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February 2004 OBITUARIES

Helen P. Aksamit, 85, of Kleenburn, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2004, at her residence

Helen was born on March 17, 1918, in Sheridan, WY, to Joseph and Mary Anna (Washut) Haratyk. She married William Aksamit on January 1, 1936. The couple raised eight children together, six of which William helped deliver at the family home in Kleenburn, WY. Helen loved her family and spending time with them. She enjoyed gardening, going to garage sales, and sewing, especially quilts for her grandchildren.

Mrs. Aksamit was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers; and one sister. She is survived by her four sons, William “Billy” Aksamit and his wife Lenora, and Tom Aksamit both of Sheridan, Jim Aksamit and his wife Bonnie of Kleenburn, and Ken Aksamit and his wife Sharon of Salt Lake City, UT; her four daughters, Denise Holt and her husband Jim of Ranchester, Carol Jiacoletti and her husband Mike, and Joan Miller both of Cheyenne, and Mary Ann “Lolly” Baxter and her husband Colin of Anchorage, AK; her twenty two grandchildren; her twenty six great-grandchildren; her great-great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church on Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 10:00 am with The Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Lucille Replogle Byers, 80, of Sheridan, WY, died Thursday, February 19, 2004 in Sheridan Manor.

Mrs. Byers was born September 8, 1923 in New Enterprise, PA to Karl and Ruth (Kagarice) Replogle. She grew up in Riddlesburg, and graduated from Broad Top Township High School in Defiance, PA. Mrs. Byers graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD on February 17, 1945. She was hoping to be a Navy nurse during WW II but the war ended before graduation.

Mrs. Byers married Robert Byers March 10, 1945 in Baltimore, MD, where they lived until the move to Sheridan, WY, in 1966.

She worked weekend relief nurse for Continental Can Company and Lord Baltimore Press while living in Baltimore. In Sheridan, she worked at Eventide of Sheridan for 7 years, and then went to work at Fort McKenzie V. A. Hospital in Sheridan, retiring in 1985.

Mrs. Byers was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Christian Woman’s Club.

She enjoyed her family, her church family, Senior Center friends, bible study, reading, sewing, gardening, traveling, hiking, cross country skiing, and square dancing.

Mrs. Byers was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Robert, of Sheridan; 1 sister, Jean Clark, of Chambersburg, PA; 1 brother, Joe Replogle, of Brookside, NJ; 2 sons, Alan Byers, (Martawn), of Bellview, NE, and Daniel Byers, (Sayda), of Douglas, AK; 2 daughters, Alice Baker, (Joe), of Big Horn, WY, and Mary Olson, (Jim), of Hamilton, MT; 8 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.

Services for Mrs. Byers will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Revs. Ronald Nelson and Wilbur Holz officiating. Burial will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Byers may be made to the Sheridan Senior Citizen Building Fund, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY, or Trinity Lutheran Church, 135 Crescent Drive, Sheridan, WY


James F. (Jeff) Byrum, Jr., 56, of Sheridan, WY, died Tuesday, February 24, 2004 in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Mr. Byrum was born August 12, 1947 in Corinth, Mississippi to James F. and Annette (Nelson) Byrum. He grew up and attended schools in Memphis, TN, graduating from high school in Memphis in 1965.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1966, and served his tour of duty aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Lexington. He was honorably discharged from the Navy Reserves in 1972.

Mr. Byrum returned to TN where he went to work for the railroad, later transferring to Sheridan. He had worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 32 years, and was an engineer at the time of his death. Mr. Byrum married Marie Wright December 13, 1996 in Sheridan.

Mr. Byrum enjoyed gardening, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, and 1 brother.

Mr. Byrum is survived by his wife, Marie, of Sheridan; 1 son, Marshall Byrum, of Kansas City, MO; 4 daughters, Melissa Shaffer, of Austin, TX, Michele Johnson, of Sheridan, WY, Kaelene Wright, of Sheridan, WY, and Cathy Wright, of Fresno, CA; his mother, Annette Byrum, of Memphis, TN; 1 sister, Sandra Kelso, of Byhalia, Mississippi; and 7 grandchildren.

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

Memorials in memory of Mr. Byrum may be made to Life Link of Sheridan County, or the Sheridan County Animal Shelter, in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801

Mary Darlene Cox, our beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2004 from natural causes. She was born December 23, 1929 in Cody, WY to David and Pearl Darling Tracy. Her Uncle Jack and Aunt Ellen Horiskey raised as an only child during the depression and war years when extended family and friends played a vital role helping to define her strong personality. She graduated from Cody High School in 1948 and was married to Walter Cox the following year. The lived in Minnesota for a few years while Walt finished bakery school. They came back to Wyoming in 1952 with their first daughter and made Sheridan their home while Walt worked at the bakery on Main Street. During that time they lost a set of twins in early infancy. They then moved back to the Cody and Lovell area. Lovell was home for the next twenty years where Darlene was active with her three children in 4-H, Girl Scouts, and other various activities. She divorced Walt in 1971. To be near hare daughters and their families she moved back to Cody in 1975 and in 1985 she moved to Gillette and lastly Sheridan in 1991. Darlene was very proud of her children and grandchildren, and thoroughly enjoyed her rambunctious great grandchildren and watching their budding personalities. Darlene valued family, friends, and the opportunity for a good conversation. She will be greatly missed by her family. Her parents, aunt and uncle, two infant children, a full sister, and tow half sisters, a son-in-law, and her ex-husband precede her in death. Her surviving family members include: son Larry Cox and wife Elaine of Jacksonville, FL, daughters Michele Farlow of Cody, WY, and Kim Price and husband Kem of Sheridan, WY, grandchildren Allen Price and wife Jessica of Sheridan, WY, Heather Price of Sheridan, WY, Michael Farlow and wife Irene of Cody, WY, great-grandchildren Ashley, Joshua, Ana, Amanda, and Jason Farlow of Cody, WY, and Megan Price of Sheridan, WY. Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2004 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cody, WY at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Sheridan Community Shelter, Volunteers of American in Sheridan, WY.

Clara Louise (Hayman) Duncan of Sheridan, Wyoming passed away on Saturday, February 14th in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at the age of 93. Memorial services will be held in Sheridan, Wyoming at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 21, 2004, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with the Reverend Ray Clark officiating. There will be a receiving line at the back of the church for guests to greet family members as they depart. Interment will take place at Sheridan Elks Cemetery following the service. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Clara was born February 6, 1911, in Hastings Michigan, to Emma and Harley Hayman. She moved to Casper, Wyoming at a young age and then on to Sheridan, Wyoming where she graduated from Sheridan High School and then completed a B.A. from the University of Wyoming. Clara was a teacher for 44 years. She began her teaching career in 1930 at Acme, Wyoming. Then from 1936 until 1940 she taught first grade at Coffeen School and from 1949 to 1950 she taught first grade at Taylor School. From 1950 until she retired in 1974, she taught first grade and then kindergarten at Linden School. In 1971, she was named teacher of the year in Sheridan for her many contributions to education, an honor she has treasured through the years. Her accomplishments include writing letters to the editor to support education based on strong research in best practices. As a dedicated teacher, Clara believed all children could learn and that teaching and learning should be fun as well as a serious preparation of young minds for their future years as productive citizens. She touched the lives of many children who have expressed their love and gratitude in later life for her guidance over the years. Her professional memberships included the Association of Classroom Teachers, Sheridan Central Education Association, National Education Association, Elementary, Kindergarten and Nursery Association, Kappa Delta Phi, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was also recognized by Delta Kappa Gamma for her excellence in teaching.

As a devoted wife and mother, in later years her faith in God was reflected in her many letters to the family as well as in her inspiring chronicles of the prophets, the end times, and the second coming of Christ.

Clara married Dee Duncan in 1940 and was very active in the Elks Lodge #520 where her husband was a member and also Exalted Ruler. She is survived by her two daughters, Dorothy Dee Bayne of Tacoma, Washington and Judy Louise Diehl and husband Sonny of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by three grandsons, Spencer Fisk and wife Sarah, James Griffith and wife Ann, and Russell Griffith and wife Stephanie; and two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Claire Fisk. Clara was proceeded in death by her husband Dee Duncan and her brother Harold Hayman.

Memorial contributions may be made in Clara’s name to the Elk’s Cemetery Fund in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801.

Nova Lee Duncan, 80, of Sheridan, WY, died Sunday, February 29, 2004 in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Mrs. Duncan was born December 27, 1923 in Sidon, (White Cty.), Arkansas to Tom and Telie (Martindill) Patterson. She grew up and attended schools in the Sidon area. She moved to California and married Ruben Duncan July 18, 1942 in San Francisco, CA. The Duncan’s spent most of their lifetime in California where Mrs. Duncan was a homemaker and raised her family.

The Duncan’s moved to Longmont, CO in 1972, then lived in Loveland. Mr. Duncan died in 1997. Mrs. Duncan moved to Sheridan, WY in 1998 to be near her daughter.

Mrs. Duncan was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, and 1 sister.

She is survived by 2 sons, Hassel Duncan, of Wickenburg, Arizona, and Charlie Duncan, of Kelso, WA; 3 daughters, Judy Stahl, of Sheridan, WY, Wanda Rogers, of Bullhead City, Arizona, and Gerri Myers, of Loveland, CO; 2 bothers, James Patterson, of Arizona, and Kenny Patterson, of Illinois; 2 sisters, Velma English, and Lorene Lucas, both of Texas; 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Local arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Visitation and graveside services for Mrs. Duncan will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 4, 2004 at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Ft. Collins, CO.

Flowers in memory of Mrs. Duncan may be sent to the Resthaven Funeral Home, 100 E. County Rd. 30, Ft. Collins, CO 80525

Florence “Flossie” M. Estes, 91, of Sheridan, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2004, at Sheridan Manor.

Flossie was born on September 9, 1912, in Sheridan, WY, to Albert and Lizzie (Sinclair) Bull. She married Gilbert Estes in Sheridan on May 28, 1938, and the couple raised two children together. Florence enjoyed her music and played the organ for many years at the Episcopal Church and other special events. In later years she enjoyed playing cards and spending time with friends and family. She also liked family picnics in Story. Flossie was a member of Eastern Star and of The Fine Arts Club.

Mrs. Estes was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her two sisters Edith Hall and Clara Cover; and her three brothers-in-law, Elmer Hall, Harold Cover, and Dick Higgins. She is survived by her son Douglas Estes and his wife Linda of Sheridan; her daughter Marsha Philo and her husband Dick of Billings, MT; her sister Bettie Higgins of Sheridan; her five grandchildren, Tom, Jim, and Mike Estes, and Spencer and Devron Philo; and her five great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2004, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with Reverends Ray Clark and David Duprey officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Florence’s name to the Sheridan Senior Citizen’s Center or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Organ Fund in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Ira Felz, 70, of Clearmont, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2004, at the Sheridan VA Medical Center.

Ira was born on December 25, 1933, on the Felz family ranch in Dawes County, Nebraska, to Ira Austin and Nona (Rivers) Felz. Following his graduation from high school, Ira attended college for three years, during which time he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in April of 1952 and served his country until his honorable discharge in November of 1956. On August 23, 1953, he married Frances Logue in Oelrichs, South Dakota, and the couple was blessed with six children. Ira worked as a rancher, moving to Clearmont a year ago from Chadron, Nebraska. He was a member of the American Paint Horse Association and the Highland Cattle Association. He enjoyed ranching, Highland cows, Paint horses, spending time with his family and all children, but especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, his rope art, his handmade earrings and other crafts, and dancing, especially square dancing.

Mr. Felz was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Nona Jillson. Survivors include his wife Frances of Clearmont; his two daughters, Rose Harris and her husband Steve Stewart of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Marilyn Tagart and her husband Howard of Alliance, Nebraska; his four sons, Marvin Felz and his wife Barb of Clearmont, Howard Felz and his wife Terye and Hoss Felz and his wife Misty, all of Chadron, Nebraska, and Bruce Felz and his wife Cathe of Three Forks, Montana; his thirteen granchildren, Justin Harris, Leigh (Felz) Simpson, Jodi (Tagart) Merill, Jenny Lyman, Ann Felz, David Felz, Michelle Felz, Amelia Felz, Jesse Felz, Casey Felz, Austin Felz, Logan Felz, and Morgan Felz; his two great-grandchildren, Chandra Harris and Cheyenne Simpson; his three sisters, Lola Rathman and Mary Ann Mintken and her husband Clayton, all of Dalton, Nebraska, and Lora Miller and her husband Jack of Ardmore, South Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At Mr. Felz’s request, cremation has taken place and no memorial services will be held. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Ira’s name to the Ira Felz Memorial Fund in care of Janet Evans, Cowboy State Bank, P.O. Box 6026, Sheridan, WY 82801.

S. Maxine Garriffa, 83, of Sheridan, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Maxine was born on December 25, 1920, in Sheridan County, Wyoming, to Lawrence Earl and Stella Maude (Croghan) Murdock. Following her school years, she married Hardy MacCatherine. In 1970 she married Carl Garriffa. Maxine worked as a bookkeeper for most of her life, and she volunteered at the Sheridan Senior Center and Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. She was a member of St. Peters’ Episcopal Church, she enjoyed crocheting, knitting, embroidery, traveling, playing cards, especially pinochle, and was an avid reader.

Mrs. Garriffa was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her son Richard L. MacCatherine and his wife Mary of Roundup, Montana; her two daughters Peggy A. Buckley and her husband Ted of Sheridan and Patricia M. Cowgill and her husband Gene of Guthrie, Oklahoma; her stepson Joe Garriffa and his wife Jean of Sheridan; her thirteen grandchildren, Shannon Blakeman, Kelley Buckley, Angel Richmond, Shawn MacCatherine, Maria MacCatherine,
Darin MacCatherine, Paul MacCatherine, Annebelle Hinchman, Athena Girard, LCDR Tim Daniels, Seth Daniels, Connie Williams, and Carole Garriffa; her sixteen great-grandchildren; and her brother Gerald E. Murdock and his wife Kathryn of Buffalo, Wyoming.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2004, at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February13, 2004, at Kane Funeral Home with Reverend David Duprey officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Maxine’s name to The Senior Citizen’s Center or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.


Jacquelyn (Jackie) Jeanne Hoxie, 74, of Sheridan, WY, died Saturday, February 14, 2004 in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Mrs. Hoxie was born October 21, 1929 in Nampa, ID to Foster and Mabel Marie (Chapman) Morris. The family moved several times during her early years, living in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington before settling in West Seattle, WA. Mrs. Hoxie attended and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1947. She then attended a business school in Seattle before going to work for Boeing Aircraft Co. in Seattle.

Mrs. Hoxie married Eugene Hoxie in Seattle June 18, 1949, and together with her husband, owned and operated a chain of Dry Cleaning establishments in the Seattle area for several years. They later worked together as Hoxie’s Books in DesMoines, WA. She spent most of her life being a mother and homemaker, moving to Sheridan with her husband in 1997.

While in Seattle, Mrs. Hoxie taught Sunday school in the Presbyterian Church in Seattle, was a member of the P.T.A., and was a member of the Lady’s Bible Study group of First Baptist Church in Sheridan. She enjoyed crafts, scrap booking, camping, and especially spending time with her family.

Mrs. Hoxie was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant daughter.

She is survived by her husband, Gene, of Sheridan; 2 sons, Eugene (Gene) Hoxie, Jr., (Janet), of Sheridan, & Darryl Hoxie, (Katrina), of Thayne, WY; five daughters, Leatha Traphagan, Leahna Hoxie, & Lonette Sullivan, (Dan), of Sheridan, Loreen Farkas, (Darrell), & Lydel Shanks, (Jason), of Lovell, WY; one sister, Geraldine Fitzgerald, (Ted) of Florida; 18 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

Graveside services for Mrs. Hoxie will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 18, 2004 in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. Kenneth Doolin officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Hoxie may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1100 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801

Ruth Vera Hurley, 95 of Sheridan, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Ruth was born on October 1, 1908, in Ranchester, Wyoming, to George and Carrie (Johnson) Oelschlager. She married Frank Mates in 1924 after his passing in 1961 she met and married Robert Hurley in 1963. Ruth enjoyed reading religious books, embroidery, and gardening. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Mrs. Hurley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Frank Mates; her second husband Robert Hurley; her five sisters, Louise Oelschlager, Annie Jackson, Hazel Pawlus, Thelma Jackson, and Evelyn Kerwald; and her four brothers, Walter, John, Lee and Henry Oelschager She is survived by her daughter Bernice Barber of Sheridan; her son, Albert Mates of Fairfax, CA; her five grandchildren, Patrick Barber, Dr. Herbert Barber, Linda Barker, James Mates, and Mike Mates; and her twelve great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 4, 2004 at Kane Funeral Home with Reverend Don Derryberry 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 Ruth’s name to the Senior Center or to First United Methodist Church in care of Brenda Torrens or Nicole Christensen, Community First Bank, P.O. Box 9000, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Twila Marie Leis, 65 of Sheridan, passed away on Sunday, February 29, 2004, at Sheridan Manor.

Twila was born on December 31, 1938, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Alex and Ruth (Albrecht) Leis. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1956. She worked at the Palace Café as a cook and the Best Western and V.A. Hospital in the kitchen. Twila enjoyed listening to music, crocheting afghans, embroidery, and reading.

Miss. Leis was preceded in death by her parents; a sister; and her two brothers. She is survived by her sister, Virginia Burgess; and her two nieces and three nephews as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 5, 2004 at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor William Heine officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements

The family has requested that memorials be made in Twila’s name to the American Diabetes Association in care of Kay Roush, First Federal Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Patrick Alan Leonard, 54, of Sheridan, WY, died Wednesday, February 4, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County following a lengthy illness.

His body has been donated to the University of Colorado Medical School. Memorial service will be 11:00am on Friday, February 6, 2004, from First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Derryberry officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

He was born July 22, 1949, in Longmont, CO, the son of Betty Jean (Waldo) and Ralph David Leonard. He grew up in Bairoil and attended high school in Rawlins and Glenrock, WY. He attended Western Community College. Patrick served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam. He was a guardrail foreman for the Wyoming Department of Transportation until illness forced his retirement.

Patrick married Suzanne Kaye Storck, formerly of Laurel, MT, on January 17, 1983, in Sheridan. He is survived by his wife of Sheridan; daughters Gretchan Leonard of Sheridan and Kara Leonard of Santa Rosa, CA; sons James & wife Paula of Sacramento, CA and Daniel of Santa Rosa, CA; mother Betty of Casper, WY; brother Danny of Laramie, WY; and 6 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and two infant children, David and Leanna.

Patrick was an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping trips and being outdoors year round. He collected fossils and artifacts and enjoyed watching and feeding the birds. He coached his sons in YMCA basketball when they were young.

Patrick’s kind and gentle ways affected all that knew him. He had a great love for life, and for a good joke, and as his crippling disease progressed, he remained cheerful and never complained.

Memorials may benefit the Senior Citizen’s Center “Meals on Wheels” program, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801

Louise M. Ley, age 95 of Sheridan, WY, died Wednesday, February 18, 2004, in Sheridan Manor.

She was born on June 7, 1908, in David City, Nebraska, to William & Centina (Aden) Ihnen.

Louise grew up in the David City and Rising City, NE, area graduating from Rising City High School. She married Marion C. Ley on May 3, 1932 in David City, NE. They lived in many places until coming to Sheridan in 1942. She worked on the Antler Ranch as a nanny for Frank Tschirgi’s daughters Joan and Jeri. Then she was a nanny for Dr. Araas until she retired. She enjoyed gardening and flowers. Louise was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

SURVIVING RELATIVES

SON – Marvin Ley, Dayton, WY

SISTER – Roseletta Garhan, Rising City, NE

2 GRANDCHILDREN
4 GREAT GRANDSONS

Viewing will be 1:00pm until 5:00pm on Friday (Feb. 20th) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 10:30am in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. Don Derryberry officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 E. Ridge Rd., Sheridan, WY 82801

Genevieve Matedero, age 101, of Sheridan, WY, died Thursday, February 19, 2004, in Sheridan Manor.

She was born January 28, 1903, in Flushing, Long Island to Frank and Margaret (McCusker) Matedero.

Genevieve grew up and graduated high school in Flushing. She worked for the New York Life Insurance Company for 43 years until she retired as a supervisor. In 1971, she moved to Sheridan with her sister Anita. In her later years, her niece Margaret Maday was her guardian. She enjoyed walking and playing bingo. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and the Altar & Rosary Society.

She was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

Genevieve is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.


Funeral Liturgy will be 2:00pm on Tuesday (Feb. 24th) from Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Thomas Ogg officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit Holy Name Catholic Church.

Rebecca “Becky” Miles, 82, of Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2004, at Sheridan Manor.

Becky was born on October 22, 1921, in Eudora, Mississippi, to Walter and Addie (Dees) Davis. Following her graduation from high school, she married James R. “Rabbit” Miles on May 28, 1954. She worked as a private secretary to Ralph L. Jackson in Memphis, Tennessee, for several years, until 1979 when the family moved to Sheridan from Memphis, Tennessee. Becky was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Sheridan, and was past president of the Professional Busine ss Women’s Association in Memphis. She enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, spending time with her family, playing basketball when she was younger, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Becky was an excellent cook, and enjoyed so much preparing meals for the family. She was a dear friend to so many people.

Mrs. Miles was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Leroy Davis, and her three sisters, Lucille Ball ,Josie Hylander, and Jane Andrews. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Womack Davis and her husband Tommy of Sheridan; her four grandchildren, Terry Davis, Larry Davis and his wife Heather, and Roger Davis, all of Sheridan, and Matt Davis and Jewell Hamilton of Bellingham, Washington; her seven great-grandchildren, Catie Davis and Matt Phares of Sheridan, Drew Davis of Bellingham, Washington, Joey Nehs of Palm Bay, Florida, and Lyndsey Ferguson, Donald Troy Ferguson, and Jesse Ferguson, all of Hay Fork California; her brother, Robert Davis and his wife Ellen Belle of Hernando, Mississippi; her two sisters, Ida “Sister” Brewer and her husband Bill, and Elouise Martin, both of Memphis, Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2004, at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor Stephen Anderson officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made to Grace Baptist Church, the Sheridan Senior Center Daybreak Program, or the National Caregiving Foundation for Alzheimer’s in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Albert L. “Ole” Olson, Jr. age 75 of Winthrop, WA, died Sunday, February 1, 2004, at Yuma Medical Center, Yuma, AZ.

Mr. Olson was born April 2, 1928 in Rockville Center, NY to Albert L. and Marguerite (Matedero) Olson, Sr. He grew up and attended schools in Valley Stream, NY, graduating from Valley Stream High School in 1945. Mr. Olson attended St. Bonaventure College where he majored in music. He then joined the Army and served in the Philippines during WW II. Mr. Olson returned to NY where he owned and operated a TV repair and music store. Mr. Olson married Theresa M. Logan June 24, 1950 in Olean, NY.

The Olsons moved to Sheridan, WY in 1960 where he went to work for Safeway. In the late 1960’s, Mr. Olson went to work for the U. S. Postal Service, retiring in 1988. While working for the Post Office, Mr. Olson also had a part-time framing business in Sheridan.

Mr. Olson was a lifetime member of Sheridan Elk’s Lodge #520. As an accomplished musician, he played in bands in the Sheridan area, especially at the Elk’s. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling around the country in his motor home, driving his dune buggy, and spending time with his family.

Mr. Olson was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

He is survived by his loving companion of many years, Ronnie Davis of Winthrop; four sons Leonard F. of Sparks, NV, Thomas J. of Sheridan, Steven G. of Boston, MA and Terry M. of Laramie, WY; three daughters Anne M. Edmonson of Carson City, NV, Margaret A. Martinez of Ranchester, WY and Catherine A Forner of Dugway, UT; sister Margaret J. Maday of Adirondack, NY; 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Olson will be 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday (Feb. 6th) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be 10:00am on Saturday from Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis as celebrant. Burial will be in the Elk’s Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Assoc., American Heart and Lung Assoc., in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801 or the Sheridan Elks Lodge#520, Box 624, Sheridan, WY 82801

Louis “Louie” Poulos, 85, of Sheridan, WY, died Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at his residence.

Mr. Poulos was born August 25, 1918 in Sheridan, WY to Steve and Olga (Kamanos)Poulos. He grew up and attended schools in Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1941. He was very involved in athletics in high school. Mr. Poulos joined the Army in 1941, where he was trained as a radio operator, serving with the 137th Signal Radio Intelligence Company, one of their duties being to patrol the beaches on the Pacific. He served in WW War II and the Korean War were he was stationed on the D.M.Z. While there, Mr. Poulos had a bullet ricochet off of his helmet, which he felt changed his life forever. Mr. Poulos was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars. After returning to Sheridan, Mr. Poulos joined the Wyoming National Guard, serving until 1986, jointly affiliated with retired status with the Dept. of the Army. Mr. Poulos was presented the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal at ceremonies in the drill hall of the new National Guard Armory.

Mr. Poulos married Helen Kincaid April 11, 1948, in Sheridan. The Poulos’ bought the Eagle Shoe Shop in 1953, which they operated until 1993. Mr. Poulos also went to work at the V. A. Medical Center in Sheridan in 1972, retiring in 1987.

Mr. Poulos was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sheridan, the Gideon International Organization, was an originator of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, helping design the uniform for the Corps, a member of the Sheridan Historical Society, working on the Street Car Project, a member of R.E.A.C.T., enjoyed the Community Concerts, cooking, and loved to fish in his earlier years. He loved taking his family on picnics in the Big Horn Mts.

Mr. Poulos was preceded in death by his parents, and 1 brother.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, of Sheridan; 2 sons, Jerry Edward Poulos, of Sheridan, and Albert Jay Poulos (Jackie), of Sioux Falls, SD; 3 sisters, Frances Petrocich, of Rock Springs, WY, Helen Johnson, of Sheridan, WY, and Mary Caprielian, of CA; 4 grandchildren, Jeffery, Christopher, Angela, and Amelia; and 3 great grandchildren, Karissa, Kyle, and Amelia. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation for Mr. Poulos will be from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday, February 23, 2004 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Ken Doolin officiating. Burial will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Poulos may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1100 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801

James Robert Rosenlund, age 78, of Sheridan, WY, died Monday, February 23, 2004, in Westview Health Care Center, Sheridan.

He was born August 12, 1925, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Louis & Hulda (Niska) Rosenlund.

He grew up in the Brainerd and Minneapolis area, graduating from high school in Minneapolis. He married Virginia Rose (Lipe) Redinger on December 28, 1945, in Shakopee, MN. He worked as an upholsterer and taught upholstery until moving to Sheridan in 1975. He worked for Sickler Upholstery until he retired in 1994. He was a member of Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. He enjoyed spending time with his Christian friends and family and traveling.

Preceded in death by one son Louis and two brothers Fred and Gordon.

SURVIVING RELATIVES

WIFE – Virginia Rosenlund, Sheridan
SONS – Ronald Rosenlund, Battle Ground, WA
John “ , “
Perry “ , Sheridan
Wade “ , “
DAUGHTERS – Rosemary Bruckelmyer, Duluth, MN
Elaine Lindberg, Vancouver, WA
Lora Tikka, Yacolt, WA
Sara Miller, Battle Ground, WA
Jenny Blomquist, New Windsor, Maryland
Greta Wicht, Sheridan
Gloria Kopman, Battle Ground, WA
Lucille Massie, Yacolt, WA
SISTERS – Doris Sarkkinen, Battle Ground, WA
Betty Lipe, Minneapolis, MN
Hazel Hendrickson, Burnsville, MN
BROTHERS – Richard Rosenlund, Hancock, Michigan
John Rosenlund, Yacolt, WA
NUMEROUS GRAND AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN

Viewing and Visitation will be 7:00pm on Wednesday (Feb. 25th) from Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. Funeral service will be 11:00am on Thursday from Old Apostolic Lutheran Church with Joel Hendrickson and Rick Beld officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Marjorie P. Roth, of Story, WY, died Saturday, February 14, 2004 at Sheridan Manor following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 85 years old.

Marjorie was born in Decatur County (Oberlin) Kansas on April 14, 1918 to Don and Ovanda (Bobbitt) Koehler.

She was united in marriage to Welton E. Roth November 24, 1935 in Norton, Kansas. They moved to Sheridan, Wyoming in 1939 and leased a ranch near Wyarno. In 1945 they purchased the C. P. Story homestead on Upper Prairie Dog Road Creek, near Banner.

In 1949, they bought the town of Banner, Wyoming and Marjorie was commissioned as Postmaster. She served as the Banner Postmaster until 1956 when they sold the Banner Store and moved to Story.

She was a founding member of the Story Civic Association and organized and was in charge of the Story Rabies Clinic for 20 years. She was a member of the Story Garden Club, Story Women’s Club, and the Story Quilters.

She loved her family, quilting, sewing, hunting, fishing, flowers, bird watching and was an avid reader.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1973, one grandson, a sister and two brothers.

Survivors include a son, Gary W. Roth, of Sheridan; a daughter, Marilyn K. Butcher, of Banner; a sister, Faye Lombardi, of Denver, Colorado; 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; 3 great, great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Mrs. Roth will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Tromble of the Story Community Church officiating. Burial will be in the Elk’s Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Roth may be made to the Story Community Church Building Fund, or the Story Fire Department, in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801

Leslie Jo Schwabauer, 43, of Sheridan, WY, died Tuesday, February 17, 2004 in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Mrs. Schwabauer was born June 23, 1960 in Bonner’s Ferry, ID to Edward Raymond and Ann Elizabeth (Dickison) Winslow. She grew up and attended schools in Libby, MT, and graduated from Libby High School. She attended college at Montana State University, the University of Montana, and Casper College.

Mrs. Schwabauer married Craig Hugh Schwabauer April 19, 2003 in Sheridan, WY.

She loved the outdoors, and spending time in the mountains, especially the streams, flowers, and the animals. Mrs. Schwabauer enjoyed music, dancing, reading, taking long walks, taking drives in the country, and children. She liked seeing sunrises, sunsets, and full moons. Leslie enjoyed her life to the fullest. Every day was a new adventure for her, and she could put a smile on anyone she met.

Mrs. Schwabauer was preceded in death by her mother, Ann Elizabeth Winslow.

She is survived by her husband, Craig, of Sheridan, WY; 1 brother, Tim Winslow, and wife, Tammy, of Buffalo, WY; & 2 sisters, Susan Young, and husband, Dave, of Bridger, MT, and Patricia Durham, and husband, Steve, of Gallatin Gateway, MT.

Services for Mrs. Schwabauer will be 11:00A.M. Saturday, February 21, 2004 at the Bethesda Worship Center, 1082 E. Brundage Lane, Sheridan, with Pastor Scott Lee officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery, Bonner’s Ferry, ID.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Schwabauer may be made to the Sheridan Animal Center, 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801

Joe H. Toland, 81, of Sheridan, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Joe was born on June 16, 1922, in Sheridan, WY, to Joseph and Lenor (Livers) Toland. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1941. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was a B24 Radio Gunner with the 13th Air Corps Pacific Theater. Joe married Marilyn Switzer at the Switzer Ranch in Sheridan on June 8, 1947. He then went on to attend University of Wyoming where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in pharmacy. Joe owned Capital Drug Store for twenty-two years. He was recently honored by the University of Wyoming for fifty continuous years of pharmacy. Joe enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, square dancing, traveling, spending happy times with family, and having coffee and lunch with his buddies. He delivered meals on wheels and was a member of Jeans and Queens Square Dance Club, Powell Kiwanis, Sheridan Rotary, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, charter member of Powell Elks Club and transferred to Sheridan Elks Club and was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church.

Mr. Toland was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mark Wayne Toland; and his two sisters Thelma Guilfoyle and Relda Mossholder. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Sheridan; his two daughters, Nancy Sims and her husband Gary of Ridgefield, WA and Jody Deeds and her husband Larry of Sheridan; his son, Dr. Greg Toland, and his wife, Cindy, of Powell, WY; his eleven grandchildren, Sarah Sims Susanka, Rebekah Sims Andrews, Mary, Esther, Stephen, and Catherine Sims, Rachel and JoAnna Deeds, and Joey, Nick and Hannah Toland and three great grandchildren, Dominic and Sean Susanka and Fiona Andrews; and his sister Dorothy Sanders and her husband Cliff of Buffalo, WY.

A rosary will be held at 7:30 pm at Holy Name Catholic Church on Thursday, February 19, 2004. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church on Friday, February 20, 2004 at 11:00 am with The Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Joe’s name to the St. Joseph Children’s Home or Meals On Wheels in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan , WY 82801.

Clarence A. Weberg, 90, of Sheridan, WY, died Sunday, February 1, 2004 in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Mr. Weberg was born April 9, 1913 in Park River, ND to Arne and Carrie (Kveseth) Weberg. He grew up and attended schools in Froid, MT graduating from Froid High School in 1931. Mr. Weberg married LaVerne Fleischman May 9, 1931, in Froid. Mr. Weberg then attended the Chillicothe Business School in Chillicothe, Missouri, graduating in 1933.

He returned to Froid, MT where he started his career as a bookkeeper, working for Farmer’s Union Oil Co., the Farmer’s Union Trading Co., and the Farmer’s Union Carriers. The couple moved to Sheridan, WY in 1942.

In 1943, Mr. Weberg attended the Lutheran Brethren Bible School and Seminary in Fergus Falls, MN, graduating in 1945. After graduation, Mr. Weberg taught the Commercial Department at Oldham High School at Oldham, SD. While living there, he also served the Oldham Baptist Church and the Drakola Community Church as a lay pastor.

The Weberg’s moved back to Sheridan in 1948 where he worked for Westbrook Motors, Sheridan Motor, Inc, N. A. Nelson Construction Co., and the Jersey Creamery, retiring in 1980. Mr. Weberg also served as minister of the Community Church in Ranchester from 1963 to 1980.

Mr. Weberg enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, working with the church literature, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one ½ brother, & one ½ sister.

Mr. Weberg is survived by his wife, LaVerne, of Sheridan, WY; 2 sons, Douglas, of Elizabethton, TN, and Sherman, of Ranchester, WY; 2 daughters, Louise Kishpaugh, of Sparks, NV, and Sylvia Phillips, of Sheridan, WY; 11 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

Memorial services for Mr. Weberg will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 7, 2004 at Grace Baptist Church with the Rev. Stephen Anderson officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Weberg may be made to the Guido Evangelistic Association, P. O. Box 508, Metter, GA, 30439, the Grace Baptist Church, 1959 E. Brundage Lane, Sheridan, or the Big Horn Church, P. O. Box 212, Big Horn, WY, 82833.

Steven LeRoy Wheeler, 51, of Sheridan, WY, died Sunday, February 8, 2004 in the Sheridan V. A. Medical Center.

Mr. Wheeler was born August 2, 1952 in Grand Rapids, MN to Dave LeRoy and Alice Marie (Wagner) Wheeler. The family lived in Hill City, MN, and moved to Lander, WY when Mr. Wheeler was 10 years old. He attended school in Lander, graduating from the Fremont County Vocational High School. Mr. Wheeler joined the Army in 1970, and was stationed in Fort Lewis, WA and Frankfurt, Germany during the Viet Nam era, being discharged from the service in 1977.

Mr. Wheeler returned to Lander going to work for U. S. Steel. In 1987, he moved to Elko, NV, where he went to work for the Barrick Gold Strike Mine in Elko, NV, where he was a heavy equipment operator and a union organizer. In 1990, he moved to Marshalltown, IA, working for Lennox Industries. Mr. Wheeler moved to Sheridan, WY in 1995 where he worked in various jobs before joining Volunteer’s of America, working at the homeless shelter located at the V. A. Hospital, retiring in February of 2003 due to ill health.

Mr. Wheeler married Debra Ackerman July 11, 1981 in Ankney, IA. They were later divorced, and were remarried February 14, 2003 in Sheridan.

He was a member of the American Legion, enjoyed fishing, playing Bingo, reading, movies, TV, was especially interested in politics, and spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Wheeler was preceded in death by his parents and 1 niece.

He is survived by his wife, Debra, of Sheridan; one son, Dave LeRoy Wheeler, the 2nd, of Sheridan; one daughter, Dawn Jamelle Wheeler, of Sheridan, two brothers, Ken Wheeler, (Sharon), of Kaycee, WY, and Craig Wheeler, (Kathy), of Sheridan; two sisters, Jeanne Loveland, (John), and Lori Burgess, both of Sheridan; one grandchild; 19 nieces and nephews; and 1 great niece.

A memorial service for Mr. Wheeler will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 12, 2004 at Hope Community Church with Pastor Gary Burdick, Dr. Karl Hunt, and Dave Asbury officiating. A memorial service and committal of cremains will be held in Lander, WY at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Wheeler may benefit the Dawn Wheeler Education Fund, in care of Kay Abbott, Cowboy State Bank, 951 Coffeen Ave, Sheridan, WY, 82801

Claire A. Zeiner, age 77 of Sheridan, WY

Died Saturday, February 7, 2004, in Sheridan Manor

Born November 7, 1926, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Parents – Henry & Agnes (McDermott) Dietz


She graduated from Bethlehem High School and attended Easton Nursing School. She worked at Bush and Bull Department Store, Laros Silk Co., Bethlehem Steel Co., and the New Jersey Manufacture’s Insurance Company. She married James Zeiner in Bethlehem on August 27, 1949. She moved from Bethlehem to Pennington, NJ, and then to Hamilton Square, NJ. Later she moved to Sheridan, WY, where she was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. She enjoyed reading the Bible, crossword puzzles, music, playing auto bridge, pinochle, going to the theater on Broadway and traveling.

Preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Raymond and George.

SURVIVING RELATIVES

SON – James K. Zeiner, Jr., Brick, NJ

DAUGHTER – Carol Olovich, Sheridan

SISTER – Elizabeth Bowser, Northampton, PA

3 GRANDCHILDREN
8 NIECES AND 4 NEPHEWS


Graveside committal of her cremains will be 10:00am on Tuesday (Feb. 10th) in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
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