Bardo is survived by his brother, Gerald, of Lusk; daughter Susan Hilbert and her husband John of Porterville, Calif.; son Richard D Bardo of Adelphi, Md., two grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Helen.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
OLSEN - Laura M. Olsen
Services for Lander-area resident Laura M. Olsen are Saturday, July 8 at noon from the Lander Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bishop Scott Morris officiates, and burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander.
Ms. OIsen died Tuesday, July 4, 2000, at the Lander Valley Medical Center. She was 78 years old.
Laura Marie Olsen was born Aug 1 1921 at Murray, Utah, the daughter of William Levi and Annie Laura (Curtis) Olsen. She attended schools in Murray and was a 1937 graduate of Murray High School. Laura continued her studies at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University.
She served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943 to 1946 and upon her return home, worked for the Salt Lake Oil Refinery.
Her family says, "Laura excelled in roller skating and coached many champions in the sport. She was devoted to youth in general, wherever she was."
Laura M. Olsen came to Lander in 1962 to work at the U.S. Steel Corp's Atlantic City Ore Mine and was secretary to all of its various general superintendents. She retired in July 1984.
Her family says, "An ardent out of doors person, Laura could often be found doing one of her favorite activities of camping, hunting and fishing."
Laura is survived by close family friend Arvae Randall; brother Bob Olsen of Las Vegas; sister Arline Frohn of Livermore, Calif., step-brothers William and Keith Olsen and step-sisters Fairie Morton and Barbara Lindahl.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Foundation, in care of Hudson's Funeral Home, 680 Mount Hope Drive, Lander, 82520, which has charge of arrangements.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
SPRIGGS - James Spriggs Sr.
James Spriggs Sr. died at his home in Lander on Wednesday, July 5, 2000, Following a lengthy illness. Services are Friday, July 7 at 2p.m. from the First Baptist Church on Sweetwater. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 7, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
LOWREY - Charles Lowrey
Charles "Chuck" Lowrey of West, Texas, died Friday Morning, June 23, 2000, at his home. He was 49 years old.
Among his survivors is his ex-wife, Linda Corey of Riverton.
Memorial services were held June 28 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West.
Charles Lowrey was born July 15, 1950, in Bossler City, La, the son of J.C. and Inez Lowrey. He served in the U.S. Army and worked as a sheriff's department peace officer in Wyoming until he moved to texas.
He worked as an appliance technician for Appliance Sales and Service in Waco, Texas, and helped manage the Bargain Shop in West for five years.
His family says Chuck loved fishing and listening to country music.
He was a member of the VFW Post 4819 in West.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Robinson of West; one son, Charles Randall Lowrey and his wife, Angie, of Rock Springs; two daughters, Karen Denise Lowrey of Canton, Ohio, and Toni Michelle Aguilar and her husband, Johnny, of Waco; step-parents Billie Burden and his wife Carol of Waco; three brothers, Oliver McNeil and Bobby Don Lowrey, both of Waco, and Roger Dale Lowrey of Dallas; one sister, Carol Tubbs of East; ex-wife Linda Corey of Riverton; two uncles, Don Lowrey of Leroy, Texas, and Bob Thompson and his wife, Merlene of Waco; and four grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to West Ambulance Association or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Aderhold Funeral Home, 801 S Reagan St., West, Texas, 76691-1750, was in charge of arrangements.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
LUND - Elbern Duane Lund
Elbern Duane Lund, 68, died at his home in Shoshoni on Thursday, July 6, 2000. Services are tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, July 10 at the Shoshoni Senior Citizens Center. Burial follows at Lakeview Cemetery.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 9, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
SPRIGGS - James W. Spriggs Sr.
Services for lifelong Lander resident James W. Spriggs Sr. were Friday, July 7, from the First Baptist Church of Lander. The Rev. Larry Kelley officiated.
Military graveside rites followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander by the Don Stough Post 33 American Legion, Poposia Post 934 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Friday-Truan Detachment 683 Marine Corps League. Graveside committal was by the Lander Elks Lodge 2317.
Jim Spriggs died at his home in Lander Wednesday afternoon, July 5, 2000. He was 92 years old.
James Warren Spriggs was born April 10, 1908, the son of John J. and Edna Cecilia (Vance) Spriggs Sr., in the quarters of the old post office, during construction of the new post office across the street. John Spriggs was interim postmaster, living there.
His father took Jim and Dean on the Farlow Wolf Roundup in 1917. Family lore says Jim had a .45 strapped on his hip.
He was graduated from Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander in 1926. At FCVHS, Jim Spriggs was an honored athlete, winning football games with numerous touchdowns.
After graduation, he drove the Yellowstone bus from Lander to Moran, meeting the bus there from Mammoth for transfer of passengers on into Yellowstone National Park. He met this schedule over and over, the family says.
He attended the University of Wyoming, lettering in swimming and boxing. He worked as a bouncer, keeping order at the gym, the library and the fraternity houses.
In 1938, he had hauled logs by team and wagon from Squaw Creek and built a log house where Mr. D's now stands in Lander.
In the early '30s, Mr. Spriggs was night marshal for the town of Lander. This was during prohibition days, and during the repeal of the law in 1933.
His town maintenance pickup patrol car had no red lights, no siren or radio communications.A Red light hanging in the center of Lander's Third and Main four poles was controlled by the telephone office across the alley from the Noble Hotel, and he had to go there for dispatch to problem areas.
His family says "Jim was a respected, tough, courteous and fair marshal."
The town had offered him more salary to stay, but he had been offered employment by the Game and Fish Department through testing qualifications.
As a game warden, Mr. Spriggs was stationed at Afton and Dubois and other areas of the state on beaver survey, live trapping and transplanting of elk, deer, antelope, Rocky Mountain sheep, and troubled areas, along with patrolling. He instigated establishment of both Afton and East Fork feed refuge areas for elk and other animals.
Mr. Spriggs is credited with the comeback of the Whiskey Mountain bighorn sheep herd. There were only 93 head in the entire area when he started predator control. Several hundred roam the slopes now.
At the age of 35, while in Afton, Mr. Spriggs was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps. He served active duty in chemical warfare, training in agents, flame thrower operations, demo specialist, Company L. Infantry, First Marine Division at Okinawa, and Reify, Eneweitok, Pavlov, Solomon Islands and other strategic areas in the Pacific.
He earned several battle stars and campaign ribbons and then went to Tientsi, China, and finally back home to duty with the Game and Fish Department.
The family says "Jim was proud to have served in the Marine Corps in service to his country."
Following his job with Game and Fish, he bought a small store in Lander, adding Jim's Motel and Trailer Park at Sixth and Main and other property in the city.
The family says "Jim's community work with organizations and as a conservationist will long have an impact for the betterment of the community and other areas. Many large and beautiful trees in Lander were planted by Jim."
He sold part of his businesses in 1976 and went into semi-retirement.
Mr. Spriggs was one of the first guides for the Lander One Shot Angelope Hunt and was a guide until other guides from the sheriff's department took over.
He had been a member of the One Shot Club since its inception.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church, American Legion Post 33, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 954, a charter and life member of the Elks Lodge 2317, and a charter member of the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois.
Mr. Spriggs and the former Hazel Hartman married on Oct 17, 1937. They had two sons, Warren and Joe, and James "Buddy" and Charlotte by Jim's former marriage.
In addition, he is survived by 12 grandchildren, James W. Vance, Ben, Julie, Holly, Bob, Tom, Todd, Tony, Debbie, Billing and J.T. and many great-grandchildren.
In addition to this parents, Mr. Spriggs was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth and Helen; two brothers, Dean and John "Buddy" Spriggs Jr.; five brothers and a sister in infancy; and one grandson, Robert.
Services are under the direction of Hudson's Funeral Home of Lander.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
LUND - Elvern Duane Lund
Services for Elvern Duane Lund of Shoshoni are Monday, July 10, at 2 p.m. from the Shoshoni Senior Citizens Center. The Rev. Grayson Gowen officiates. Burial Follows at Lakeview Cemetery at Shoshoni with rites by the Shoshoni Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A viewing is planned Sunday, July 9, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Home in Riverton.
Mr. Lund died Thursday, July 6, 2000 at his home in Shoshoni. He was 68 years old.
Elvern Duane Lund was born Sept 27, 1931, in Baker, N.D., the son of Alfred and Minnie (Volden) Lund.
He was a U.S. military veteran of the Korean War.
He married the former Laura H. Slotto on Sept 17, 1955 in Hillsboro, N.D.
Mr. Lund was a plant operator for Texaco. He had lived in Shoshoni for three years, coming from Dickinson, N.D., where he lived for six years. He also had lived in Craig, Colo., and Lignite, N.D.
Mr. Lund was a member of the Lutheran faith. His family says he enjoyed woodworking, traveling building and fixing things, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Survivors include his wife, Laura H. Lund of Shoshoni; a son, Leland Lund of Reno, Nev.; daughters Loreen Kraft of Reno, Verna Gennerson of Shoshoni, and Linette Fread of Gillette; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers Kenneth Lund of Tioga , N.D., and Harris Lund of Fargo, N.D.; a sister, Doris Simpson of Palmer, Alaska.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and MiInnie Lund; a sister Anna Christenson; a brother, Julius Lund, and a brother in childhood, Manville Lund.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 10, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
BAILEY - Harvey Howard Bailey
Memorial services for former Fremont County pastor the Rev. Harvey Howard Bailey were Monday, July 10, from the Grand Court Retirement Center in Lubbock, Texas, with the Rev. R. L. Porter officiating.
Private burial services will be held in the Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park in Lubbock, at a later time, under the direction of the Sanders Funeral Home of Lubbock.
Mr. Bailey died Wednesday, July 5, 2000, at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. He was 91 years old.
He was born on Feb 11, 1907 in Auburn, Ill. He was graduated from William Jewell College in 1927 and from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1936.
He married Mary Rothwell Clark on Aug 2, 1931.
Together, they were engaged in missionary work in northwestern Wyoming and served pastorates in Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho. They retired in Weiser, Idaho, in 1972. In 1984, they moved to Lubbock, Texas.
Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his wife in 1999; a granddaughter, Kathryn Bailey Claiborne, and a great-grandson, Benjamin Carl Powell. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Bailey Schneider of Lubbock; three sons, William H. Bailey of Tacoma, Wash., Dr. Robert L. Bailey of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and Rev. James R. Bailey of Spring Grove, Va.; a brother, Jim M Bailey of Casper, 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Services are under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home, 1420 Main Street, Lubbock, TX 79401-3224.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
ANDERSON - John M. Anderson
Graveside services for longtime Lander resident John M. "Jack" Anderson are at 2 p.m. Monday, July 10, at Mount Hope cemetery in Lander with Pastor Don Brossmann officiating.
Jack Anderson died at his home in Lander on Tuesday, July 4, 2000. He was 79 years old.
John M. Anderson was born May 3, 1921, in Rock Springs and was a graduate of Rock Springs High School.
He served on a U.S. Navy destroyer during World War II and also served during the Korean War.
He married the former Beatrice Winifred "D>D>" Price in Elko, Neb., on Aug 1, 1950. The couple lived in Rock Springs until 1960, when they moved to the Lander area. He was maintenance technician at the Central Bank and Trust of Lander for 10 years.
Mrs. Anderson died Oct. 13, 1952 (sic - question on date).
Jack Anderson is survived by three grandchildren and their families, Kristy and Chad Maxwell of Artesia, N.M., Kelli and Kenty Terry of Cloud Croft, N.M. and Scott and Mary Kay Runyan of Westminster, Colo.,; two great-grandchildren, Kelsey and his wife Katie and his nephew Curtis Stevens of Lander.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a stepson.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
NICHOLAS - Laurie S. Nicholas
Memorial services for Laurie S. Nicholas of Riverton are at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, from St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Riverton. Cremation has taken place.
Laurie Nicholas died Friday, July 7, 2000, in a one-vehicle rollover on Riverview Road west of Riverton. She was 40 years old.
Laurie Stevens (Nicholas) was born Oct 2, 1959, in Urbana, Ill., the daughter of Richard Charles Stevens and Rosemary Anne (Vose) Stevens.
She grew up in northern Illinois, outside of Chicago, and later moved to a farm near Lake Geneva, Wis. She graduated from Big Foot High School in Walworth, Wis.
In 1977, she enrolled at the University of Wyoming, graduating with an agri-business degree in 1981. After attending law school for one year, she went on to get her master's degree in business administration in 1983.
While at school in Laramie, she met Robert A. Nicholas of Lander. They were married in Lake Geneva, Wis., on Aug 6, 1983.
They lived briefly in Lander, then moved to Cheyenne, where both worked for five years. Laurie worked for Unicover Corporation, and Bob worked in the office of the Wyoming State Attorney General.
In 1990, the family moved to Riverton. Maurie Nicholas worked for Central Wyoming College, was a substitute teacher in Fremont County School District 25 in Riverton, was the office manager for her husband's law office.
Laurie Nicholas was a member of the Catholic faith.
Her family says that Laurie's greatest pleasure was being with her family and enjoying family acitivities, including skiing, hiking, backpacking, snowmobiling, boating and traveling. She is described as "a fantastic cook who loved entertaining her friends and acquaintances."
Survivors include her husband, Robert A. "Bob" Nicholas of Riverton; sons Connor Stevens Nicholas and Quentin Robert Nicholas; and daughter Kali Anne Nicholas, all of the family home; her parents, Richard C. Stevens and Rosemary Ann Stevens; a brother, Richard Charles Stevens Jr.; father and mother-in-law Jack and Alice Nicholas of Lander.
Memorials may be made to a scholarship at Central Wyoming College being established in her name through the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton, 2203 West Main, Riverton, WY 82501.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 11, 2000 - Riverton Ranger - none
July 12, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
FINLEY - Marion D. Finley
Marion D. Finley died at the Finley Ranch on the East Fork near Dubois on Thursday, July 6, 2000. She was 87.
A funeral is set for 2 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2000 at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Dubois. Sylvia Crouter officiates and committal rites by the Order of the Eastern Star will be at the Dubois Cemetery.
Marion Dunch (Finley) was born Dec 9, 1912, at Bishop Randall Hospital in Lander, the daughter of William Logan Duncan and Margaret (McKissock) Duncan.
She married Orion Frederick Finley on Aug 28, 1937, in Lander.
Mrs. Finley was a nurse and lived the life of a cattle rancher's wife.
She grew up on the East Fork graduating from Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander and nurse's training in Scottsbluff, Neb.
She was a member of the Methodist faith, belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star and enjoyed crocheting.
Survivors include her husband, O. Fred Finley of Dubois; sons, Orion W. "Bucky" Finley of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and John Patrick Finley of Dubois; daughters, Margaret Cargill of Dubois and Mary Finley of Rawlins; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Frederick Steen Finley; her father, William L. Duncan; mother, Margaret McKissock Duncan, and grandson, Steen Christopher Finley.
Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
SCHLENSKE - Bud Schlenske
Bud Schlenske of rural Riverton died Sunday, July 9, 2000, at Riverton Memorial Hospital. He was 80.
Graveside services were Tuesday, July 11, 2000 at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton. The Rev. David Wells of Hillcrest Baptist Church officiated.
John Harold "Bud" Schlenske was born Sept 5, 1919, in Kalispell, Mont., the son of John Albert Schlenske and Rugh (Hall) Schlenske.
Bud attended elementary schools and high school in Browning, Mont., and Carroll College in Helena, Mont.
He was a U.S. military Veteran of World War II.
He had lived in Riverton for 18 years. Prior to 1982, he lived in Kalispell, Great Falls, and Browning, Mont.
On May 14, 1983, he married the former Hazel Portwood in Riverton.
Mr. Schlenske was a retired meat cutter.
His family says Bud Schlenske enjoyed writing, poetry, sports and was an avid reader. He was of the Christian faith.
Survivors include his wife Hazel; sons, Ronald Schlenske of Kalispell, Jon Schlenske of Las Vegas, Nev., Damon Schlenske of Helena; daughter, Marietta Wasson of Tucson, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by both parents and his first wife, Arlene (Harwood) Schlenske.
The Davis Funeral Home of Riverton was in charge of arrangements.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
JOHNSTON - Donald "Bob" Johnston
A funeral for Donald "Bob" Johnston, age 71, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, July 13, 2000 at the Chapel of Mount Hope at Hudson's Funeral Home in Lander.
Chaplain Ray Fuller of the Don Stough Post #33 of the American Legion will officiate.
Burial, with military honors, follows at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander.
Bob Johnston died Sunday morning, July 9, 2000 at Lander Valley Medical Center.
Donald Robert Johnston was born the son of Donald and Mary (Fyfe) Johnston on Nov 5, 1928 in Kansas City, Mo.
Following high school, he entered the Marine Corps and served two years.
He moved to Lander following discharge from the Marines. He met and later married Donna Mae Gustin on Jan 12, 1951. The couple had one daughter, Hope Johnston.
Bob is described by his family as an avid amateur radio operator. He was involved in various radio clubs and spent time working with his computer.
He worked as an engineer for Community Television for Wyoming, which he jokingly called "Able Cable:, now known as AT & T Cable Services. He started working with the company in 1963 and retired in 1991.
His family says that in retirement he loved riding his motorcycle, going four-wheeling, spending time outdoors and traveling with his grandson Bobby.
Bob Johnston is survived by his daughter, Hope Johnston of Lander; grandson, Bobby Johnston of Lander; adopted granddaughter, Tracy Chand, and special friend, Virginia Prather.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
Memorials may be made to the Fremont County Amateur Radio Club or the Cedar Mountain Amateur Radio Club, in care of Hudson's Funeral Home, 680 Mount Hope Dr., Lander, 82520.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 13, 2000 - Riverton Ranger - none
July 14, 2000 - Riverton Ranger - none
July 16, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
TYLER -Ashley Tyler
Ashley Mae Tyler, age 7, of Cascade, Idaho, died Sunday, July 9, 2000 at a Boise Hospital, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Services were July 13, at the Cascade American Legion Hall.
Ashley Tyler was born in McCall, Idaho, Dec 3, 1992.
She lived in Cascade and had just complete the first grade at Cascade Elementary.
Her family says she loved school, bicycling, horseback riding, skiing and the outdoors.
The family describes her as " very happy and outgoing little girl who loved being with people and was very thoughtful of others."
She is survived by her mother, Kathie Tyler of Cascade, her father, Dana Joe Ross of Cascade; brothers, Blaine and Brandon Tyler of Cascade; grandmother, Betty Mae Tyler of Culdesac Idaho; uncles, Phillip and Cindy Tyler of Culdesac, Bruce and Lori Tyler of Anchorage, Alaska, Bob and Barbara Ross of Ten Sleep, Noel and Collene Ross of Riverton and Bill Payne of Riverton.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Albert "Bill" Tyler and Datin and Lucy Mae Ross.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
MOLE - Jon Mole
Former Riverton resident Jon E Mole, of Thermopolis, died Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at the Veterans' Affairs Medical Center in Sheridan. He was 74.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held later in Ten Sleep.
Jon Edward Mole was born Aug 24, 1925 in Laramie, the son of Robert Edward Mole and Irene Atussa Mole.
Mr. Mole enlisted in the Navy Seabees, Battalion 31, at the age of 17.
He served on Guam and Saipan in the Marianne Islands. After World War II, he was attached to a Marine battalion and sent to Nagasaki and Hiroshima for clean-up operations, before returning to the United States.
Upon returning home, Mr. Mole worked as a pumper in the oil fields for the Ohio Oil Co., in Grass Creek, and in Sidney, Neb., for several years. He later moved to Portland, Ore., where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad until retiring and moving back to Wyoming. Upon his return to Wyoming, he worked on several ranches around Riverton, Cheyenne and Ten Sleep.
His family says Jon Mole's interests were woodworking, fishing and the mountains. "His love for family and his animals were a big part of his life," they said. Mr. Mole is survived by his wife, Kathryn Anderson Mole of Thermopolis, two children, Larry Edward Mole of Sweethome, Ore., and Laura Irene Pulver and her husband Sonny of Iron Mountain; three grandchildren, Donovan Lee Pulver of California, Sean Edward Mole of Albany, Ore., and Kathry Colleen Glasser of Fort Riley Kan.; two great grandchildren, Connor Edward Mole and Hunter Scott Glasser; two brothers, Charles Robert and James Conrad, both of Riverton; three sisters, Bette Atussa Goddard of Sheridan, Loretta Rose Niswender of Laramie and Peggy Joyce Hixson of Lysite, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 17, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
LAPEYRE - John Lapeyre
John Lapeyre of Riverton died Saturday, July 15, 2000, at Riverton Memorial Hospital. He was 87 years old.
Services are Wednesday, July 19 at 10 a.m. from St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Riverton. The Rev. William Espenshade officiates, and burial is at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton with military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A rosary is Tuesday, July 18 at 7 p.m. from St. Margaret's Church.
John Lapeyre was born Dec 12, 1912, in Riverton, the son of John Joseph Lapeyre and Rosine Marie (Milu) Lapeyre.
He was graduated from Riverton High School.
On June 13, 1939, he married the former Caroline Wensloff at the Hudson Catholic Church..
John Lapeyre served with the First Division of the U.S. Marines in the South Pacific during World War II, following service in the National Guard.
Mr. Lapeyre was a retired businessman, having owned and operated Johnny's Bar and the Lapeyre Hotel in Riverton.
John's father had built the Lapeyre Hotel. Following his father's death in 1941, John took over as proprietor and ran it until he retired about 20 years ago.
Mr. Lapeyre was a member of the Catholic faith and was a past member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was the first president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Riverton and was a charter member of the Riverton Country Club, helping start the recreational facility in Riverton.
Johnny Lapeyre also enjoyed bowling, participating in many bowling tournaments. He was a golfer and enjoyred reading, his family says.
He was also a charter member of the BPO Elks Lodge in Riverton and a member of the VFW.
Survivors include his wife, Caroline Lapeyre; a daughter, Mary K. Lightfoot, and her husband Michael F. Lightfoot of Newport News, Va., two grandchildren, Lara Rice of Hampton, Va., and Michael J. of Newport News; a sister-in-law, Mollie Lapeyre of Riverton; nephews Bob Butcher of Denver, Jerry Lapeyre of Bozeman, Mont., and Bob Lapeyre of Dubois; nieces Carol Eicke of Riverton and Oliva Lapeyre of Lander.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Milu Lapeyre, and a sister, Margureite Butcher.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
COX - Naomi F. Cox
Memorial services for Naomi F. Cox are Tuesday july 18 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Lander. In the absence of the Rev. Jim Urish, the Rev. Ralph Partelow will officiate.
Naomi Cox died Friday, July 14, 2000, at the Lander Valley Medical Center of pancreatic cancer. She was 73 years old.
Naomi Hare was born Aug 31, 1929 in Battle Creek, Iowa. She was the daughter of Leonard and Mae Hare. Naomi grew up in Battle Creek and was graduated from high school in 1943. She then attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.
At the peak of World War II, she went to work for the military as a civilian employee. She worked at the Sioux City Air Base and at Camp Maxey in Texas.
After the war, she worked for a short time in Sioux City, before going to work for the Veterans' Adminstration in Des Moines. It was there that she met her future husband, Rollie Cox. On Aug 13, 1950, they were married in Battle Creek and moved to Nyssa, Ore., where Rollie had his first teaching position.
While in Nyssa, their first child, Carol, was born. In 1952, they moved to Lander, Rollie's hometown.
They lived in Lander for eight years before moving to their ranch on North Second Street, where they lived since. It was in Lander that their three other children were born, raised and educated.
As the children were born, Naomi remained at home until they reached school age before going back to work. She worked for a brief time for NOLS and spent 25 years in the employment of the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. At the time of her retirement from the BLM in 1987, she was the land law examiner in the Lander office.
Naomi was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Vernon and Don Hare.
She is survived by her husband, Rollie Cox of Lander; her sisters, Marjorie Kerr of Thermopolis, Carol Thorsen of Blair, Neb., and Donna Hoard of Las Vegas; two brothers, Leslie Hare of Lander and Leonard Hare of Waterloo, Iowa; children Carol Ahmed of Rio Rancho, NM; Roger Cox of Santa Clara, Calif; David Cox of Lander, and Beth Cox of Carvallis, NM; eight grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her family says Naomi was a dedicated Christian and active in her church all of her married life. She held several offices in the Lander Christian Women's Club and the Borner's Garden Extension Club. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and served two terms as its president. She belonged to the hospital auxiliary and volunteered often in the hospital gift shop.
Memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, PO Box 4809, Palos Verdes, Calif, 90274, or to the Lander Christian Women's Club, c/o Mrs. Lemons, 1325 McDougall Drive, Lander, 82520.
Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 18, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
HUFF - Patricia H. Huff
Services for Patricia H. Huff of Lander are Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lander, officiated by Stake President Lloyd Larsen. Burial follows at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Mrs. Huff died from injuries sustained in an automobile crash on July 16, 2000, west of Crowheart.
Patricia Holden was born to Floyd and Fay (Cloward) Holden on April 9, 1946, at Payson, Utah. The Holden family moved to the Lander area in 1963, and Pat was a 1964 graduate of Fremont County Vocational High School.
She and Ronald D. Huff were married in Lander March 27, 1964.
She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and her garden and was an active outdoorswoman, camping and fishing with the family.
Pat was a member of the Nuway bowling team and the LDS Church's Lander Second Ward and was described as a devoted grandmother.
In addition to her husband, Ron, she is survived by her father Floyd Holden; daughter Marilyn and Steve Reed; a son, Richard and Sherry Huff; three sisters, Dena and Dallas Peterson, Sandy and Dave Smail and Debbie Holden; and six grandchildren.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
LAMBERT - Ellen M. Lambert
Services for former Riverton resident Ellen M. Lambert of Norfolk, Neb., were Tuesday, July 18 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Norfolk.
The Rev. James M. Barnett officiated. Interment followed at the Valley View Cemetery outside of Ewing, Neb.
Miss Lambert died Sunday July 16, 2000 at the Heritage of Bel Air Nursing Home in Norfolk. She was 93 years old.
Ellen M. Lambert was born July 18, 1906, on a farm in Holt County, near Martha, Neb. She was the daughter of George S. and Lottie A (Small) Lambert.
Ellen attended elementary school in Ewing and was graduated from Clearwater (Neb) High School. She received her bachelor of fine arts degree, with a major in music, from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1931.
Ellen Lambert received her master's degree in music from the Universityof Michigan and did graduate studies at Juilliard School of Music, the University of Nebraska, Denver University and Central Washington College.
She taught schools in Nebraska'a Antelope and Holt counties for three years, vocal music and normal training at Wilsonville, Neb., for seven years, vocal music and normal training at Arcadia, Neb., for four years, vocal music, theory and music history at William Woods College in Fulton, Mo., for nine years.
She then came to Riverton, where she taught vocal music for 20 years.
Ellen Lambert was organist for St. James Episcopal Church in Riverton 15 years, organist for the First United Methodist Church in Norfolk from 1972 to 1985, and substitute organist for Trinity Episcopal Church in Norfolk from 1971 to 1992.
She moved from Riverton to Norfolk in 1971. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Ellen Lambert is survived by nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 111 S Ninth St., Norfolk, Neb., 88701-5166.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
KOTUNOK - Victor Alexander Kotunok
Victor Alexander Kotunok of Lander died at Westward Heights Care Center on Sunday, July 16, 2000. He was 85 years old.
Services are Thursday, July 20 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Mount Hope, Hudson's Funeral Home, with the Rev. Tom Lane of First Methodist Church officiating. Military graveside rites are by Don Stough Post 33 of the American Legion, Poposia Post 954 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Friday-Truan Marine Corps League's Detachment 683. Burial follows at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Victor was born to Alex and Mary (Gallinski) Kotunok in Philadelphia, where he attended school. Later he moved with his family to a farm near Garden City, N.J.
He served for 13 years in the U.S. Army and 29 years in the Marine Corps as an electrical engineer.
While building a radar station in Newfoundland, he met Sadie Ethel Giles. They were married at St. John's, Newfoundland, on May 12, 1941. The couple moved to Plymouth Meeting, Pa., in 1944 and came to Lander in 1971 after retirement to be near family members.
Vic worked for a time at the Wyoming State Training School and the Anthony's store in Lander.
The couple enjoyed winters in Yuma, Ariz. They were members of the United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Kotunok Died Oct. 1, 1997, in Lander.
Survivors include one daughter and family, Gloria and Larry Englert, a son and family, Victor and Lynn Kotunok, and one sister, Ann Miller, all of Lander; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 19, 2000 - Riverton Ranger - none
July 20, 2000 - Riverton Ranger - none
July 21, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
PETERSON - Dee Ray Peterson
The mayor Cowley and owner of a business in Fremont County, Dee Ray Peterson, died Sunday, July 16, 2000, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Mont., where he had been airlifted after his heart stopped following knee replacement surgery on June 29.
He was 70 years old
Services were Friday morning, July 1, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cowley. Interment followed at the Cowley Cemetery.
Dee Ray Peterson was born June 16, 1930, in Salt Lake City and spent his life in Cowley.
At the time of his death, Dee was president and CEO of the Office Shop, Inc., a company Dee founded in 1970. He also was mayor of the town of Cowley, where he had served four terms, and stake mission president for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Dee was preceded in death by his parents, Ren and Laura Peterson, and is survived by his wife, LeRose Peterson; sister Jean Smith of Alpine, Utah; seven children, Cynthia Schmidt and her husband Phil of Littleton, Colo., Randall Peterson and his wife Karen of Tulsa, Okla., Joel Peterson and his wife Lori of Cowley, Ray Peterson and his wife Cresta of Cowley, Ken Peterson and his wife Leslie of Brookings, S.D., Curt Peterson and his wife Missy of Dodge City, Kan., and Laurel Wicke and her husband Thomas of Irvine, Calif.; 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A memorial fund has been established at the Cowley History Center.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 23, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
BROTHWELL - Helen I. Brothwell
Services for Helen I. Brothwell are Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. from the sunnyside Church of the Nazarene at Kinnear. The Rev. Jon Martin officiates, and interment follows at Mountain View Cemetery at Riverton
Mrs. Brothwell, who made her home in the Kinnear area, died Friday morning, July 21, 2000, at Wind River Healthcare Center in Riverton. She was 81 years old.
Helen Irene Montgomery was born Aug 30, 1918 at Hershey, Neb., the daughter of Harvey D. and Ruby Montgomery.
She moved with her family from Nebraska to Torrington in the early '30's. She attended schools in Nebraska and Torrington.
She married Elmer Brothwell on Aug 27, 1936. Elmer and Helen moved to the Kinnear area about 50 years ago.
Helen was a member of the Nazarene faith, having been baptized in 1948. She belonged to the Sunnyside Church of the Nazarene, where she had served as a steward on the church board and was a member of the World Missionary Council and the Sunday School board. She taught Sunday School and was called the "Mother of Bible School."
Helen Brothwell helped with children's programs and worked in the kitchen at both Wyoming boys and girls camps above Lander and the teen camp at Big Timer, Mont., for many years. She also attended prayer groups.
Her family says that life for Helen was her church, children and friends. "Whenever there was a need, Helen was there to help."
The family says Helen enjoyed being with her church family, attneind bridal and baby showers, weddings, cooking, collecting dolls, colecting vases and fancy dishes, and reading.
Survivors include her husband, Elmer Brothwell of Kinnear; sons Junior Floyd Brothwell and his wife Cheryl of Piere, Colo., Milford Brothwell and his Carol of Torrington, and Jack Brothwell and his wife Kay of Guernsey; daughters Mabel Hill and her husband Larry of Torrington and Marcella Shepherd and her husband Gene of Phoenix, Ariz.; 24 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren; brothers Jim Montgomery and NOrman Montgomery, both of Torrington; sisters Glenda Mullin of Denver and Evelyn Pomeroy and her husband Jim of Craig, Colo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, three sisters, four grandsons, one granddaughter and two great grandsons.
Memorials may be made to the Sunnyside Church of the Nazarene at Kinnear.
Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W Main St., Riverton, 82501.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 23, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
WILLHELM - Hugh "Shorty' Willhelm
Hughey "Shorty" Willhelm died Tuesday, July 18, 2000, at Morning Star Manor in Fort Washakie. He was 83 years old.
A service of remebrance will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29, from the Chapel of Mount Hope, Hudson's Funeral Home in Lander. The Rev. Tom Lane of the United Methodist Church officiates. Burial of remains will follow, with military graveside rites.
Hughey Willhelm was born in Sedalia, Mo., the son of Flora Hughey and Ray Willhelm, on October 30, 1916.
Hugh met his fugure wife, Berle Dick, while stationed at F.E. Warren Air Base in Cheyenne. Hugh and Berle were married in Kimball, Neb., on June 21, 1940.
After serving two terms with the U.S. Army and participating in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, Shorty settled in Wichita, Kan., in 1946, to work at Riggs Plumbing with his brother-in-law.
In 1958, he moved to Lander and opened his own plumbing business, which he opred for six years before going to work for U.S. Steel's Atlantic City iron ore mine.
Upon retirement, he and Berle sold their home in Lander and lived the life of adventurous retirees, dividing tyheir time between Parker, Ariz., and Star Valley.
His family says Shorty loved to fish, hunt, read and play cards.
In July 1998, Shorty went to live at Morning Star Manor and remained there until his death on Tuesday.
Hughey is survived by his wife, Berle Willhelm of Thayne; son Dick Willhelm of Lander; daughter Linda Snyder of Paradise, Utah; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren; sisters Thelma Calto of Tucson, Ariz., and Vera Martin of Catonsville, Md.; three nieces and one nephew.
He was preced in death by his parents; a son, Jerry Willhelm; and two sisters.
Services are under the direction of Hudson's Funeral Home of Lander.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 23, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
COGGINS - Lucy T. Coggins
Former Lander resident Lucy T. Coggins of Rock Springs died Sunday, July 9, 2000 at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. She was 88 years old.
A resident of Rock Springs since 1972, Mrs. Coggins died following a brief illness.
Services were Thursday morning, July 13, from the Vase Funeral Chapel in Rock Springs. Bishop Steven Paulsen officiated.
Graveside services and interment were conducted at the Grover Cemetery in Grover, Wyo., Thursday Evening, July 13.
Visitations were from the Vase Funeral Chapel.
Lucy Tora Peterson was born Aug 5, 1911, in Grover, the daughter of John P. and Karlene Khristensen Peterson. Lucy attended schools in Afton and was graduated from Star Valley High School with the class of 1928.
She married Arthur W. Coggins in Randolph, Utah on Oct 2, 1930. He preceded her in death on Sep 9, 1972 in Rock Springs.
Mrs. Coggins was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Eagles Auxiliary Aerie 181 and the American Legion. Her family says she enjoyed crafts, traveling, dancing and was active in the senior citizens center.
In addition to having lived in Lander, she was also a former resident of Superior.
She is survived by one son, Larry Coggins and his wife Mary Ann of Lander; one daughter LaRue Moses and her husband Bob of Rock Springs; four grandchildren, Karen West of Henderson, Nev., Wayne Moses of Rock Springs, Vanay Syme and her husband Curtis of Laramie; and Vance Coggins of Pana City, Fla.; great grandchildren Julie West of Carlsbad, Calif., Carrie West of Henderson, Nev., Keith West of Henderson, Brandon Moses and Dustin Moses, both of Rock Springs, Nathan Moses of Las Vegas, Clayton Syme of Laramie, Heather Coggins and Ashley Coggins, both of Panama City; great grandchildren Dylan West of Henderson and Bryce Moses of Rock Springs; several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Coggins was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur Coggins; one infant daughter, three brothers, three sisters and one grandson, Dan Moses.
Services are under the direction of Vase Funeral Chapels of Rock Springs.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 24, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
SOULE - David W. Soule
David W. Soule died at his home in Shoshoni on Thursday July 20, 2000, at the age of 45.
Memorial services are set for 10 a.m. Thursday July 27 at the Lander Valley Four Square Church. The Rev. David Holman officiates. Cremation has been arranged.
David William Soule was born Nov 29, 1954 in Butler, Pa, the son of Douglas Wilbur Soule and Catherine Pauline (Bartley) Soule.
He graduated from high school in Johnsburg, Pa, in 1972 and attended Central Wyoming College.
He had served with the U.S. Navy and worked in ship building and was a labor test technician. He had lived in Shoshoni for the past 10 years.
He married the former Darlene Wingfield, who survives.
Other survivors are Justin Sienicki, Shawn Soule, David Soule and Joshua Soule, all of Shoshoni; daughter Jessica Soule of Groton, Conn.; his parents, Douglas and Pauline Soule of Shoshoni; a brother, Stanley Soule of Shoshoni; sisters Shirley Abraham of Riverton and Mary Sedotti of Groton.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a brother, Wayne Soule.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 24, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
STACEY - Michael Stacey
Michael Stacey died Saturday, July 22, 2000, at the family residence at Beaver Creek Housing south of Riverton. He was 17.
A funeral is set for 10 a.m. Thursday July 27, at St. Stephen's Mission. The Revs. Gannon, Matzko and Hilbert, S. J. officiate. Interment is at the Bushyhead Family Cemetery on the Big Wind River at Arapahoe.
A rosay is Wednesday, July 26, at 7 p.m. at the family residence, 1503 Elmwood, Beaver Creek Housing with a wake to follow.
Michael James Stacey was born Oct 22, 1982, in Riverton, the son of Mitchell E. stacey of Arapahoe and Lisa R. Red Hato of Lame Deer, Mont.
He was a lifelong resident of the Wind River Indian Reservation. Michael was raised in the Arapahoe area by his grandparents, Francis and Margaret Washington. He attended Riverton High School.
He was employed at the Arapahoe Ranch.
His family says Michael Stacey enjoyed horseback riding, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, playing basketball, singing and listening to Indian music and drawing. He was a drummer and grass dancer and enjoyed pow wows. He was a teacher for the Boys and Girls Club and instructed riding and horsemanship.
Survivors include his parents and grandparents; sisters, Michelle, Anna, Tasha, Marlice and Denah Stacey, all of Fort Hall, Idaho. Selesia Stacey and Josie and Sara Walking Eagle of Lame Deer; brothers, Levi and Devon Walking Eagle of Lame Deer; numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Jolene Bushyhead; and grandparents Sonny Edward Stacey, Jaspar Red Hat, Lucey Killsknight and Theresa Bushyhead.
Arrangements are by Wind Dancer of Fort Washakie with pressional services by the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 24, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
MIX - Roy Mix
Roy L Mix of rural Riverton died Friday, July 21, 2000, at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. He was 86.
Services are set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Riverton. Bishop Lars Baker officiates. Interment follows at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton.
Roy L. Mix was born Aug 16, 1913 in Lead, S.D., the son of John Myron Mix and Marry Margaret (Woodward) Mix.
On May 21, 1940, he married the former Marian Crane in Rawlins.
Mr. Mix moved to the Riverton area in 1953, moved to Deming, N.M., in 1963 and returned to the Riverton area in 1990. He was an active member of the LDS Church, a member of the National Rifle Association and the Grange.
Mr. Mix was a rancher and farmer, working in the Arapahoe area for the past 45 years.
His family says he enjoyed his children and grandchildren, horses, woodworking and gardening and all outdoor activities.
Survivors include two daughters, June Strickland of Riverton and Esther Decker of Pinetta, Fla; five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marian; and four brothers.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 25, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
ALEXANDER - Dorothy 'Bunnie' Alexander
Fremont County resident Dorothy "Bunnie" Alexander died Friday afternoon, July 21, 2000 in Fort Collins, Colo. She was 84 years old.
Honoring her request, her body has been cremated, and her ashes will be returned to join her husband, Joe. The family says there will not be a memorial service, as the Rev. Burdette Stampley preceded her in death.
Bunnie was born to Otis and Harriet Battles-Henton in Dubois on September 20, 1915.
Bunnie and Joe Alexander were married Aug 31, 1933, in Lander. Following their marriage, they lived at the original Burris, located on the old highway.
She stepped in as temporary postmistress for her father-in-law. E. E. Alexander. She later became the official postmistress for Burris for 33 years. She retired on Jan 2, 1976. That marked the end of the position and the post office.
During 50 years of marriage, she was not only the postmistress, she also ran the gas station, lunchroom and bar at Burris. Her family recalls how she created beautiful Western shirts for her sons and kept the finest of homes while Joe was working, often away from home, including 30 years for the REA in Dubois and Riverton.
Bunnie was devoted to the construction and care of St. Helen's Episcopal Church at Crowheart. She was instrumental in starting the first Sunday School and transported children in the area who wanted to attend.
Bunnie participated in the Dubois Swedish dinners and was honored as chairperson in 1960. The dinners were originally organized by Bunnie's aunt, Lydia Olson, to honor the tie hacks. Bunnie helped cook and serve at the annual event for many years.
One of her great honors, she said, was the award given by the Order of the Eastern Star as "Woman of the Year," for all of her years of service and contributions to the Dubois, Burris and Crowheart areas.
Bunnie and Joe enjoyed camping and traveling, following their retirement.
Following Joe's death, she concentrated on her favorite hobbies of reading crocheting, afghans, knitting sweaters and filling the many bird feeders that she loved watching.
Bunnie moved to Loveland, Colo., 10 years ago to live with her daughter and family. The family says, "It was a difficult and sad thing for her to leave her friends and family in the Burris area. Her heart was always there."
During the 8 1/2 years with her daughter, she was able to continue her hobbies, including watching the deer from her back deck.
Due to failing health, she moved to New Mercer Assisted Living Center in Fort Collins and, in February 2000, to Columbine West Nursing Home. The family visited often.
The family recalls that "Bunnie" was always so pleased to receive notes willed with news from her friends Dona Johnson, Eileen Urbigkeit, Connie and Larry Miller and Lily Gradford. Mary Shippen wrote and reminded her of their trip to New Zealand. Shirley Peck-Black wrote to remind her of the love and prayers being sent her way," the family says.
Bunnie Alexander is survived by her son, Joe Alexander, his children, Debra, Lyle and wife Laurie, and Joey and her son Ron, his children Will and wife June, Marla and husband Jim McKenzie. She is also survived by her daughter Nancy and husband Jim Wojahn, their children Mariann and husband Randy McElory, Ron and wife Megen, Dan and wife Kim, Sean and wife Trish; 12 great grandchildren; and two brothers and two sisters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; three sisters; one brother; and "daughter of her heart," Linda O'Neal-Holcomb.
Memorials may be made to St. Helen's Episcopal Church of Crowheart to be used to create a stained glass winder in Bunnie's memory, to St. Jude's Cancer Research for Children, or to a charity of the donor's choice, in care of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main St., Riverton, 82501.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 26, 2000 - Riverton Ranger - none
July 27, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
WHETSTINE - Ronald D. Whetstine
A memorial service for Ronald D. Whetstine is Sunday, July 30 at 9 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Riverton. Mr. Whetstine, 54, died Feb. 24, 2000 in Riverton.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 28, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
HUTCHINSON - Earl Hutchinson
Earl Hutchinson died Tuesday, July 25, 2000, at his rural Riverton home. He was 82 years old.
Graveside services are Saturday, July 29 at 10 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton. The Rev. Alan Campbell officiates, with committal rites by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Hutchinson was a lifelong resident of Riverton, except for the time he served with the U.S. Army during World War II.
Earl Hutchinson was born Dec 27, 1917, in Riverton, the son of Clarence Homer Hutchinson and Margaret Ann (McCall) Hutchinson.
He was a heavy duty equipment operator for the Fremont County Road Department.
Mr. Hutchinson was a member of the Nazarene faith and belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. His family says he enjoyed his children and grandchildren, farming, working the sheep, and visiting with friends and neighbors.
Survivors include a son, Michael Hutchinson of Nevada; daughters Freda Hegwood of Riverton, Susan Hadley of Montana, Marsha Anderson of Hudson and Anita Emerson of Riverton; his ex-wife Betty Hutchinson; 10 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one great grandson.
Memorials may be made to the Hospice House or the VFW.
Arrangements are by the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 30, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
SPILDE - Ruth Mary Spilde
Services for Ruth Mary Spilde of Lander are Tuesday, Aug 1 at 2 p.m. from Faith Lutheran Church in Lander. The Rev. Tim Sersen officiates, and interment follows at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander.
Visitation is Monday, July 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church.
Mrs. Spilde died Friday evening, July 28, 2000, at Westward Heights Nursing Home in Lander. She was 95 years old.
Ruth was born Oct 26, 1904, in Watertown, S.D. to Peter Philp and Mary (Karpinski) and adopted by Samuel and Anna Welch on April 28, 1905.
She was a graduate of Watertown High School.
On Jan 22, 1923, she married Len Spilde in Watertown.
Mrs. Spilde was a housewife and member of the Lutheran faith.
The family farmed at Willow Lake, S.D., for 31 years. Upon retirement, they moved to Rapid City, S.D. The couple moved to Lander in 1980, and Mr. Spilde died in 1985.
Mrs. Spilde lived at Lynne Gardens until December 1992, when she became a resident of Westward Heights.
Survivors include sons Vincent Spilde and his wife Sharron of Lander, and Robert Spilde and his wife Florence of Rapid City; daughter Shirley Kaiser and her husband, Larry, of Lander; 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Len Spilde, on Oct 7, 1985; brother Floyd Philp; and son Jakc Spilde on March 16, 1969.
Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church of Lander.
Arrangements are by the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main St., Riverton, 82501.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 30, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
LACY - Bess Lacy
Services for Bess Lacy of Lander are Wednesday, Aug 2 at 10 a.m. from the United Methodist Church of Lander. The Rev. Tom Lane officiates. Burial follows at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander.
Mrs. Lacy died Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at Westward Heights Care Center in Lander. She was 88 years old.
Anna Elizabeth "Bess" Lathrop was born in Arnold, Neb., on April 11, 1912, the daughter of LeRoy Alexander and Nellie (Mason) Lathrop. The family moved to the Scottsbluff, Neb., area when Bess was 5 years old. She attended country school at Huntley, Wyoming, through the seventh grade and was graduated from Yoder High School in 1930.
Bess attended teachers college at Greeley, Colo., and the University of Wyoming. She taught rural schools for five years.
Bess and Roy Lowell Lacy were married at Mitchell, Neb, on June 7, 1935. The Lacy family moved to Lander in 1943, and Mrs. Lacy taught in the Lander school system for 12 years, 1947 through 1959. She headed the Lander school lunch program from 1959 until her retirement in 1965.
Bess Lacy is survived by her son, Clark Lacy of Cheyenne; grandchildren Jenifer and Donnie Balen of Casper, Michelle and Chris Reedy of Littleton, Colo., and Cindy Lacy of Lakewood, Colo.; and three great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, on October 1, 1995, her parents and seven brothers.
Services are under the direction of Hudson's Funeral Home of Lander.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 30, 2000 - Riverton Ranger
HUFF - Patricia H. Huff
Services for Lander resident Patricia H. Huff were held Thursday morning, July 20, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lander. Stake President Lloyd Larsen officiated. Burial followed at Mount Hope cemetery in Lander.
Mrs. Huff died from injuries received in an auto accident west of Crowheart on Sunday, July 16, 2000. She was 54 years old.
Patricia Holden was born to Floyd and Fay (Cloward) Holden on April 9, 1946, at Payson, Utah. The Holden family moved to the Lander area in 1963, and Pat was a 1964 graduate of Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander.
She and Ronald D. Huff were married in Lander March 27, 1964.
Her family says Pat enjoyed sewing, crocheting and her garden. She was an active outdoorswoman, camping and fishing with the family. She was a member of the NuWay bowling team and the LDS Church's Lander Second Ward and was a devoted grandmother.
In addition to her husband, Ron, Patricia Huff is survived by her father, Floyd Holden; a daughter, Marilyn and Steve Reed, and a son, Richard and Sherry Huff; three sisters, Dena and Dallas Peterson, Sandy and Dave Sail and Debbie Holden; six grandchildren, Brittania and Kawner Reed, Bolton, Morghan, Jenna and Gyneth Huff, all of Lander.
Hudson's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Transcribed by Mary Thompson Saban.
July 31, 2000 - Riverton Ranger - none
Page Created July 13, 2000 by Mary and Don Saban. Last updated August 19, 2000. Copyright of articles belongs to Riverton Ranger and related publications, copyright of this page belongs to Mary and Don Saban. Perpetual Copyright 2000 All Rights Reserved.
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