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April 2006 Obituaries
Margery “Margie” Dregoiw was 86 years young born January 28, 1920 in Pocatello, Idaho, Margery Wagner, and died April 3, 2006 in Sheridan, WY. She was raised in Sheridan; graduated from Sheridan High School in 1938; married in 1940 to John J. Dregoiw. They were high school sweethearts and he says “after chasing her around for 2 years” they married. She described herself as a shy person who stayed at home raising 3 children, but on Saturday nights, Margie, and husband, Johnny, were seen dancing the night away at the local Elks club. By the early 1960’s her own Mom and Dad had been killed in an auto accident; the last child had “flown the coop”; and she had “to do something to keep from going crazy.” She was neither a joiner nor a bridge player; finding something to do was one of the many challenging tasks she conquered. So began her “Art Odyssey”……Over a period of about 3 years, she took local watercolor workshops; and didn’t realize until after the fact, that every time she started a new class, she started all over again. That was, she decided, because with each new workshop came a different instructor, a different method of teaching, a different style of painting, and she just couldn’t seem to “get it” with watercolor. So she enrolled in Sheridan College for a more structured outlet. She did oil painting a couple of years paying full tuition; the Golden Age program started and she was eligible; thus able to attend for quite a nominal fee. The classes then included oil painting, drawing, scratchboard, pen & ink, charcoal, design, colored pencils, portraiture, life drawing and finally watercolor. She fine-tuned her skills by repeating or auditing classes many times. She told the family several times that she thought she was done with art classes; however until about 1-1/2 years ago, she continued. Her favorite paintings were oil and watercolor. Over the years, she decorated her home with the art by Margie. Only after the attic, closets, and walls began to lean as a result, did she give into having them displayed for others. In the year 2002, she had a one-woman art show which had been “previously shared with few and captured her life.” She said she “had a passion for the painting and engaged” herself in practicing over and over. She often remarked that “Art was about learning….having the desire, the persistence, and the time.” And Margie was about learning. She was also a very fit woman in her 86 years. Until recently she continued to dance, jump on a trampoline, stand on her hands, and walk daily. She was truly a remarkable woman, a long time lover, a devoted wife, beloved mother, and friend to her family. Survivors include her husband, John J.; 3 adult children, Linda Johnson of LaGrange, WY, Judy G. and Mickey of Sheridan. She had 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. We loved her and we will miss her. A Celebration of Life for Margie will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 7, 2006 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Dr. Hugh Batty officiating. Memorials in memory of Margie may by made to the Sheridan Elks Lodge #520, 45 West Brundage St., Sheridan, WY 82801 Darlene L. Hanson, age 83, of Sheridan, WY died Thursday, April 27, 2006, in her Sheridan home. Darlene was born April 4, 1923, in Kanawha, Iowa, to Oliver & Grace (Foster) Thorson. She grew up and graduated high school in Iowa. Darlene married Arlon Hanson on January 18, 1945. They lived in Iowa and Illinois. She worked as a secretary for the school district in Champaign, IL. Mr. Hanson died in 1978. She came to Sheridan in 2001 with her daughter. Darlene is survived by her daughters Elana Hanson of Colo. Spgs., CO and Kim Weerts of Sheridan; two sisters Sharron Henrikson and Deanna Reisen both of Lisle, IL and three grandchildren. No services are planned. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Leonard DeWayne Harris, age 24, of Gillette, WY died Saturday, April 15, 2006, in Wyo. Medical Center, Casper, WY as a result of a motorcycle accident near Gillette. Leonard was born September 17, 1981, in Galveston, TX. He grew up and attended schools in Sheridan, WY where he played football, baseball and participated in the Sheridan County Rodeo. He was currently living and working in Gillette for RCR Well Service. Leonard was a loving son, brother, fiancée, father and uncle. Leonard is survived by his fiancée Emily Simpson of Gillette; daughter Fallon Len Harris; mother Kim Townsend of Gillette; father & step mother Steve & Judy Harris of Onsted, Michigan; step father & step mother Don & Barb Townsend of Sheridan; brothers Don R., Greg & Brad Townsend and James Conant; sisters Venessa Paredez, Brandy Jo Roterius, Erica Swartz & husband Scott and Megan Harris; grandparents Bobbie & Leonard Harris; one niece and one nephew. Funeral service will be 10:00am on Thursday (Apr. 20th) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Melius officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may benefit the Make A Wish Foundation, in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801 Glenn R. Heaton, Viewing for Glenn R. Heaton, 87, of Sheridan, WY will be 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, April 7, 2006 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 8, 2006 at Sheridan Wesleyan Church, 404 West Brundage Lane with Pastor Chuck Lucas officiating. Interment will be in the Masonic #8 Section of the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with military rites by the Wyoming National Guard & the American Legion Post #7, and dedication of the gravesite by grandson, John Heaton. Glenn crossed the thin veil of this earthly existence and returned to his Heavenly Father, Savior, and the company of deceased family members on April 2, 2oo6 after suffering an extended illness at Sheridan Manor. He was born in Sheridan, WY March 16, 1919 to Glenn S. and Anna (Stocker) Heaton. His father was killed in action in the Argonne Forrest (WW I) just prior to his birth. His mother and two sisters, Della Mae (Sneath) Plachek of Sheridan, and Edna (Sneath) Morris of Lake City, Michigan also preceded Glenn in death. In his youth, Glenn worked as a ranch hand and cowboy on his family’s ranch, the OW Ranch, and other large ranches in Southern Montana and Northern Wyoming. Glenn married Ida Mae Hough July 29, 1942 in Hardin, Montana. The couple made their home on a small acreage on Middle Prairie Dog, then in Big Horn, and for the last 30 years, in the City of Sheridan. Glenn worked for the Sheridan Veteran’s Administration Hospital for 25 years, fist as a nursing assistant and later as a Registered Nurse. He was a dedicated humanitarian who continued to volunteer his caregiving skills to the community long after his V. A. retirement in 1977. He enjoyed working on his dry farm in the Hidden Hills area east of Sheridan. In earlier years he loved riding and packing horses, big game hunting with his buddies, Keith Ware, Nick Moore, (deceased), and Jim McCauley. In later life his passion was watching his grandchildren grow, and living quietly with his wife. Glenn served as a medic in the U. S. Army from 1946 to 1948. His life-long vocation as a nursing care-giver was significantly molded by his early Army experiences assisting in the rehabilitation of soldiers and sailors who had returned from WW II. He was an active member of the Wesleyan Church, Knights Foundation, and a life member of the national Rifle Association. He was also a member of the Sheridan Masonic Lodge #8, A.F.&A.M. where he served as Worshipful Master in 1984-1985. Glenn is survived by his wife, Ida Mae Heaton, of Sheridan; two sons, Gerald (Jerry) Heaton, of Mission Verjo, California, and Wayne Heaton, of Heber, Utah; along with 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and many cousins. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the physicians, nursing staff, and daily care-givers of Sheridan Manor for their excellent professionalism, skill, and compassion. Lifelong friends, church members, and family will miss the cowboy humor, common sense, and humility of this compassionate and thoughtful man. Memorials in memory of Glenn may be made to the Shrine Children’s Hospital, P. O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801 Hubert John Knickrehm passed away April 9, 2006 at Westview Health Care Center in Sheridan, WY after a brief illness. He was born April 30, 1915, in Grand Island, NE to John and Emma (Stoppkotte) Knickrehm. Raised in Grand Island, he graduated from Grand Island High School and worked in the family grocery business prior to attending the University of Nebraska. He received a B.S. degree from the University of Nebraska in 1941 and was a member of the 1941 Rose Bowl football team. Following graduation from college he enlisted in the Army-Air Force serving in the European theatre in WWII attaining the rank of major. After the war, he returned to Grand Island where he entered the insurance business, first with Cady and Knickrehm and later with The Grand Island Trust Co. He married Thecla Ellen Leahy in Grand Island on January 17, 1950. An active community volunteer he was past president of the Grand Island Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, member of Riverside Golf Club, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the Elk’s Lodge. In 1988 he and his wife moved permanently to their home in Mesa, AZ where he was a member of the East Mesa Rotary Club. 2001 brought them to Sheridan, WY to be near their daughter. He was preceded in death by one sister, Rosa Krogh and is survived by his wife, Thecla of Sheridan, daughter and son in law Mary Kay and Kim Love of Sheridan and one sister, Dr. Marie Knickrehm of Lincoln, NE. Memorial service will be 11:00am on Tuesday (Apr. 18th) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Melius officiating. Inurnment will be in the Grand Island cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may benefit the Sheridan Senior Citizen’s Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801 or Grand Island High School Foundation, P.O. Box 4904, Grand Island, NE 68802 Raymond E. Marty, 86, of Sheridan, WY, died Sunday, April 16, 2006 in the Sheridan V. A. Medical Center. Mr. Marty was born March 2, 1920 in Hot Springs, SD to Henry Edmond and Nella Beatrice (Arnold) Marty. He grew up on the family ranch near Edgemont, SD and attended schools in Edgemont, graduating from Edgemont High School in 1940. In 1939, Ray joined the SD Army National Guard while still in high school. His National Guard unit, as part of the 34th Infantry Division was activated in January 1941 and sent to Louisiana for training, then following the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, HI in December 1941, was deployed to England in January of 1942. Ray joined Darby’s 1st Rangers in the spring of 1942 and was later assigned as a Sergeant in the cadre for the 3rd and 4th Ranger Battalions serving in N. Africa, Sicily and Salerno, Italy. Ray was 1 out of only 99 of the 500 original Rangers from the 1st Ranger Battalion that survived World War II. Ray was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct, American Defense, American Campaign, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign w/Arrowhead and 4 campaign stars, WWII Victory and Army of Occupation medals, the Presidential Unit Citation w/oak leaf and the Combat Infantry Badge for his service. He was transferred to Ft. Ord, CA in April of 1944 where he served in the cadre training recruits. Ray married Marjorie Graham November 18, 1944 in Edgemont, SD, and moved to Sheridan, WY in 1945. The couple moved to Casper, WY from 1946 through 1948 where Ray trained as a mechanic. Ray and Marjorie returned to Sheridan where Ray worked for various automobile dealers. In 1975, Ray started the Coffeen Auto Service with his brother-in-law, Hank Sullivan. Ray retired in 1994. Ray was a life member of the American Legion Post #7, National Rifle Association, Ranger Brothers of WWII, Disabled American Veterans, and the 75th Ranger Regiment Association. Ray enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and dancing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 1 sister. Ray is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of Sheridan; 2 sons, Larry Marty, of Divide, CO, and Roger Marty, of Lakewood, CO; 2 daughters, Gayle Wells, of Sheridan, WY, and Susan Zastrow, of Sioux Falls, SD; 1 brother, Ed Marty, of Hot Springs, SD; 1 sister, May Rickard, of Hot Springs, SD; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation for Ray will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with Father David Duprey officiating. Interment will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials in memory of Ray may be made to the Shrine Children’s Hospital, Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801 Sue A. Meacham, 75, of Sheridan, WY, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, April 21, 2006 in Westview Health Care Center following a brief illness. Mrs. Meacham was born February 25, 1931 in Indianapolis, IN to Arthur R. and Avis Wiltse (Woody) Boulden. She grew up and attended schools in Buffalo, NY, and attended the University of Buffalo. Mrs. Meacham joined the U. S. Marine Corps and was stationed at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Santa Ana, CA. She was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1953. Sue married Frederick Castle Meacham, Jr. on August 10, 1956 in San Diego, CA. Sue spent most of her adult life living on a unique and special property located in Sedalia, CO. She and her husband, Fred, built their home and developed their horse property themselves. An extremely hard working, consciousness and practical person, Sue took very special care of those that were close to her. A Certified Public Accountant by profession, Sue greatly enjoyed organization and the art of keeping perfect books for her clients. Sue was very progressive about technology, updating everything from her computer programs to her household electronics. She could actually run the remote better than her grandkids. Sue’s past times involved lots of reading, gardening, and her love for her dogs. She would really get a twinkle in her eye when it came to admiring her children’s accomplishments, whether it be in the field of her son Brad’s computer technology, or her daughter Hilary’s horsemanship talents. Sue was a member of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of the Rockies, and the Douglas County Public Library in Castle Rock, CO. Mrs. Meacham was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Castle Meacham, Jr. She is survived by one son, Bradford A. Meacham, of Monument, CO; one daughter, Hilary A. Carrel, & husband, Charles G., of Sheridan, WY; two step-daughters, Margot Meacham, of St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands, and Roberta Stevenson, of Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada; one sister, Marjorie J. Ziebarth, of Hamburg, NY; two grandchildren, Spencer Castle Alred, of Fort Collins, CO, and Seth Alred Carrel, of Sheridan, WY; & two step-grandchildren, Morgan and Marina Stevenson, of Canada. Memorial service for Sue will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, April 28, 2006 in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Chapel with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Inurnment of cremains will be in Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Ft. Logan, CO. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials in memory of Mrs. Meacham may be made to the Sheridan County Historical Museum, P. O. Box 73, Sheridan, WY 82801
Robert Ernst Miller died April 26, 2006 in Sheridan, Wyoming where he had moved from Bayside, California on May 1, 2005. He was 90 years of age, born February 22, 1916 in Trenton, Illinois to Robert F. and Millie L. Miller, nee Oelschlager. He was a graduate of Granite City (Illinois) High School and attended Washington University in St. Louis, and Ohio State University. He was a veteran of World War II, having enlisted and served five years in the Army Air Corp., much of that time in Africa and Italy; he was awarded seen bronze stars for his service. After the war, Bob worked as a mechanical engineer and went in 1947 to Saudi Arabia to help design and build the oil pipeline going to the Mediterranean Sea. It was there at a New Year’s Eve party that he met Helen Mae Hatcher and they each discovered that the other was an accomplished dancer. They returned to Helen Mae’s hometown of Shelton, Washington and were married in St. David’s Episcopal Church on November 20, 1948. They remained in Shelton where Bob went to work for Simpson Timber Company as an engineer. In 1956 they moved to Humboldt County, California where Bob worked for Simpson, living for a brief period in Eureka before moving to Arcata in 1957. During this time, Bob was on the Arcata Planning Commission. In 1962 they were transferred back to Shelton, Washington. They returned to Humboldt County in 1968, living in Bayside, where he was Lead Engineer, Redwood Division, for Simpson. He was on the State of California Air Resources Board and invented the smokeless “teepee” burner that was installed at Simpson’s Korbel plant. Bob retired from Simpson in February of 1980, but continued working as an independent consultant to lumber manufacturers, which included a project in the Philippine Islands. In retirement he spent many hours playing golf and traveling the country with Helen Mae, always looking for a good band and a dance floor. Bob was a charter member of Baywood Golf and Country Club in Arcata where he and his family and friends celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in November of 1998. He was also a member of the Arcata Rotary Club, the Eureka Elks Club, the Shelton American Legion, and the North Coast Aviation Society. Bob is survived by his wife, Helen Mae, of Sheridan, Wyoming; and three sons, Robert Edward Miller (Sandra) of Shelton Washington, Gary A. Miller (Susan) of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Ronald F. Miller of Madison, Wisconsin. He is also survived by three grandsons, Robert Eric Miller (Theresa) of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Bradley L. Miller of Shelton, Washington, (sons of Robert E. Miller), and John A. Miller of Sheridan, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado, (son of Gary A. Miller). He is also survived by three loving step-grandchildren, Edwin Hill (Denise) of Atlanta, Georgia, Susan (Hill) Preissler (Michael) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Robert Hill of Laramie, Wyoming. One great-grandson, Robert Ethan Miller of Sheridan, Wyoming; and three step great grandchildren; Jackson and Samantha Hill of Atlanta, Georgia, and Ethan Hill of Laramie, Wyoming also survive him. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Forrest Miller in 1933. Memorial service for Bob will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 6, 2006 in the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Chapel with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials in memory of Bob may be made to the Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 W. 5th St., Sheridan, WY 82801 Karen J. Moyes, 59, of Sheridan, WY, died Thursday, April 6, 2006 at her residence. Mrs. Moyes was born January 4, 1947 in Sheridan, WY to Chester and Ardith Emily (Kelley) Davey. She grew up and attended schools in Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1965. Karen married Russell Moyes December 28, 1994 in Sheridan, and was a Certified Nursing Assistant for Sheridan Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed working in her yard and flowerbed, and enjoyed the mountains. She was preceded in death by her parents. Karen is survived by her husband, Russell, of Sheridan, WY; one son, Richard Rexroat, of Bellevue, WA; one daughter, Trina Adams, of Sheridan, WY; numerous brothers and sisters; two grandchildren; and one aunt. Memorial service for Karen will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Terral Bearden officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials in memory of Karen may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Laila Eleanor Pixley, age 89, of Sheridan, WY died Tuesday, April 25, 2006, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Laila was born in rural South Dakota near St Onge, in a Finish speaking community. Her first language was Finish; English was learned later in grade school. Laila was one of Oscar & Selma Balo’s 14 children. She was raised in rural South Dakota and attended college at Black Hills State Teachers College in Spearfish, SD. She married Hugh Pixley on December 7, 1952. During her working life she did many different things including owning and operating restaurants in SD, WY, & WA and tourist resorts in SD. The family also had a business transporting train crews for Burlington Northern as well owning a potato chip factory in Belle Fourche, SD and a taxi cab business in Sheridan. Laila was preceded in death by her oldest son Monte Evans. Laila is survived by 5 sons Milo Evans of Penrose, CO, Merle Evans of Warrenton, VA, Mike Pixley of Upton, WY, Marty Pixley of Sheridan & Mark Pixley of Sheridan; brother Guy Balo of Whitewood, SD; sisters Edna Baker of Belle Fourche, SD, Hilma Saari of Basin, WY, Etta Gaylord of Portland OR, Hazel Kessler, Sheridan & Wilma Reynolds of Shreveport, LA; 14 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. The family will greet friends for viewing and visitation from 10:00am until noon on Friday (Apr. 28th) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11:00am on Saturday (Apr. 29th) from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood, SD with interment in Whitewood Cemetery. There will be viewing from 7pm until 9pm on Friday from Kincade Funeral Home in Sturgis, SD. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
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