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October 2004 OBITUARIES

Marlene Donoho, 64, of Sheridan, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2004, at her residence.


Marlene was born on April 4, 1940, in Dalles, South Dakota, to Alfred and Freida (Hauf) Bettcher. Following her school years, she married James Donoho in 1956, and their union was blessed with four children. She ran a restaurant in Decker, Montana, for some time, and she worked as a nurse’s aid for several years at Sheridan County Memorial Hospital. Marlene enjoyed raising flowers, sewing, crocheting, and making crafts. She loved attending the stock car races, and camping and fishing in the mountains with her grandchildren. She especially loved seeing who could catch the biggest fish on these trips.


Mrs. Donoho was preceded in death by her mother Frieda and her brothers Donal, David, and Larry Bettcher. She is survived by her husband James Everett Donoho; two daughters Kathryn Talcott and her husband Brian of Anchorage, Alaska, and Debra Evanoff of Sheridan; her two sons Everett Donoho and Jason Donoho, all of Sheridan; her seven grandchildren, Gina, Becky, Angela, Jessica, Amy, Kelsie, and Krisjlan Donoho; her six great-grandchildren; her father Alfred Bettcher of Sheridan; her three brothers Kenneth Bettcher and his wife Jeannie, Roger Bettcher, and Dennis Bettcher and his wife Janis, all of Sheridan.


Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at Kane Funeral Home with the Reverend David Duprey officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Stella Dow, 83, of Big Horn, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.


Stella was born on September 25, 1921, in Acme, Wyoming, to Joseph and Anna (Boyko) Juroshek. She joined the Women’s Army Corps in 1943, and served during WWII in Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon in the printing department. Stella also had the honor of marching in President Roosevelt’s funeral procession. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially taking care of her grandchildren.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings. She is survived by her three children, Alan L. Dow Jr. Of Gillette, Aleta Dow of Sheridan, and Audrey Carpenter of Cody; and her three grandchildren.

A rosary will be held at Kane Funeral Home on Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 7:00 pm with The Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating with cremation to follow. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, October 18, 2004 at the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials can be made in Stella’s name to the Charcotte-Marie Tooth Foundation in care of Brenda Torrens and Nicole Christensen, Community First Bank, P.O. Box 9000, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Carolyn Fowler, age 76, of Sheridan, WY, died Saturday, October 2, 2004, in Sheridan Manor

She was born on March 18, 1928, in Steelton, Pennsylvania, to Frederick & Anna Byrod


Carolyn attended Millersville University and received a Master’s Degree from Columbia University as well as a professional diploma from the University of Wyoming. She worked as a teacher for 20 years. She was an early supporter of civil rights, working with minority children in disadvantaged areas. Carolyn married David Fowler in 1969 and moved to Wyoming where she worked on the family ranch. She was active in the Piney Women’s Club and Trinity Lutheran Church. Her husband David preceded her in 1998.

Carolyn is survived by her son Christopher of Tempe, Arizona.
Memorial service will be 11:00am on Wednesday (Oct. 6th) from Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev.’s Ronald Nelson and Wilbur Holz officiating. Inurnment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit Trinity Lutheran Church.

Steven L. French, 49, of Sheridan, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2004, at the Sheridan V.A. Medical Center.

Steve was born on December 4, 1954, in Sheridan to Arthur and Mildred (Mock) French. He attended Sheridan public schools. Steve served with the Seabees, and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, stock car racing, and spending time with his many friends.

Mr. French was preceded in death by his father; his two brothers, James A. M. French and Timothy A. French; and his half-brother Arthur A. French, Jr. He is survived by his mother Mildred; his sister Jean Brunckhorst of Glasgow, Montana; his two brothers, Jeff of Sheridan and John of California; his grand-nephew Shane Smith (who Steve helped to raise) of Sheridan; his two sons, Stevie French of Montana and Mineo French of Nebraska; his adopted step-brothers, Marvin French of Montana, Richard French of Hawaii, and Raymond French of Montana; his half-sisters, Jacqueline of Oklahoma, and Kathy and Jamie of Montana; his half-brother Leland of Montana; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation has taken place locally. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 29, 2004, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Wilbur Holz officiating. The church is located on Vail Hill across from the elk pasture. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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

Patricia A. Johnston, 74, of Ranchester, WY, died Saturday, October 23, 2004 in Albuquerque, NM.

Patricia A. Johnston was born June 20, 1930 in Livingston, Montana to William and Ruth (Ponath) Hughes.
Pat moved to Sheridan with her parents at age 12 where the family started Hughes Grocery on Smith Street. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1948 and went to the University of Montana where she majored in music and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. As a sophomore and junior, she continued her education at the University of Wyoming and was chosen as the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi in 1950. Active in the Methodist Church and an accomplished musician, she and her mother provided music for countless occasions. With her beautiful singing voice, she participated in many musicals and performances. She was a member of Job’s Daughters and first runner-up for Miss Wyoming.
She married Raymond V. Johnston in 1950 and moved to Ranchester where she resided until her death. A devoted mother, raising her four children was her primary focus. She was active in several organizations over the years including Fine Arts Club, Ranchester Women’s club, and the Wyoming Horseshoes Pitching Association. When her children were old enough, she returned to work keeping the books for V.C. Johnston Lumber Co., the family business. She was a talented artist and enjoyed many hobbies including hunting and fishing with the family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in 1999. She is survived by four children; Greg Johnston, (Deb), of Sheridan, WY, Brad Johnston, (Wanda), of Ranchester, WY, Jeff Johnston of San Diego, CA, and Cindy Daly, (Lynn), of Corrales, NM. There are seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral service for Mrs. Johnston will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Keller officiating. Interment will be in the Elk’s Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Johnston may be made to Caseman Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque, NM, or the charity of the donor’s choice, in care of the Cowboy State Bank, P.O. Box 789, Ranchester, WY 82839

M. Roberta (Bert) Poll, 79, of Sheridan, WY, died Sunday, October 31, 2004 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Meeker, CO.

Mrs. Poll was born November 22, 2004 in Roundup, MT to Otto V. and Ina Dora (Purdum) Hill. She grew up and attended schools in Roundup, MT and Sheridan, WY. Mrs. Poll had a “full-ride” academic scholarship to the University of Wyoming.

Roberta married Joseph J. Poll, Jr. in October of 1946 in Billings, MT. She worked for several local businesses in Sheridan before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker.

Bert was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Women’s Alter Guild, the Sheridan Country Club, the Sun City Country Club, Sun City, AZ, and the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter A.M.

She enjoyed golfing, gardening, sewing, cooking, her winter home in Arizona, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was always happy and positive about life.

Bert was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, in 1999, her parents, one brother, and one great grandchild.

Bert is survived by two sons, David Poll, and Dennis, (Musette) Poll, both of Sheridan, WY; two sisters, Ruth Rader, of Sheridan, WY, and Jean Thompson, of Seattle, WA; three grandsons, B. J. Poll, of Sheridan, WY, David Poll II, of Gillette, WY, and Joey Poll III, of Ft. Collins, CO; two granddaughters, Angie Poll, of Denver, CO, and Abbie Poll, of Billings, MT; and one great granddaughter, Marryn Poll, of Ft. Collins, CO; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service for Bert will be 10:00 A. M. Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with the Revs. David Duprey and Ray Clark officiating. Internment will be in the Masonic #8 Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Poll may be made to the Shrine Children’s Travel Fund, in care of Kalif Temple, P. O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801

Margaret Powers, 74, of Sheridan, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2004, at Sheridan County Memorial Hospital.


Margaret Clearwater Powers was born May 31, 1930, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Victor B. and Anna (Kuzara) Eccli. She came to Sheridan, Wyoming, in 1932 with her parents when they returned to their home area. She grew up in Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1948, and began working in a public accounting office the day after graduation. In 1951, she married Robert W. Clearwater, and their union was blessed with eight children: Gary P., T. Michael, R. Timothy, Vicktoria A., James A., Richard L., Daniel M. Clearwater, and Kelly M. Bowen. She continued working through 1953, and in 1956 she moved to Cody, Wyoming, to work at Husky Oil Co. as a secretary. In 1960, she returned to Sheridan and to the same accounting office where she began her employment twelve years before. Margaret continued working there until March 1972. Robert W. Clearwater passed away in 1967, and in 1972, Margaret was married to John T. Powers of Wyola, Montana. In April of 1972, she started working as a bookkeeper at the Sheridan Commercial Co., and worked there for 25 years, retiring in February 1997. Mr. Powers passed away in January 1977. After retirement, Mrs. Powers loved working in her yard, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church.


Mrs. Powers was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Robert Clearwater and John Powers; her son "Mike"; her daughter Vicktoria Ann; and her granddaughter, Vicki Lynn. She is survived by her five sons, Gary and Jim Clearwater of Sheridan, Robert Clearwater of Colorado, Dan Clearwater of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Richard Clearwater of Warner Robbins, Georgia; her daughter Kelly Bowen of Ranchester; her 15 grandchildren; her 9 great-grandchildren; and her two brothers, Robert Eccli of Orlando, FL, and Rick Eccli of Cheyenne, WY.


Rosary services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2004, at Holy Name Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.


The family has requested that memorials be made in Margaret’s name to the Margaret Clearwater Powers memorial fund in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan , WY 82801.

Francis "Cap" Rawlings, 89, of Sheridan passed away on Monday, October 11, 2004, at his residence.


Mr. Rawlings was born on March 9,1915, in Sheridan, to Charles C. and Florence (Bay) Rawlings. He was a life-time resident of Sheridan County, spending most of his life in the Ranchester area. He graduated from the Ranchester High School in 1933. H e then worked at the family dairy until 1935. He was then employed at the US Government Experiment Farm near Huntley, Montana until 1937. He then came back to Ranchester to start his career as a banker. He served in many capacities while employed at the Ranchester State Bank until 1977. He started as janitor/teller/bookkeeper and at one time was chairman of the board of directors Also during that period he was treasurer of the town of Ranchester. He was a partner in the Rawlings Realty and Insurance Agency for many years. He was a life-member of the Elks Lodge #520 and also a 35 years member of the Dayton IOOF Lodge. He was a charter member of both the Ranchester and Dayton Rotary Club and the Tongue River Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed golf, bowling, fishing, hunting, traveling, and dancing. He married Elizabeth Mary Catterall on August 2, 1941 in Hardin, Montana. She preceded him in death on April 28, 1997. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Byron B. And Robert L. Both of Sheridan; and a daughter, Judith Richie.

He is survived by three daughters and four sons, Rebecca Tetschner of Sheridan, Florence Sundquist of Ranchester, and Julie Caywood of Dayton, Charles C. 2nd, and Dale R. Of Sheridan, James W. Of Broomfield, CO, and Lanis T. Of Dayton; fourteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren; his sister, Hazel R. Black of Sheridan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Kane Funeral Home on Friday, October 15, 2004 at 10:00 am, with Reverend Dave Duprey officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made in Cap’s name to the Sheridan Senior Center or the Elks Cemetery Fund in care of Kay Roush, First Federal Bank, P.O. Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Robert J. Spicer, 71, of Ranchester, WY, died Saturday, October 30, 2004 in the Sheridan V. A. Medical Center.

Mr. Spicer was born April 2, 1933 in Sheridan to Otis and Anne D. (Wallach) Spicer. He grew up and attended schools in Sheridan, and graduated from Sheridan High School.

After graduation, Bob joined the U. S. Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. Upon being discharged from the service, Mr. Spicer returned to Sheridan and held various jobs before going to work for the V. A. Hospital in Housekeeping. Bob retired from the V. A. after 20 years of service.

Mr. Spicer was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, and was an avid maker of model planes, was a builder of remote-control airplanes, and spent many hours flying them. He was also a member of the Eagle’s Lodge #186 in Sheridan.

Mr. Spicer was preceded in death by his father, and one son.

He is survived by his mother, Anne D. Aksamit, of Sheridan, WY; one son, Bill Spicer, of Moses Lake, WA; one grandson; and one granddaughter.

At Mr. Spicer’s request, cremation has taken place, and a private family graveside service will be held in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Spicer may be made to the Holy Name Catholic Church, 9 S. Connor St., Sheridan, WY, or to the charily of the donor’s choice, in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P. O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801

L. Terry Thurber, 52, of Sheridan, WY, died Tuesday, October 12, 2004 as a result of an automobile accident on I-25 near Glenrock, WY.

Terry was born December 23, 1951 in Sheridan, WY to Leo and Edith (Moss) Thurber. He grew up and attended schools in Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1969. Terry then attended Boise State University in Boise, ID, graduating in 1982 with a degree in Communications.

Terry was a radio talk show host in Spokane, WA, where he was known as Terry Holiday, and had returned to Sheridan for a short period. He was planning to attend school in Phoenix, AZ, and was moving there at the time of his death.

He played American Legion Baseball in his high school years, enjoyed playing golf, and was an avid baseball fan.

Terry was preceded in death by his father, and one sister.

He is survived by his Mother, Edith Thurber, of Sheridan; one daughter, Courtney Thurber, of Kingston, NY; one brother, Michael Hicks, of Phoenix, AZ; & one sister, Susan Beckwith, of Sheridan, WY; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service for Terry will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with the Reverends Ray Clark and Kevin Jones officiating. Inurnment of cremains will be in St. Peter’s Columbarium. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Thurber may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Organ Fund, 1 S. Tschirgi, Sheridan, WY, 82801 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

R. Maxine Torbert, age 87, of Sheridan, WY, died Tuesday, October 5, 2004, in Sheridan Manor.

Maxine was born December 20, 1916, in Letcher, S. Dakota, to Irl and Evelyn (Knutson) Rearick.

She grew up and graduated high school in Letcher. She graduated cum laude from Yankton College. She came to Sheridan about 1940 and married Hollis C. Torbert in 1941 in Hardin, MT. Maxine taught high school for 37 years in Dayton, Ranchester, Big Horn and Sheridan. She was Wyoming Teacher of the Year in 1974.

Maxine was a member of the Wyoming Education Assn. Board and a recipient of their Gold Key award in 1984. She was president of the Wyoming Foreign Language Teachers’ Assn. and served on the Professional Standards Board of the State Dept. of Education. Maxine’s Foreign Language program at Sheridan High School was recognized in a book published by the U.S. Dept. of Education and American Council of Foreign Languages.

Maxine was always very active in community and state as she volunteered at the Senior Citizen’s Center and served on the board of the Senior Citizen’s Council for seven years. She wrote articles for the “Silver Threads” column in the Sheridan Press and served in the Silver Haired Legislature in 1986 and 1988. She was an AARP volunteer, a representative on the Division of Aging Advisory Council, a delegate from Wyoming to the White House conference on Aging and a consumer member of the Board of Nursing.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband in 1960, her parents and son Terry.

Maxine is survived by sons Steve of Sheridan and Max of Casper, WY; brother Raymond Rearick of Rapid City, SD; sister Marcella Jacobus of Seattle, WA; three grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Memorial service will be 11:00am on Monday (Oct. 11th) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. There will be a reception at the Holiday Inn following the service.

Memorials may benefit the Sheridan County Experiment in International Living Scholarship Fund, in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801


Mary J. Waisner, 77, of Sheridan, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2004, at Sheridan Manor.


Mary was born on February 27, 1927, in Kleenburn Wyoming, to Andrew and Eva (Washut) Michalek. Following her school years, she married Glenn Waisner in Sheridan. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, baking, spending time with friends, and was devoted to her family. Mary was a member of the Council of Catholic Women and Holy Name Catholic Church.

Mrs. Waisner was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Glenn; her sisters Matilda "Tillie" Walker and Anne Wantulok; her brother Pete Michalek; her nephew Greg Legerski; and her niece Michelle Legerski Schleyer. She is survived by her sister Helen Legerski of Cheyenne, WY; her niece Sandra Legerski of Sheridan; her nine nephews, John Wantulok of Sheridan, Jerry Wantulok of Powell, WY, Charles Legerski of Billings, MT, Richard Legerski of Prosser, WA, Michael Michalek of Denver, CO, and David, Eugene, and Don Legerski, and David Walker, all of Cheyenne.

A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 25, 2004, at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at Holy Name Catholic Church with The Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating. Cremation will take place locally with inurnment of cremains in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the St. Labre Indian School, Holy Name Catholic Church, or the donor’s choice in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Helen Elizabeth Pauline “Beth” Wallitch

Former Story resident Helen Elizabeth Pauline “Beth” Wallitch, 79, died Monday, October 4, 2004 in Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Wallitch was born July 28, 1925 in Dietz, WY to John and Mary Ann (Feher) Olah. She grew up and attended schools in Thermopolis, WY, graduating from the Thermopolis High School at the age of 16. Mrs. Wallitch worked for the government in Walla Walla, WA before moving to Salt Lake City, UT. She enjoyed numerous other careers in her long, active life.

Mrs. Wallitch married Wayne McDonald in Salt Lake City, UT and they had one child. She married James T. Wadlow in Salt Lake City, and they had four children. Mrs. Wallitch married Charlie Wallitch in Sheridan, WY.

She was active in the Catholic Church and attended services at Our Lady of the Pines in Story as well as Holy Name Catholic Church. She was a member of the Story Woman’s Club, the Story Garden Club, and Council of Catholic Women.

Mrs. Wallitch enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping, Bingo, all sports, especially football, and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was known as a loving, giving person and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Wayne and Charlie, 5 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Mrs. Wallitch is survived by 1 son, John Wadlow, (Sue), of Salt Lake City, UT; 4 daughters, Roseanne Gentry, (Kim), of Big Horn, WY, Annette Rossborough, (Scott), of Salt Lake City, UT, Debbie Wadlow, of Sheridan, WY, and Joyce Soto, of Salt Lake City, UT; 10 grandchildren; and 7 great grand children.

Vigil service for Mrs. Wallitch will be 7:00 P.M. Friday, October 8, 2004 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Father Thomas Ogg officiating. Funeral Liturgy will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 9, 2004 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Thomas Ogg as Celebrant. Cremation will follow the service. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Wallitch may be made to Holy Name School, Holy Name Church, Our Lady of the Pines Church in Story, or the Story Women’s Club, in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P. O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801

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