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DECEMBER 2003 OBITUARIES

Mary K. Anthony, 70, of Sheridan, WY, died Sunday, December 21, 2003 in Sheridan Manor.

Mrs. Anthony was born December 12, 1933 in Granite Falls, MN to Neal and Jennie Nelson. She grew up and attended schools in Granite Falls, graduating from Granite Falls High School in 1952. Mrs. Anthony married Earl Anthony is Granite Falls on November 10, 1952.

The couple moved to Havre, MT where they lived for 18 years before moving to Forsythe, MT. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony moved to Sheridan in 1973, where Mrs. Anthony worked at the Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County before going to work at the Sheridan V. A. Hospital as a L.P.N., retiring in 1995.

Mrs. Anthony was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheridan, the Women’s League of the Eagles, the V.F.W. Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and playing Bingo. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Mrs. Anthony was preceded in death by her parents, and 1 son.

She is survived by her husband, Earl, of Sheridan; 1 son, Thomas Anthony, of Sheridan; 2 daughters, Shirley Grotz, of Prescott, AR, and Susan Goodman, (Casey) of Sheridan; 1 brother, of MN, and 1 sister, of Washington state; 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Services for Mrs. Anthony will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 26, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in the Elk’s Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home

Josephine Atkinson, 90, of Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at Sheridan Manor.

Josephine was born on August 7, 1913, in Dietz Wyoming, to Josef and Hedwiga (Piercog) Mentock. She married Albert T. Atkinson in June of 1939 and they made their home in Sheridan. Josephine loved spending time with her family, especially her two grandsons. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, readint, and visiting with her friends and neighbors.

Mrs. Atkinson was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Sandra; her four brothers, Andrew "Splitz", John "Bula", Mike, and Walter "Barber"; her two sisters, MAry Adams and Anna Flockhart. She is survived by her son Thomas "Tom" M. Atkinson and his wife Pam of Sheridan; her two grandsons, Christopher and Jonathon Atkinson; and her neice and several nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at Kane Funeral Home with Reverend David Duprey officiating, Interment will follow in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made to Josephine's name to Project Graduation or American Legion Baseball in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.



George Bolen Badget Jr., 77, of Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at the Sheridan VA Medical Center.

George was born on September 8, 1926, in Sheridan, to George and Tenna (Gochnaver) Badget. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 at the age of 17 and served in WWII on the destroyer USS Taylor from 1943-1947. George then re-enlisted from 1951-1952 where he served in Korea. On February 3, 2001 he married Sondra J. Gopperton in Las Vegas, NV. George was an avid hunter and fisherman, he also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and canning.
He was a member of the Elks, the Scottish-Rite Masons Lodge #8, Kalif Shrine, American Legion 0013 in Buffalo, WY and was a life member of the Kalif Oriental Band. George worked at the Sheridan VA Medical Center for thirty three years before his retirement as a firefighter.

Mr. Badget was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Sondra of Sheridan; his two stepsons, Jeffrey Fortney of Cave Creek, AZ and Timothy Gopperton of Roselle, IL; his step-grandchildren, Justin Fortney and Jimmy and Josh Gopperton; his brother William and his wife Esther of Sheridan; his sister Margaret Renwick of Santa Ana, CA; his two nieces, Karen Shuerger and her husband Ronald and Mickey Foss and her husband Bill all of Henderson, NV; and his nephew, Will Badget of Boulder City, NV.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at Kane Funeral Home with Fr. Stuart Crawshaw officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Elks Cemetery with Masonic Rites and Military Honors. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in George’s name to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter or the American Diabetes Association in care of Janet Evans, Cowboy State Bank, P.O. Box 6026, Sheridan , WY 82801.

Eloise Bourke, age 82, of Sheridan, WY, died Sunday, December 28, 2003, at the V.A. Medical Center, Sheridan. She was born in Beatrice, NE, on January 10, 1921, to Thomas and Lucille (Collier) Griffin. In 1929, they moved to Sheridan where Eloise graduated from Sheridan High School in 1939. She then attended the Sheridan County Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1942.

She served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps from 1943 through 1946. Two years were served in a field hospital in Europe during W.W.II. At that time the hospital was engaged in battles and campaigns which included (Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes and Rhineland of ETOUSA). The field hospital and personnel were awarded the EMAE Theater Campaign Medal, with two Bronze Stars and the W.W.II Victory Medal. After the war in Europe, the unit was transferred to Norway. The nurses’ pictures appeared in the National Geographic Magazine issue of Sept. 1945. At that time their services in Oslo, Norway, were described in “The White War of Norway”, and “The return of King Haakon II to the Throne”, in this issue.

She married James J. Bourke on January 29, 1946, in Sheridan. She worked as a RN at Memorial Hospital from 1947 to 1957. She then worked at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Sheridan from 1957 until she retired in 1977.

She was a fifty+ year member of the American Legion and a sixty-two year member of First Christian Church. She was also a member of AMA, SNA and District NA for many years before retiring, as well as a member of AARP.

Eloise was preceded in death by her husband James on February 11, 1977; her parents; brother Richard D. Griffin and an uncle Ray Collier of Sheridan.

Eloise is survived by three sons James J. Bourke II and wife Gwen of Woodbridge, VA, Ronald Bourke and wife Kathy of Hastings, NE, and Michael Bourke and wife Marilyn of Sheridan; sister Betty Snyder of Casper, WY; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

She enjoyed visiting her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her friends as well as being active in her church and choir.

Viewing will be 11:00am until 6:30pm on Monday (Jan. 5th) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00am on Tuesday from First Christian Church with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Cremation will follow the service with burial of cremains in the Little Big Horn National Cemetery, Crow Agency, MT.
Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the First Christian Church or the Salvation Army.

Vivian L. Creathbaum, 65, of Sheridan, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Vivian was born on March 23, 1938, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to Jacob and Emily (Janis) Two Bulls. She married Robert K. Creathbaum on March 23, 1982, in Sheridan. Vivian was a member of the Sheridan Eagles #186 for 20 years, and the VFW Auxiliary, she enjoyed crocheting, and playing bingo and darts, and she loved spending time with her family.

Mrs. Creathbaum was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Chester Two Bulls; and her sister Freida Spencer. She is survived by her three sons Darwin Two Bulls of Hermosa, South Dakota, and Andrew and Stacey Two Bulls, both of Sheridan; her six grandchildren, Megan, Justin, Brandon, Henry, Darrel Dean, and Jacob; her three sisters, Carol Joy of Crow Agency, Montana, and Doris Reyna and Phyllis Two Bulls, both of Longmont, Colorado; her brother Gerald Two Bulls of Rapid City, South Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 30, 2003, at Kane Funeral Home with Reverend Charles Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Gilbert Daniels, 79, of Sheridan, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2003, at Sheridan Manor.

Gilbert was born on August 28, 1924, in Kleenburn, Wyoming, to Bernard and Nunzia (Di Cesare) Daniels. Following his school years, he joined the U.S. Army and served his country from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1946. On June 7, 1948, he married Lois Ives. Gilbert worked for Mountain Bell for 31 years until his retirement in 1981. He enjoyed watching local high school sports, gardening, mechanics, fishing and hunting, local politics, reading, and his granddaughters. He was a member of the Quarterback Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #186, a life member of the Sheridan Elks Lodge #520, a life member of Telephone Pioneers of America, and lifelong member of the Democratic party and the CWA Union. Gilbert was issued a Certificate of Appreciation from the Sheridan County School District #2 in October 1995 for 38 years of service on the Football Chain Gang. Gilbert was also a member of Holy Name Catholic Church.

Mr. Daniels was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Lois Daniels; his sisters, Mary Gavito, Sylvia Silla, Leona Goodmay, and Lena Daniels; and his brother Erminio Daniels. Survivors include his two daughters, Cathy Daniello and Debra Reed and her husband Brett, both of Sheridan; his son Danny W. Daniels and his wife Nita of Sheridan; and his three grandchildren, Holly Johnston, Corrie Daniels, and Dianne Reed, all of Sheridan.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in Gilbert’s name to the American Legion Baseball Team in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.


Kenneth D. Deutsch, 46, of Sheridan, WY, died Monday, December 22, 2003 in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Mr. Deutsch was born April 20, 1957 in Durango, CO to Andrew Paul and Sylvia (Steiner) Deutsch. He grew up and attended Sheridan schools graduating from Sheridan High School in 1975. Mr. Deutsch marries Connie Jean Badgett February 23, 1979 in Sheridan.

He started working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation 6 months after graduating from high school, and was a construction foreman for the Department at the time of his death. He also worked part-time at the O.K. Corral.

Mr. Deutsch was a member of the Lutheran Church, enjoyed the mountains, fishing, hunting, cars, belonged to the Sheridan Dart League, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Deutsch is survived by his wife, Connie, of Sheridan; 1 son, Mark Deutsch, of Sheridan; 2 daughters, Laura Wagner, and Tami Harnish, both of Sheridan; his mother, Sylvia Deutsch, of Sheridan; 3 brothers, Chris and Raymond, of Sheridan, and Paul, of Ranchester, WY.

Visitation for Mr. Deutsch will be from 9:00A.M. to 5:00P.M., and from 6:00P.M. to 8:00P.M. Friday, December 26, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Services will be 11:00A.M. Saturday, December 27, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Ray Clark officiating. Cremation will follow with private family committal services at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Deutsch may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Opal F. Eastwood 82, of Sheridan, WY, died Sunday, December 28, 2003 at her residence.

Mrs. Eastwood was born October 17, 1921 in Chadron, NE to Fred Eugene and Anna Catherine (McHenry) Kaiser. She grew up and attended schools in Upton, WY, and had fond memories of several of her teachers there.

Mrs. Eastwood married Weston W. Bryant in 1939, and 2 daughters were born to this marriage. In 1947 she moved to Bountiful, Utah until 1961, where she was known as Opal F. Hepworth Eastwood, moving to California and then to Idaho, working in the banking business in various positions. She met Edward L. Eastwood in California in 1962 and they were later married. They moved to Boise, Idaho in 1966 where she continued working in the banking business, and traveling cross-country with her husband in her husband’s semi. They moved to Glenn’s Ferry in the early 1970’s where she retired in 1983. Mr. Eastwood died in 1984. Mrs. Eastwood moved to Sheridan, WY in May of 1997 to be near her daughter, Alice Hepp, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mrs. Eastwood enjoyed going to Alaska for many years to spend time with her stepson; fishing, working crossword puzzles, collecting knick-knacks and stuffed animals of most any kind, watching soap operas, going to yard sales, loved her small dogs, going to Wal-Mart, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family at family get-to-gathers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and 1 daughter.

Mrs. Eastwood is survived by 1 daughter, Alice Hepp, of Sheridan, WY; 1 stepson, James A. Eastwood, of Petersburg, Alaska; a special niece, Nancy Tolman, of Bountiful, Utah; 11 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and 4 great, great grandchildren.

Visitation for Mrs. Eastwood will be 8:30A.M. to 9:45A.M. Wednesday, December 31, 2003. Services will be 10:00A.M. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Don Derryberry officiating. Burial will be 10:00A.M. Tuesday, January 6, 2004 in the Glenn’s Ferry Cemetery, Glenn’s Ferry, ID. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Eastwood may be made to the Senior Center, or the Dog and Cat Shelter, in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P. O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801

William K. “Willie” Fink age 84 of Sheridan, WY, died Saturday December 13, 2003 at the VA Hospital in Sheridan.

He was born in Kane WY on May 7, 1919 to Karl & Maria (Winterholler) Fink. He attended school in Lovell WY until WWII started when he enlisted in the Army on November 15, 1945. He received his GED while in the Army. He served in WWII and Vietnam plus two terms in Korea. He retires a Staff Sargent on July 3, 1969.

Part of his military service was in food service as a Cook.
As a disabled Veteran he spent years in VA Hospitals.
He married Betty Hazen June 28,1994 in the VA chapel in Miles City Mt. They lived in Miles City until the Hospital closed in 1998 when they moved to Sheridan WY.

He was Life member of the VFW Post#1560, The order of Cooties and Disabled American Veterans; he also was a member of the American Legion of 35 years including Post#7 in Sheridan. He loved playing cards especially cribbage & pinochle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son & one daughter, also four brothers & three Sisters.

Survivors include his wife of Sheridan, one brother Victor Fink of Lovell, WY, one Sister in Law Olive Fink also of Lovell and Several Grand & Great-grandchildren plus Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be Wednesday December 17, 2003 at 2:00pm in the Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor William Heine officiating. Inurnment will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

James L. Fletchall, Jr., 81, of Sheridan, WY, died Wednesday, December 17, 2003 in the Sheridan V. A. Medical Center.

Mr. Fletchall was born October 25, 1922 near Mount Ayr, IA to James L. and Mary (Thomas) Fletchall. He grew up and attended schools in Mount Ayr and Redding, IA, and graduated from Redding High School in 1941.

Mr. Fletchall moved to Sheridan, WY with his family. Jim served in the Navy as a pharmacist mate during WW II in the Aleutian Islands and South Pacific.

Jim married Pauline W. Slovak in 1953 in Buffalo, WY.

He had several different jobs after his discharge from the Navy and was a bartender until 1955 when he started his own T.V. and Electronics business. He managed the American Legion Club (Post # 7) in Sheridan until retiring on January 10th, 1990. Mr. Fletchall enjoyed retirement by working at home, bow hunting, and fishing with his wife, Pauline.

Mr. Fletchall was preceded in death by his wife in April of 2003, his parents; 7 sisters, and 5 brothers.

Mr. Fletchall is survived by his son, James L. Fletchall, III, of Sheridan, WY; a stepdaughter, Cheryl Ehrmantraut, of Billings, MT, a granddaughter, Brandi Hazen, and husband, Wes, of Billings, MT; 4 great grandchildren, Christina, Stephanie, Branden, and Makenna Hazen, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Mr. Fletchall will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Officers of the American Legion (John Donald Garbutt Post #7) officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery by the Wyoming National Guard and the American Legion. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Fletchall may be made to the Dog and Cat Shelter, in care of Karen Green, 1st Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801

Evelyn L. Frazier, 77, of Sheridan, WY, died Tuesday, December 16, 2003 in Sheridan Manor, of complications from a heart attack that she suffered in September.

Mrs. Frazier was born September 3, 1926, in Union, N.Y. to Earl and Ester (Chauncey) Jump. She grew up and attended schools in Johnson City, N.Y. Mrs. Frazier worked for Endicoll-Johnson Shoe Factory, the Singer Corp, and Sylvania before becoming a full-time homemaker.

She married Kenneth A. Frazier April 17, 1943 in Endwell, N.Y.

Mrs. Frazier was a member of the Homemaker Club in Sugar Grove, PA. She was a member of the Big Horn Mtn. Polka Club in Sheridan, the Sheridan Aires Coral Group, the Senior Center Pinochle Players, Circle 8, the Jeans and Queens, and the London Bridge Squares. She enjoyed square dancing in various square dance groups.

Mrs. Frazier was renowned in any community that she lived in for her lemon marange pie, and her mechanical heart valve that put her grandchildren to sleep so well. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Mrs. Frazier was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by her husband, Ken, of Sheridan; 3 daughters, Esther Samuelson, of Reminderville, OH, Arlene Pixley, of Upton, WY, and Kendra Grenesko, of St. Petersburg, FL; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

At Mrs. Frazier’s request, cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.


Helen M. Gilson, 88, of Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at Sheridan Manor.

Helen was born on July 30, 1915, in Iowa to Fred and Letha (Gafney) Duvall. She was a country school teacher prior to marrying Vergil J. Gilson in Terry, Montana, on July 4, 1940. Helen was a full-time homemaker to her three children - Johny, Peggy, and Lee.

Mrs. Gilson was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Vergil. Survivors include her sister Jean Frey of Buffalo, Wyoming; her son Johny Gilson and his wife Linda of Ketchikan, Alaska, her daughter, Peggy Thylur and her husband Shanker of Westminster, Colorado, and her son Lee Gilson and his wife Dee of Sheridan; her six grandchildren, Eric Gilson, Brian Gilson, Jennifer Walton, Michael Thylur, David Thylur, and Steven Gilson; and her great-granddaughter Samantha Gilson.

Cremation has taken place, and private family memorial services will be held at a later date. Helen’s cremains, together with those of her husband Vergil, will be memorialized at a later date at the family ranch. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that donations may be made in Helen’s name to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Norma Yvonne Hammond, 67, of Sheridan, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2003, at her Sheridan residence.

Yvonne was born on April 9, 1936 in Independence, Missouri, to Harrison and Beulah Rhyan. She married Charles “Smokey” Hammond in Las Vegas, NV on April 6, 1968. Yvonne enjoyed playing the piano, doing crossword puzzles and was an avid reader.

Ms. Hammond was preceded in death by her parents; her son Harrison Henry Hammond. She is survived by her husband; her four daughters, Shelly Orr and Patty Damer both of Dallas, TX, Charlene Hammond and Samantha Lacey both of Sheridan; her seven grandchildren; and her brother Don Rhyan of Kansas City, KS.

Cremation has taken place locally and private family services will be held at a later date. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements

The family has requested that memorials be made in Yvonne’s name to American Cancer Society in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Barbara V. Hayworth, 74, of Sheridan, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2003, at Westview Health Care Center.

Barbara was born on March 24, 1929, in Hardin, MT, to Hans and Agnes (Olson) Jensen. She had her schooling in Hardin. She married Delbert (Deb) Hayworth in Pocatella, Idaho, on July 29, 1969. They ranched at Geraldine, Montana, and moved to Sheridan in 1976. She worked as a salesperson for NZ Shoes in Sheridan for twenty years. She was trained to fit people with foot problems, she loved her work at the store and dealing with the public. Barbara enjoyed sewing, knitting and a variety of crafts as well as working on her apartment and in her yard. Her friends were an important part of her life. Barbara and her sister, Blanche Rhine, shared an apartment house together for many years and were very close. She was baptized in the Lutheran Church, and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheridan.

Ms. Hayworth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister Marie Green; and her brother Henry Jensen. She is survived by her two daughters, Anjeanette Silver of Spokane, Washington, and Linda Thomas of Gillette, Wyoming; her six grandchildren; her eight great-grandchildren; her eight step-children, including one very special stepdaughter Pam Kraft of Billings, Montana; and her two sisters, Blanche Rhine of Huron, South Dakota, and Gloria Erpenback of Billings, Montana.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor William Heine officiating. Cremation will follow and inurnment of cremains will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Barbara’s name to Immanuel Lutheran Church in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

John Clifford Hutchinson, 68, of Sheridan, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

John was born on July 30, 1935, in Monarch, Wyoming, to John and Elizabeth (Guy) Hutchinson. He married Joan Obert on May 28, 1967 and the couple raised seven children together. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was a Little League coach for eighteen years and a full time dad and grandpa.

Mr. Hutchinson was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jack; and his two sisters, Mary Margaret, and Dorothy. He is survived by his wife, Joan of Sheridan; his five sons, Joseph, Dan, Raymond, Edward and Tom all of Sheridan; his two daughters, Barbara Lassen of Sheridan and Theresa Zimmerman of Canyon City, CO; his fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and his sister, Doris Richards of Sheridan.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 26, 2003, at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating.
Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements

Ole Frederick Johnson Jr., 70, of Sheridan, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2003, at his home in Sheridan.

Ole was born on December 23, 1932, in Glendive, Montana, to Ole and Violet (Rader) Johnson. He joined the Navy in February of 1952 where he served during the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Navy Occupation Medal before his honorable discharge in February of 1956. Ole married Shirley Barbula on January 12, 1963 in Ranchester, WY. He worked various jobs at the Sheridan VA Medical Center for thirty years before his retirement. Ole enjoyed visiting, fishing, hunting, ranching and making furniture. He also liked being in the garage and gardening as well as being a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the Eagles.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents; his brother; his sister-in-law; and his mother-in-law. Survivors include his wife Shirley of Sheridan; his two sons, Curtiss and Lennie; his daughter Crystal Burkee; his seven grandchildren; his two brothers, George of Whitehall, MT and William of Billings, MT; and his three sisters, June Matovich of Columbus, MT, Janaire Reed and Joyce Pietz both of Billings, MT.

A rosary will be held on Monday, December 15, 2003 at 7:00 pm at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at Holy Name Catholic Church at 10:00 am with the Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Ole’s name to Holy Name Church in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan , WY 82801.

Dorothy Long, 60, of Sheridan, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Dorothy was born on August 16, 1943, in Phillips Town, Illinois, to Henry Lee Long and Sybil (Barber) Rathburn. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts, traveling, and collecting anything Tweety Bird and Elvis.

Ms. Long is survived by her mother and stepfather, Sybil and Ray Rathburn of Springfield, MO; her two sons, Wayne Hamilton of Golden, CO and William Hamilton Jr of Casper, WY; her daughter, Cynthia Hamilton of Sheridan; and her two grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place locally and memorial services will be held in Mississippi in May. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements

The family has requested that memorials be made in Dorothy’s name to the Whedon Cancer Foundation in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Bertie Hillyer Stiteler Lund, 83, Story, WY died Monday, December 8, 2003 in Sheridan Manor.

Mrs. Lund was born July 20, 1920 on Wolf Creek, MT to George “Charlie” and Etta Bell (Surrena) Hillyer, the youngest of four children.

Mrs. Lund became known for her work as an Interior Designer. She had a distinct style and her work left a legacy in the community. She loved vivid colors and was very creative. She collected artwork and special pieces all over the world for future projects. Her work can be seen in businesses through out the city as well as the Ucross Foundation.

Mrs. Lund also expressed her creativity by designing jewelry. She designed imaginative and colorful custom-made bead necklaces that she marketed under the name of Bertie’s Beads.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers. .
Mrs. Lund is survived by a son, Clyde (Chuck) Stiteler, of CA; a sister, Agnes VanNoy, of Carmel, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lund will be 11:00 AM, Monday, December 15, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Goodwin officiating. There will be an informal reception for family and friends immediately following the service at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Private family committal services will be held in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Big Horn, WY. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Peggy Miller, 90, of Sheridan. WY, died Friday, December 5, 2003 in Sheridan Manor.

Mrs. Miller was born October 27, 1913 at Beckton, WY to Edward S. and Benitta (Dow) Townsend. She started school at Beckton and also went to Beaver Creek School, graduating from Sheridan High School.

Mrs. Miller married Robert Miller on August 29, 1933 in Billings, MT. Together they ranched all over Sheridan County, and at Garryowen, MT. They purchased the ranch on Lower Piney in 1956. Peggy cooked for the hired men and worked in the fields for years, along with her husband.

Mrs. Miller was a member of the Piney Women’s Club and the Sheridan County Cowbells. She enjoyed riding her favorite horse, Poncho. She last rode him when she was 82 years old. She also enjoyed quilting, her garden, irrigating, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Bob.

Mrs. Miller is survived by 1 son, Robert G. Miller, of Banner, WY; 1 daughter, Barbara Bovee, of Anchorage, Alaska; 3 brothers, Jim Townsend, of Sheridan, Roy Townsend, of Billings, MT, and Ed Townsend, of Yuba City, CA; 2 sisters, Dora Davidson, and Bernice Renie, both of Story, WY; 4 granddaughters; and several great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Miller will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Family graveside services will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Miller may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Frances Ann Moss, 88, of Sheridan, WY, died Monday, December 15, 2003 in Sheridan Manor.

Mrs. Moss was born July 21, 1915, in Laramie, WY to Foster Rob and Hazel Gladys (Palmer) Rogers. At the age of three, she moved with her family to Lusk, WY where her father started the Rogers’ Drug Co. She grew up and attended schools in Lusk, working in her fathers’ store from the age of 9 years old until the store was sold in 1946.

Mrs. Moss married Leonard Gatzemeyer in 1935, and they had one son in 1936. Mrs. Moss married Ellsworth Carroll Moss in 1948, and they had two sons.

The family lived in Lusk until 1955 when they moved to Cheyenne. In 1961, Mrs. Moss and her sons moved to Long Beach, CA where they resided for 33 years, moving to Sheridan in 1994.

Mrs. Moss enjoyed spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, and 1 brother.

Mrs. Moss is survived by three sons; Roy J. Gatzemeyer, of Sheridan, WY, William D. Moss, of Story, WY, and Richard D. Moss, of Sheridan, WY; and 2 grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be a family graveside service in Lusk at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Isabelle Olson, 88, of Sheridan, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Isabelle was born on February 10, 1915, on the family farm in Dayton, Wyoming, to Jacob “Jake” and Amanda (Graff) Achenbach, number six of seven girls. On December 3, 1967 she married Ray Olson on the Bear Claw Ranch in Dayton, Wyoming. Isabelle loved being with family, especially her six sisters. She enjoyed dancing, telling and listening to good jokes, playing video poker, collecting stuffed toys, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Mrs. Olson was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray in 1992; her ex-husband, Dick Ellis in 1978; her grandson, Mark Holmes in 1973; her son-in-law Sonny Holmes in 2002; and her five sisters, Vera, Myrtle, Elsie, Jessie, and Grace. She is survived by her daughter, Dixie Holmes of Sheridan; her son, Rick Ellis of Cave Creek, AZ; her grandchildren, Michele “Shelly” Holmes of Sheridan, Debbie Miller of Anchorage, AK, Shana McClinton and her husband Joe of Colorado Springs, CO, Shawn Ellis and his wife Kathy of Las Vegas, NV; her great-grandchildren, Mark and Justin Moreland, R. Remington, J. Sterling, and R. Windham Ellis, Hunter Byrd, and Robbie and Ryan Miller; her great-great grandson, Austin Moreland; her sister, Margie Rogers of Hemphill, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at Kane Funeral Home with Reverend David Duprey officiating. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements

The family has requested that memorials be made in Isabelle’s name to the Elks Youth Rodeo or the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Lois L. Pense, 84, of Sheridan, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Lois was born on April 22, 1919, in Cold Water, Kansas, to Neal and Jesse (Beeney) Plaster. Following her school years, she married George H. Pense on May 20, 1947, in Hardin, Montana. She worked for many years as a waitress. Lois was an avid PBR fan, and she adored her dogs Lucky, Troy, and Punkie. Her grandchildren were her life.

Mrs. Pense was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Zola Schaffer in 1983; and her grandson Russell O’Daniels in 1988. Survivors include her husband George of Sheridan; her son Jerry O’Daniels and his wife Irene of Sheridan; her grandchildren, Boyd Portwine of Washington, Ernest Portwine and Wanda Portwine, both of Sheridan, and Mathew Schaffer and his wife Karleen of Billings, Montana; her great-grandchildren, Kraig Schaffer, Monique Portwine, and Danielle Portwine, all of Billings, Montana, Ryan O’Daniels and his wife Twila, Johnny Pruitt, Irene Pruitt, and Jerry Portwine, all of Sheridan; and her great-great-grandson Camden O’Daniels of Sheridan.

Cremation has taken place, and at Mrs. Pense’s request no services will be held. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Lois’ name to the American Cancer Society in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Edward M. Roberts, 95, of Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2003, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Edward was born on December 25, 1907, in Dietz, Wyoming, to Charles and Icy (Sears) Roberts. He married Mary Boyko on July 8, 1936 in Hardin, Montana, and the couple raised five sons together. He worked as a welder for Peter Kiewit for fifteen years. He enjoyed cutting rocks, rebuilding guns, and gardening. Hunting and fishing were his passion. His greatest joy was serving the Lord in the church.

Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his wife; his son William Roberts; his parents; his two brothers, George and Elmer; and his sister Iva Mae Kuchera. Survivors include his four sons, Charles and his wife Dolores of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Walter and his wife Linda of Livingston, Texas, James and his wife Marilyn of Sheridan, and Melvin and his wife Connie of Portland, Oregon; his seventeen grandchildren; his forty great-grandchildren; his four great-great grandchildren; and his sister Inez Senff of Sheridan.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2003, at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2003, at Grace Baptist Church with Pastor Stephen Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Edward’s name to the Grace Baptist Church Building Fund in care of Grace Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6522, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Eva M. Shosten, 93, of Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at Sheridan Manor.

Eva was born on March 23, 1910, in Greenville, Illinois, to Harry and Ruby (Narred) Kershner. She married William B. Shosten on November 5, 1926 in Hardin, MT. Eva worked for JC Penney as a sales clerk for forty years. She enjoyed attending church circle meetings at the First Baptist Church, crocheting afghan’s and knitting. Most of all, Eva loved her family dinners.

Mrs. Shosten was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her three year old daughter. Survivors include her son, William Shosten and his wife Maxine; her daughter, Ruby J. “Mick” Mediate and her husband Frank all of Sheridan; her five grandchildren, Connie Krezelok and her husband John, Billy Shosten, Tony Shosten, Cher Amick and her husband Merv, Carol Grandahl and her husband Jerry; seven great-grandchildren, Megan Amick, Charlie Ruff and his wife Tenielle, Christy Kukuchka and her husband Spencer, Bo Grandahl, Nicki Starling, Billy D. Shosten, and Becky Krezelok; two great-great-grandchildren, Jilliam Hope Kukuchka and Bryson James Starling; her sister, Ruth Hanson of Buffalo, WY; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Kershner of Gillette, WY.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2003 at Kane Funeral Home at 2:00 pm with Pastor Chuck Gifford officiating. Interment will follow at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Eva’s name to the Senior Citizen’s Center Meals on Wheels Program in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Steve R. Smith, 82, of Sheridan, WY, died Thursday, December 18, 2003 at his daughter’s residence on Big Goose.

Mr. Smith was born July 11, 1921 in Banner, WY to Sam B. and May G. (Harper) Smith. He attended schools in Sheridan. Mr. Smith served 4 years in the Navy during WW II where he was stationed in New Hebrides Islands, after which he was discharged from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class.

After the service, Mr. Smith returned to the Sheridan area and married Charlotte M. Graves in Billings, MT on January 11, 1947. Mr. Smith went to work at the Sheridan V. A. Medical Center, retiring after 28 years of service as Chief of Maintenance and Repair.

Mr. Smith was a member of First United Methodist Church of Sheridan, a member of Big Horn Mt. Lodge l# 43 .A.F. & A.M., the Scottish Rite Bodies, Kalif Shrine Temple, and the American Legion. He enjoyed carving, painting, hunting, leather-tooling, silver-smithing, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Charlotte, of Sheridan; 2 daughters, Cheryl Smith, of Fort Collins, CO, and Nancy Elkins, of Sheridan; 7 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Smith will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Don Derryberry officiating. Burial will be in the Elk’s Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. A reception will be held at the First United Methodist Church following the committal service. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Smith may be made to the Shrine Children’s Hospital, Box K, Sheridan, WY, or Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 W. 5th St., Sheridan, WY 82801

Geraldine C. E. (Geri) Sparks, 59, of Sheridan, WY, died Saturday, December 20, 2003 at her residence.

Mrs. Sparks was born September 15, 1944 in Delfft, Netherlands to Augustus and Hestra (den Otter) van den Steene. She immigrated to Canada in 1956, She received her schooling in Canada later and came to the United States in 1963. She married Tom Sparks June 25, 1967 in San Jose, CA.

One of her greatest inspirations in life was overcoming challenges with a positive spirit and strength of mind. This wonderful attribute will continue to serve as a source of inspiration to all of us. She showed great devotion to her family, especially loving to spend time with her grandchildren. She will be immensely missed by family and many friends. Our aspiring Angel has opened her Angel Window to travel on the road to Peace.

Mrs. Sparks was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, and Mother Cabrini Circle. Besides being active in her church, she was very involved in beautification of the city and the city council in Kenai, Alaska. She designed the city flag for the Bi Centennial Celebration in Kenai, they are still flying this flag. She was an avid stamp collector, a master Gardner, a traveler and an excellent seamstress.

Mrs. Sparks was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Tom, of Sheridan; 2 sons, Robert Sparks, and wife, Hillery, of MT. and Brian Sparks, of WY; 2 grandchildren, Sierra and Trey Sparks; 1 brother, Johannes van den Steene, and wife, Marie Anne, of Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada; 2 sisters, Connie van der Steene, of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and Margaret Costa, and husband, Dennis, of Clinton Township, Michigan, and many brothers and sisters-in-laws; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vigil services will be 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis as Celebrant. Cremation will follow the service, and private family inurnment services will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Sparks may be made to Holy Name School, 9 S. Connor, Sheridan, WY 82801

Richard F. Stevens, 83, of Sheridan, WY, died Friday, December 19, 2003 at his residence.

Mr. Stevens was born November 29, 1920 in Sheridan, WY to Joseph and Bernice (Rowland) Phennings. He grew up and attended school in Buffalo and Sheridan. Mr. Stevens married Virginia Lee Lilley on February 10, 1940 in Hardin, MT. He served in the tank division of the 6th Marine Division during WW II.

Mr. Stevens worked on many ranches in the local area as a teenager, then joined the C.C.C’s and helped build the Sibley Dam in the Big Horn Mtns. He later worked in the coal mines in Acme and Monarch. After serving in the Marines, he worked in Montana, Washington, and Arizona in the mining industry. Upon retirement, he and his wife returned to Sheridan, their “home” and his beloved Big Horns.

Mr. Stevens was a member of Masonic Lodge #130, A.F. & A.M. in Kettle Falls, WA and the V.F.W. Post #o1560. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling with his wife in the R.V., golfing, growing tomatoes, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, several siblings, and his brother-in-law, Charles Lilley.

Mr. Stevens is survived by his wife, Virginia Lee, of Sheridan, a son, Richard L. Stevens, and wife, Janet, of Bellvue, WA; 2 daughters, Patricia M. Anderson, and husband, Ronald, of Sheridan, WY, and Diana G. Stevens, of Denver, CO; 1 brother, Don J. Stevens, and wife, Jo, of Baxter Springs, Kansas; 1 sister, Mildred Russell, of Dayton, WY; 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 7 step great grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Stevens will be from 9:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Monday, December 22, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Services will be 3:00 P.M. Monday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating. Burial will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with Military rites by the Marine Corp. and the American Legion. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Steven’s may be made to the Dog & Cat Shelter, Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, or the Senior Center, in care of Karen Green, 1st Interstate Bank, P.O.Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801


Monday, December 22, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating. Burial will be in the Elk’s Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

Ellen L. Thompson, 73, of Sheridan, WY, died Saturday, December 20, 2003 at her residence.

Mrs. Thompson was born August 25, 1930 in Gillette,
WY to Peter and Margaret (Noonan) Svalina. She grew up and attended a country school on a ranch near Rozet. She attended and graduated from St. Martin’s Academy in Sturgis, S.D. in 1948. Mrs. Thompson then taught in a country school outside of Moorcroft for 5 or 6 years.

She married Albert Thompson on Dec. 4,1954, and they moved to a ranch outside of Birney, MT. The Thompson’s moved to WY where Mr. Thompson worked construction, building bridges on many of the highways in WY. They moved to Sheridan in 1962 where Mrs. Thompson was a wife and mother until going to work for the Sheridan Press in 1966, working in the mailroom until ill health forced her retirement a year ago.

Mrs. Thompson was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church, and enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Her parents preceded her in death.

She is survived by 2 sons; Robert and Stephen, both of Sheridan; 3 brothers, Frank Svalina, of Oshoto, WY, Jack Svalina, of Moorcroft, WY, and Tom Svalina, of Gillette, WY; 1 sister, Mary Ann Woods, of Boise, ID; 5 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

Vigil services for Mrs. Thompson will be 7:00 P.M. Sunday, December 28, 2003 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 29, 2003 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis as Celebrant. Burial will be in Little Big Horn Battlefield National Cemetery, Crow Agency, MT. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

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