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	OBITUARIES OCTOBER 2006 Obituaries we have received are listed below. We are only able to post obituaries if and when the funeral homes send them to us. If an obituary you are interested in is missing, it's because we were not provided with the information from the funeral homes. Thank You for your patience. VISIT THE OBITUARY ARCHIVE HERE

Nancy Croff Neighbors Burris, 89, long time resident of Sheridan, died at Sheridan Manor on October11, 2006.  She had resided there for the past 6 years due to a series of strokes.

Nancy was born on August 2, 1917, in Sheridan to John P. and Lois (Williams) Croff.  Her early years were spent in Sheridan, and in 1932 the family moved to Santa Barbara, California due to here father’s health.  Nancy was 16 years old at the time, and hadn’t quite finished high school, but the principal handed her a diploma and wished her good luck!

She spent her first two years of college at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.  She then transferred to the University of Colorado at Boulder, and graduated from there with a degree in Latin in 1938.  On December 27, 1938, Nancy and Raymond T. Neighbors of Sheridan were married, and the reception after the wedding was held at the Country Club, which was decorated with trees with tinsel all around the room.  The pictures of the reception were stunning.

Nancy and Ray lived in Chicago where Ray began his business career at Sears.  One great story from those times is that they couldn’t afford restaurants or movies, so once in a while they would splurge and buy a Sunday newspaper to read in the park for entertainment!  Ray was drafted in 1942, so Nancy and baby daughter Mary Jane moved back to Sheridan while he was in the Army.

After the war, they lived in Sheridan and he ran Wiley Oil Co.  The business was sold in 1952 and the family moved to Chicago where Ray was Asst. Controller for Carson, Pierie & Scott.  In 1955, Ray bought Bentley’s Clothing at 180 N. Main St. and the family moved back to Sheridan.  Ray owned Bentley’s until he died in 1979.

Nancy is survived by her husband Joe Burris of Sheridan; daughters Mary Jane (Bruce) Collins of Ranchester and Laurie (Fred) Chalfant of Dayton; son Raymond T. (Maggie) Neighbors of California; sister Mary (Glenn) Sheeley of Parkman; stepsons Bruce and Ed Burris of Washington; stepdaughter Nancy Pero of California.  She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Private family committal service will be held at a later date.  Because of Nancy’s love of books and reading, memorials may be made to the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library in care of Diane Davidson.  Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Eileen D. Farman, 89, of Sheridan passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2006 at Westview Health Care Center.

Eileen was born on February 18, 1917, in Logan, Iowa, to Nova and Loy Roush. They moved when she was three months old, and homesteaded fifty miles south of Gillette, WY, in the Pumpkin Butte area. They moved to Sheridan, WY, when she was about six years old. They moved back to the homestead where she finished grade school. She went to Casper for her first year of high school, and finished her last three years of high school in Gillette, where she had to work for room and board. She graduated from Campbell County High School and married Eldon Farman on the night she got her diploma. She and Eldon had three sons; Dade, Nolan, and Dane.

In 1962, Eileen went to hairdresser school. When she completed school, she and Eldon owned and operated a beauty parlor known as the "Powder Box Salon" until 1976. They retired and worked their small farm on Beaver Creek Road until the farm became too much for them. They moved back to town, where she resided until shortly before passing.

Eileen and Eldon celebrated their 60th anniversary on May 29, 1996. Eldon preceded her in death on February 3, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her son, Dade, two brothers; Donald Gene and Hadley Roush, and her sister, Juanita Vinke. She is survived by her two sons, Nolan and Dane, both of Sheridan, her brother, James "Bud" Roush of Sheridan, 10 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed the mountains, fishing, rides with her brother, "Bud", singing with the Sheridanaires, playing Rummy Cubes, and serving meals and spending time with her family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 27, 2006, at Holy Name Catholic Church with The Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Eileen’s name to the Whedon Cancer Foundation or the Senior Citizens Center in care of Tara Keep at First Federal Savings Bank, PO Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Lorraine Frazer, age 85, of Sheridan, WY died Saturday, October 7, 2006, in her Sheridan home.

Lorraine was born August 26, 1921, in Kadoka, S. Dakota to Lewis & Pearl (Rutan) Nordbye.

Lorraine grew up in S. Dakota and graduated high school in Rapid City, SD.  She moved to Washington, DC where she was a telephone operator.  Lorraine married William Frazer on September 9, 1945, in Rapid City.  They traveled around several states with construction jobs until settling in Sheridan.  She worked at Stevens Fryberger as a seamstress for many years until she retired.  She was a member of garden clubs and women’s church groups.  Lorraine raised flowers especially roses and won several awards for her floral arrangements.  Lorraine was a champion bowler and an excellent baker.  She enjoyed fishing, picnics, family & friends coming to dinner and playing cards and sitting on the patio for dessert.  Lorraine loved caring for her family especially her grandchildren.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter Carolyn.

Lorraine is survived by her son John & wife Mary Ann Frazer of Sheridan; sister Doris Wagner of Rapid City; sisters-in-law Paulette Frazer of Hardin, MT, Selma Thompson of Idaho Falls, Idaho; three grandchildren David and Dan Frazer and Sarah Jane Collyard & husband Scott.

Private family service will be in Rapid City, SD.  Graveside service will be 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 14, 2006, in Little Big Horn National Cemetery, Crow Agency, MT with the Rev. David Duprey officiating.  Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the Sheridan YMCA “Give Your Heart To A Child Fund”, 417 N. Jefferson St., Sheridan, WY  82801

Valerie E. Gleissner, 61, of Sheridan, WY, died Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at her residence.

Visitation for Mrs. Gleissner will be from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Friday, October 27, 2006 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home.  Graveside service will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, October 27 in the Elk’s Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with Father Ronald Stolcis officiating.  Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. 

Frank Krezelok, 87, of Banner passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at Sheridan Manor.

Frank was born on October 21, 1919 in Sheridan to Mike and Hedwik (Rucki) Krezelok. He married Enid Brundage in Sheridan on Febreary 14, 1942. He was a rancher all his life.

Frank enjoyed a good card game, jokes, and sports, especially baseball. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jerry Krezelok, son-in-law, Dave Watt, three sisters and a brother. He is survived by his wife, Enid of Sheridan; his son, John (Connie) Krezelok of Banner; daughter, Virginia Watt of Buffalo; his grandchildren, Becky Krezelok of Sheridan, Michelle Burke of Buffalo, Wyoming, Tony Watt of Katmandu, Nepal, Chad Krezelok of Bozeman, Montana, and Jamie Krezelok of Durango, Colorado; his great grandchildren, Aidan and Joshua Burke and Olivia Watt; his sisters Mary Meich of Sheridan and Margaret Ellenwood of Banner and a brother, Joe Krezelok of Greybull, Wyoming.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at Kane Funeral Home on November 1, 2006, at 10:00 with Pastor Marty Rostad officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Frank’s name to Alzheimer’s Research in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, PO Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Alda Lucille (Johnson) Hills was born May 22, 1916 at East Granite Falls, Minnesota, in Chippewa County, to John Martin and Alice Marie (Swenson) Johnson.  She was the 4th child and had one sister and two brothers.  Alda was baptized at home by the Reverend Michael Eriksen in November of 1916.

Alda grew up in the Granite Falls community attending grade school at Granite Falls Elementary as well as Day School District #72 in rural Granite Falls.  She was a member of the United Lutheran Church, along with her family, and was confirmed by the Reverend O. J. Eriksen in 1930.  Alda attended Granite Falls High School and graduated during “the great depression” in 1934.  She worked as a clerk in several grocery stores as well as at the Ben Franklin Store, and was also employed with the Granite Falls City Recreation Department.  During those post-high school years Alda also taught Sunday School at United Lutheran Church for eight years.

On October 24, 1942 Alda was united in marriage to Cresent Daniel Hills of Waubay, South Dakota.  They made their home in Waubay where they owned and operated a Gambles hardware store until retirement in 1971.  Their marriage was blessed with two children, Ruth Ann and Daniel.  Alda and Cresent were long time member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.  Alda’s service to the church included serving a Sunday School Superintendent for 15 years, teaching Sunday School, serving as Dean of Girls at Pickeral Lake Bible Camp for 16 years, acting as an advisor/leader of the Luther League, and holding several offices with the ALCW, and later with WELCA and the Friendship Circle.  Alda also served a term as the District President of the Women’s Mission Federation of the Lutheran Free Church as well a holding offices with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.  Alda also served as a member of the Our Savior’s Church council, ending her last term in 1991, at the age of seventy-five.

Alda was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers; one sister; and her husband, Cresent.  She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Ann and spouse, Doug Tollin; and by her son, Daniel, and his spouse, Laurel.  Also surviving Alda are five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Alda was instrumental in efforts to keep the Hills and Johnson families and descendants together as she planned and hosted 6 family reunions in the late 1990’s through 2001.  Alda is fondly remembered by her numerous nieces and nephews, and their children, as a caring parent-like supporter in their times of sorrow and celebration.

In writing this, her own, obituary in 1988, Alda concludes that “when ‘my story’ ends, I know how it will end.  Praise God! Because, as it says in John 3:16, “whoever believes in Him should not perish but will have eternal life.”  AMEN!!

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 28, 2006 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Waubay, S. D.  Interment will be in the Lakewood Cemetery, Waubay.  Local arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Hills may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 135 Crescent Dr., Sheridan, WY  82801

Marianne Legerski, 79, of Sheridan passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at Sheridan Manor.

Marianne was born on July 9, 1927, in Upton, WY, to Wray and Leora (Hallowell) Case. The family moved to Sheridan when she was about six years old. She was a graduate of Sheridan High School. On July 6, 1952 Marianne married Frank Legerski in Sheridan and the couple raised four children together. She worked at First Interstate Bank as head housekeeper for almost twenty years. In 1982 Marianne won a trip to Hawaii from Brown Swiss Dairy. She enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with family and friends.

Marianne was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Carolyn Worth; and her grandson, Mark Rohde. She is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, Frank Legerski of Sheridan; her daughter, Marilyn Oryall of Sheridan; her two sons, Steve Legerski of Sheridan and Carl Worth of Haxton, CO; her four grandchildren, Christopher and Heather Rohde of Sheridan and Joshua and Adam Worth of Haxton, CO; her sister, Nadine Zowada of Buffalo, WY; and her two brothers, Dawson Case of Ranchester, WY and Thomas Case of Sheridan.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 28, 2006, at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Doolin officiating. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Marianne’s name to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter in care of Tara Keep at First Federal Savings Bank, PO Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Robert L. Manning, 78, of Greybull, passed away at the Sheridan VA Medical Center on Tuesday, October 3, 2006.

Cremation has taken place and services will be held in Greybull, WY at a later date. Kane Funeral Home is handling local arrangements.

Virginia V. McClintock, 91, of Sheridan, WY, died Friday, October 27, 2006 in Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. McClintock was born June 25, 1915 in College View, NE to Chauncey A. and Minta A. (Gibson) Bird.  The family moved to Sheridan in 1917 where Virginia grew up, graduating from Sheridan High School.  She was a lifetime resident of Sheridan.

Mrs. McClintock married David S. McClintock in Sheridan, WY on December 12, 1935.

Virginia was a homemaker and was a 4-H leader, a past Worthy Matron of Friendship Chapter #51, Order of the Eastern Star, a life member of the First United Methodist Church, the Sheridanaires, a charter member of the Valley Homemaker’s Club, and the Sheridan Woman’s Club.

She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, playing cards, particularly bridge, was a volunteer for meals on wheels and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Mrs. McClintock was preceded in death by her husband, 3 brothers, and 1 sister, and 1 granddaughter.

She is survived by two sons, David B. McClintock, of Sheridan, WY, and William L. McClintock, of Thornton, CO; two daughters, Joyce Waddell, of Casper, WY, and Kathleen Conley, of Concord, CA; one brother, Hugh Bird, of Sheridan, WY; 10 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

Memorial service for Mrs. McClintock will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Derryberry officiating.  Inurnment will be 1:00 P. M. in the Elk’s Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. McClintock may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 215 W. Works St., “Meals on Wheels”, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY  82801, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Barbara Mroz, 72, of Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, at Sheridan Manor.

Barbara was born on October 8, 1934, in Milwaukee, WI, to Gerald and Esther Daum.

In 1976 she married James Mroz in Silver City, NM. Barbara was an excellent seamstress and an exceptional doll maker, which she enjoyed very much.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; She is survived by her husband, James of Sheridan;. her son, Erik Tesch of AR; her daughter, Jennifer Westin of WI; and her two grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Leslie B. Pafford, age 49, of Sheridan, WY died Friday, October 13, 2006, of a heart attack.

Leslie was born January 21, 1957, in Amory, Mississippi to Henry & Mazel (McDaniel) Pafford.

Leslie grew up and attended schools in Mississippi.  He served in the U.S. Navy.  Leslie married Lily Roane in 1976 in Houston, TX.  He worked as a machinist and a truck driver in Houston.  They later divorced.  In 1985, he married Robbie Pierce in Houston.  They later separated.  He came to Sheridan in 2005 where he met his companion Debra Taylor who died that September.

Leslie was preceded by a brother Linden.

Leslie is survived by his sons Michael Seely, Robert Balerio and Christopher Edwards all of Texas; daughters D’Anna Seely of Biloxi, MS, Casandra Balerio of Crosby, TX and Christina Seely of Houston, TX; father Henry Pafford of Leesville, LA; mother Mazel McDaniel of Evans, LA; brother William Pafford of Evans, LA; eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be later in Texas.  Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Glen Leland Peterson, 64, of Story passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2006 at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Glen was born on August 4, 1942 in Greeley, Colorado, to Carl R. and Evelyn (Reinhold) Peterson. Glen graduated from Eaton High School. He served with Colorado National Guard from 1964 to 1970. Glen spent his whole life working as a farmer. He married Darla Collins in Greeley on January 25, 1992. They resided in Estes Park, Colorado before moving to Story, Wyoming, in 1999. Glen and Darla enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. He loved sharing the produce from his garden. Glen was a life-long Oklahoma Sooner fan. Simplicity was his motto.

Glen was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife, Darla of Story, WY; four daughters; Glenda (Dave) Donoho of Platteville, CO; Tammi (Verl) Dickey of Cheyenne Wells, CO; Andrea Peterson of Cheyenne Wells, CO; Adrienne (Jack) Chapman of Hillrose, CO; and two stepsons, Jim (Tamra) Palmer of Elizabeth, CO; and Steve Palmer of Eaton, CO.; his mother, Evelyn Peterson of Greeley, CO; and a brother, Les (Joan) Peterson of Greeley, CO; and 14 grandchildren, Zackery, Cassie, Dillan, Amanda, Terry, Dawson, Dylan, Megan, Tera, Brad, Ky, Zachary, Lacey, and Hannah..

Funeral services will be held at Kane Funeral Home on October 26, 2006 at 10:00 am with Pastor Tim Tromble officiating with burial to follow in the Story Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Glen’s name to Story Volunteer Fire Dept’s EMT Services in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, PO Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Betty Jo Poll, 79, of Sheridan, WY, passed away October 22, 2006 in Billings, Montana following a heart attack and stroke.

Betty Jo was born April 21, 1972 at Sheridan County Memorial Hospital to John Frederic “Jack” and Ruth Minnie (Schillinger) Dierks.  She went to live with her uncle and aunt, Martin and Margaret Katherine Osgard from 1931 to 1943 after her mother was admitted to the state hospital.

Betty road a horse to the Ranchester School during her educational years.  At the age of 17, World War II took her to Portland, Oregon to live with her father and sisters. Betty joined other family members in helping the war effort and worked as a burner, cutting battleship decks.

She returned to Ranchester, WY after the war where she finished high school.  While working at Diamond Lumber Co., she threw a snowball, knocking her future husband off the roof.  Betty married Edward Joseph Poll June 21, 1947.

Betty gave birth to their first child, Eddie, Jr.  Eddie was struck with polio at the age of 4.  Betty was his sole caretaker for 16 years until his death at the age of 19.

Betty gave birth to Ronald Patrick, John Stephen, Theresa Jane, Catherine Marie, (deceased), and Margaret “Meg” Ann Poll. 

Betty was an incredible homemaker and mother, who baked, sewed clothes
for her children and grandchildren, and taught those skills to each of her children and grandchildren, as well as others.  Betty was a fantastic gardener.  Her home was the gathering-place of neighborhood children for many, many years.

Betty’s creative abilities came out through her creations of wedding and special occasion cakes for family and friends throughout the community.  Betty’s involvements over the years included Holy Name Catholic Church and School, the Holy Name Thrift Shop, Mother Cabrina group, and 4-H clubs.  She loved the Big Horn Mountains and the many other places that she and Ed traveled to.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Ruth Dierks, & Martin & Margaret Osgard; one brother, Calvin “Bob” Dierks; one sister Murray Rubottom; and two children, Eddie, Jr., & Cathrine.

She is survived by her husband, Edward Joseph Poll, of Sheridan, WY; daughter, Theresa Jane “Janie”, husband, Ron Hartman, & grandson, Jack Hartman, of Laramie, WY; daughter Meg, husband, Grant Frost, & grandchildren, Dale, Molly, Sabrina, & Thomas Troutman, of Green River, WY; son, Ronald Patrick Poll, wife, Velda, of Redlands, CA, & grandchildren, Christopher Poll, of West Richland, WA, Heather Poll-Bradshaw, of Pasco, WA, Sara Poll Ochs, of Yucaipa, CA, and Matthew Poll, of Redlands, CA; son, John S. Poll, wife, Cindy, & grandchildren, Lauren & Andrew, of Shaker Heights, OH;  great grandchildren, Katheryn & Vanessa Bradshaw, Alexandrea & Logan Poll; one sister, Jane Albers, of Hesperia, CA; and one great grandchild-on the way.

Funeral Liturgy will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis as Celebrant.  Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Betty may be made to Holy Name School, the Holy Name Thrift Shop, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

James Rodney Roberts, age 83, of Sheridan, WY died Monday, October 23, 2006, in his Sheridan home.

James was born on October 10, 1923, in Crook County, WY to James E. & Ida (Richie) Roberts.

James attended all his school years in Crook County at Hulett, WY.  He left school at age 14 to work in the lumber business for his brother and brother-in-law.  On November 27, 1940, he married Ruth Stewart in Chamberlain, S. Dakota.  They continued to live near Hulett for approx. two years.  They then moved near Chamberlain, SD where he farmed and ranched for his father-in-law.  In 1966, he began work for the Corps of Engineers at Big Bend dam.  He worked for the Corps of Engineers for 31 years until he retired in 1977 at the age of 73.  He continued to farm and ranch until he moved to Sheridan in 2001.  James loved to be with his children, grandchildren and all his Christian friends.  James was a lifelong member of Old Apostolic Lutheran Church.

James was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, six sisters, three grandsons and infant son.

James is survived by his wife Ruth of Sheridan; sons Archie of Sturgis, SD, Clayton of Chamberlain, SD, Leon of Spearfish, SD and Val of Brush Prairie, WA; sisters Irene Winkler of Sheridan, Sandy Fordyce of Kalama, WA, Sally Stewart of Sheridan and Ilena Hallstrom of North East, MD; 48 grandchildren, over 100 great grandchildren and 17 great great grandchildren.

Viewing will begin at 5:00pm on Friday (Oct. 27th) from Old Apostolic Lutheran Church.  Funeral service will be 1:00pm on Saturday from Old Apostolic Lutheran Church with Rick Beld and Joel Hendricksen officiating.  Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Harry Eugene Smith, 69 of Sheridan passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at Westview Healthcare Center.

Mr. Smith was born on May 4, 1937 in Grand Junction, Colorado. He served in the United States Air Force during 1957 and 1958. Harry received an honorable discharge.

Until entering Westview Health Care Center Harry lived on Loucks Street.

Interment will be in the Oregon Trails State Cemetery for Veterans in Evansville, Wyoming. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Kathleen "Kathy" Voogd, 62, of Sheridan passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2006
at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Kathy was born on November 19, 1943 in Sheridan to Joe and Annie (Woodhead) Harrison. She married Homer Voogd in Sheridan on August 20, 1961. She had worked for Joe Meyers at Hospital Pharmacy for five years and loved her job. He also worked for Bob Ernst and Rent-It-Center for a short while as well as at Highland Park School until her health failed. She loved four-wheeling but when her health deteriorated she was unable to do this anymore. She then began making afghans which were excellent. Kathy loved her flowers. She was very sick for many years but never expected any sympathy from anyone. She had multiple sclerosis for thirty-eight years and cancer. She was a very special woman and devoted to her family.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her baby brother; and her sister, Peggy Voogd. She is survived by her husband of forty-five years, Homer of Sheridan; her two sons, Todd and Mike Voogd of Sheridan; her foster son, Danny Culp of Clearmont; her three grandchildren, Thomas Orum, Jamie Voogd, and Jason Voogd and her great-granddaughter Annabelle Orum; her two brothers, Tom Harrison of Gillette and Bill Harrison of Sheridan; and her sister Joan Gossett of Buffalo, WY.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at Kane Funeral Home on November 2, 2006, at 10:00 am with Pastor Terral Beardon and Reverend David Duprey officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials may be made in Kathy's name to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, PO Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Leila Beth Wilson, 91, passed away on October 5, 2006, at Westview Health Care Center.

Leila was born on October 28, 1913, in Jackson, Minnesota to Reverend A.M. and Mabel (Wilkinson) Folk. Her father was a Methodist minister. Leila was the oldest of four children having two sisters and one brother. She graduated from Welcome, Minnesota High School in 1931.

Leila was employed at the Buttrey’s Food stores in Minnesota, where she met Robert (Bob) Wilson. Leila and Bob were married on July 5, 1942 in the Methodist Church at Fairmont, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they moved to Billings, Montana, and Miles City. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Sheridan, Wyoming in 1949.

Leila worked a short time for Eileen’s Dress Ship in Sheridan. Leo Mossholder hired her as a bookkeeper where she remained for twenty-five years. She was known to greet everyone who entered Mossholder’s with a smile.

In 1959, after renting many years, Bob and Leila designed and built their own home at 1542 Big Horn Avenue. Leila loved to entertain and their home was an active social gathering spot for many years. Bob and Leila were instrumental in organizing "Carol Avenue", an annual display of handmade Christmas decorations. Leila loved flowers and particularly roses. Her yard was filled with roses and other flowers. She even brought an orchid back from Hawaii.

Bob and Leila joined the First Presbyterian Church in 1949, and were very active members. Leila was Presbyterian Women (PW) moderator for two years in a row, 1980 and 1981. In 1987, Leila was awarded and honorary membership in Program Agency of Presbyterian Church, USA, a special award for Presbyterian Women. She was Treasurer of Circle 2 at the Church. For many years, the Presbyterian Choir was treated to homemade cinnamon rolls between the two Easter services. When the new Presbyterian Church was being built, Leila was instrumental in helping plan the new kitchen. Details like having enough lighting in the work areas, having the pantry doors open the right direction, and designing the counters were done under her guidance. Leila cared for the plants in the church for many years.

Leila was active in P.E.O. Chapter AB. She was President of the Fine Arts Club.

For twenty five years, Leila helped Bob organize and lead the Wyoming Wayfarers. They were gracious hosts, not only in their home before and after their trips, but also on the road.

Leila always looked elegant and was a very gracious and loving lady. She never said an unkind word about anyone.

Leila is survived by her husband, Bob, of Sheridan, sisters Helen Peterson of Lamberton, Minnesota, and Marin Headley of Emmetsburg, Iowa. Leila has several nieces and nephews. Leila was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Harold Folk.

A celebration of Leila’s life memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, 2:00 pm, Thursday, October 12, 2006. Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial gifts to First Presbyterian Church

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