Eleanor was born in Kooi, WY on October 21, 1914 to Thomas and Edna Hustwaite McCoy. She attended grade school at Kleenburn until the 4th grade, transferred to Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1932. Eleanor was employed for thirty years at the Veterans Administration Hospital retiring in 1972. She was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church, Altar and Rosary Society, NARFE, and the Elks Lodge. She especially enjoyed hiking in the mountains, family get togethers, traveling, crafts, and ball games. She married Glade Harold Kilpatrick in Hardin, MT on February 18, 1933 and they had two sons.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Vivian. She is survived by her sons, Gerald G. Kilpatrick and his wife, Janet, of Sedona, AZ and Dr. Richard L. Kilpatrick and his wife, Ann, of Sheridan; her six grandchildren, Krista Ann Kilpatrick of San Diego, CA, Tom Kilpatrick and Ken Kilpatrick both of Sheridan, James Kilpatrick of Lake Oswego, OR, Lynne Kilpatrick of Kirkland, WA, and Laurie Kilpatrick of Lima, OH; and twelve great-grandchildren.
A Rosary will be held at Kane Funeral Home on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church on Friday, September 5, 2008 at 10:00 am with The Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made in Eleanor’s name to the Holy Name School Athletic Fund, c/o Steve Rucki, 109 S. Main, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Charles Olson, 83 of Sheridan passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with Reverend Kevin Jones officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be made in Chuck’s name to the Kalif Shriner’s Travel Fund, 145 West Loucks, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Martha Frieda Sophia Kellner Obermueller, 88, of Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.
Martha was born in Wilcox, NE on September 8, 1919 to Henry and Julia Kellner. She married Reinold Obermueller in Lincoln, KS on April 25, 1943. Martha worked with her husband for many years in their country grocery store in Kansas. They moved to Greeley, CO in 1970 then in 1974 moved to Sheridan and in 1975 opened Yellowstone Modular Homes. She worked at various places, as JC Penney, Wal-Mart, and with her son, Brian, at Sheridan Homes. She loved watching NASCAR, Jeff Gordon #24 was her favorite driver. She enjoyed crocheting, dancing, fishing, playing cards, especially Pinnacle, and she bowled until she was 82 years old.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her youngest daughter, Jackie, in 2005; her grandson, Corey, in 1991; her husband, Reinold, in 1982; and five brothers and six sisters. She is survived by her children, Darla Lotz of Sheridan, Peggy Landis of Lancaster, PA, Candy Morris of Centralia, WA, and Brian Obermueller and his wife, Renee, of Sheridan; her son-in-law, Ron Harmon, of Sheridan; her fifteen grandchildren, Scott and Jamey VanDoren, Tanya Peters, Tammy and Kelly Baloun, Ryan Bowersox, Jennifer Morris, Chelsey Troxel, Haley Obermueller, and Nicholas, Neil, Newton, Nathan, and Nicole Harmon; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at10:00 am with Pastor Kirk Peters officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in Martha’s name to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1300 West 5th, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Sylvia Williams, 83, of Sheridan, WY, died Wednesday, August 27, 2008 in Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Williams was born October 8, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa to Arthur and Cecelia (Goldberg) Lipson. She grew up and attended schools in Des Moines/
Sylvia married James A. Williams March 21, 1974 in Princeton, Missouri.
Mrs. Williams managed a “Mister Donut” shop in Des Moines. The couple has lived in Sheridan since 1975.
Sylvia was a member of the V. F. W. Auxiliary. She loved traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and two sisters.
She is survived by her husband, James, of Sheridan, WY; one brother, Jay Lipson, of Des Moines, Iowa; one sister, Fredia Pearl, of West Des Moines, Iowa; and 8 grandchildren.
Visitation for Mrs. Williams will be from 5:00 P. M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday, August 29, 2008 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 A. M. Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Philip Wold officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Memorials in memory of Mrs. Williams may be made to the American Cancer Society, 907 N. Poplar, Suite 185, Casper, WY 82601
Shirley Velos, 59, of Ranchester, passed away at her home on Tuesday, August 26, 2008.
Shirley was born on January 18, 1949 in Sheridan to Robert and Nina Adams. She married Corky Velos in Buffalo, WY on July 19, 1977 and raised three children together. Over the years she worked at Brown’s Drug Store, Kendrick Mansion, and the Energy Inn. Shirley loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and with her friends. She enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, reading, going gambling in Deadwood, cooking with her grandkids, and collecting Indian art.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Corky, of Ranchester; her children, Shawn Stewart (Mary) of Sheridan, Jim Velos (Melissa), and Koko Borzenski (Russ) both of Ranchester; her ten grandchildren, McKyla, Harley, Bailee, and Kaden Borzenski, Ashley and Taylor Velos, Tia and Steven Stewart, and Casey and Jesse Offt-Stewart; her two great-grandchildren, Skyler Stewart and Cori Offt; and her siblings, Sandi Cooper (Larry) of Richmond, KY, Judy Horsley of Sheridan, and Rob Adams (Lora) of Grand Junction, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at First Christian Church on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 10:00 am with Reverend Doug Goodwin officiating. Cremation arrangements were made with Kane Funeral Home.
Locke Kirtley, 81, of Sheridan, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2008 at the Sheridan VA Medical Center.
Locke was born on September 20, 1926 in Kaycee, WY to Ura and Rachel Kirtley. He enlisted in the Army and served until his honorable discharge. Locke served in Korea with the Army after he had been told by the Navy that he didn’t qualify. The Army then later asked Locke to attend West Point Military Academy. He also served in Germany, Japan, and Korea with the 7th Infantry Division and earned a Combat Infantry Badge. He had a brother, De Maret Kirtley, that was killed in action during the Korean War. Locke married Phyllis Fairlie in Buffalo, WY on May 12, 1954 and the couple raised two beautiful daughters. He was a heck of a car salesman and worked at Western Auto in California, Hammers Chevrolet, and at his own car dealership, Locke’s Used Cars, in Sheridan. He owned and operated The Burger Wagon from 1992 until 1999 when he hung up his apron and went to work for PJ Kane at Kane Funeral Home where he was employed until the time of his death. Locke was a member of the Masonic Lodge #43, the York Rite, the Kalif Shrine, the Elks Lodge #520, the Kiwanis, and was on the Sheridan WYO Rodeo Executive Board. Locke had an incredible love for his wife Phyllis, their daughters and granddaughters. He truly enjoyed time spent with family and friends. Locke always had a story to tell, a laugh and smile to share, and a helping hand.
Locke was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Marston Kirtley, and two that passed away in infancy; and two sisters, Mary Sherburne and Zaide Kirtley. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Sheridan; his daughters, Zena Husman of Sheridan and Karmen Kirtley of Denver, CO; his granddaughters, Suzanne Krenzelok of Poplar Grove, IL,and Kari Husman of Rockford, IL; and his two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Kane Funeral Home on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2:00 pm. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital Fund, 145 W. Loucks, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Shirley Conley passed away August 24, 2008 in Billings, Montana at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
She was born in St. Louis, Missouri to William Jr. and Stella (Griffin) Klosterman on May 31, 1923. Shirley attended the Academy of Visitation Catholic School in St. Louis and then enrolled at the University of Missouri where she met her future husband, Charles Conley. With Charlie gone during World War II, Shirley worked in the laboratory at a TNT factory while continuing her studies. After she graduated with a major in English, Shirley and Charlie married and moved to the Conley ranch in Otter, Montana. They lived there many years, until Charlie’s ill health brought them to Sheridan. They had one son, Dan.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband in 1998, and by two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her son Dan, two nephews and a niece.
Funeral services will be held at Kane Funeral Home on Friday, August 29, 2008 at10:00 am with The Reverend Ron Stolcis officiating. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Shirley loved flowers therefor in lieu of donations Shirley’s family encourages floral arrangements be sent in her memory.
Earl R. Johnson, 85, of Sheridan, passed away at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County on August 15, 2008. He was born on February 4, 1923, in Garryowen, Montana, to Lee and Emma (Cable) Johnson.
Earl attended Rozet High School and he was a standout basketball player.
After graduation, Earl joined the Army Air Corps and served in World War II. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon.
Earl worked for Wyodak Coal Mine for 33 years. He enjoyed chariot racing, horses, elk hunting and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Paul and Carl (Cookie) Johnson, a sister Rosie; and a son, Jeffery L. Johnson. Earl is survived by his daughter, Sheri Koenig of Gillette and a son, Robert L. Johnson also of Gillette; a sister, Jessie Duvall of Rozet, Wyoming, and a brother, Louis Johnson of Newcastle, his grandchildren; Troy Eskew, Amy Rankl, Chad Eskew, Jeffrey Johnson, Meagan Jeffery, and Nic Eskew and 13 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his good friend, Peanuts, his mule.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services with military honors will be held on Monday, August 25, 2008, at 11:00 am at Kane Funeral Home with Richard Snider officiating. Interment will be in the Custer National Cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to aid returning Vets through the Sheridan Veterans of Foreign Wars, 758 Broadway, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Walter Bales, one of the real cowboys, lived from April 21, 1924 to August 17, 2008. He died of leukemia in his home near Birney, Montana.
He was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, grew up in Parkman, Wyoming, and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1942. He was proud to be an American and proud to have volunteered and served in the Army from 1942-1949. He was proud to be a cowboy and ranch hand all his life. He was proud of his children and step children and their accomplishments.
Walt worked for the Diamond Cross Ranch in Birney for the past twenty-three years and besides taking care of his own herd of cattle, had previously worked for the Beckton Stock Farm, the Wrench Ranch, and the Double Rafter Ranch. He was honored to have so many friends along the way.
Walt had may ‘Waltisms’ such as "landing forked end down", "hotter than a mojo or colder than a mojo", and his toast "to Hell’s no more". He used to say, "I can fix anything but a broken heart". If you did something wrong, he’d say, "You better have fast horse saddled!" He survived many ‘horse wrecks’ and will I’ve on through the many stories that he was a part of.
He is survived by his wife, Victoria, his son, Walt (wife Dianne) from Cohagen, Montana, his daughters, Virginia Ellis from Parker, Colorado, Pam Marshburn (husband Terry) from Arvada, Colorado, and Annette Hall (husband Rick) from Sheridan and seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. His first wife, Marianne, remains a special friend. He is also survived by his step children, Georgann Lee (husband Gene) from Sheridan, Tori Dietz (husband Frank) from Worland, Wyoming, and Gene Legerski (wife Becky) form Las Vegas, New Mexico and five step-grandchildren; his sisters, Ruth Nelson from Oregon, Shirley Philips from New Mexico, Donna Baker (husband Don) from Laurel, Montana, and his brother Robert (wife Ruth) from Billings, Montana.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at Kane Funeral Home on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 10:00 am with Roger St. Clair officiating. Kane Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 E. Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Phillip L. James, age 55, of Sheridan, WY died Saturday, August 9, 2008 in a motorcycle accident.
Phil was born April 11, 1953 in Lusk, WY to Lee & Mary (Hales) James.
Phil graduated from Niobrara High School in 1971 where he was a state champion wrestler in his weight class. He was a government trapper, experienced welder in the oil fields, a senior construction manager in Iraq and presently a general contractor owning his own business, CRC, Inc.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge and a life member of the NRA. Phil enjoyed snowmobiling, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, motorcycling and spending time with his boys, and sharing his wisdom with the many kids that were a part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his father, one sister; and one son.
Phil is survived by his wife and friend, Jaclyn James; two sons, Joel Edward James, and Timothy Lee James; their mom, Freya Parrett; two daughters, Amy Jo James, and fiancé, Lloyd, and Aimee Wagner, and husband, Troy; one brother, David James; one sister, Kim Brost, and husband, Breck; one grandson, Ryan Wagner; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be 2:30 P. M. Wednesday, August 13th, 2008, in the Early Auditorium, Sheridan Junior High School with the Rev. Glenn Murray officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Memorials may benefit the American Caner Society, 907 N. Poplar St., Suite 185, Casper, WY 82001
Larry G. Ostermyer, 65, of Sheridan, WY, died Friday, August 8, 2008 in Billings, Montana after head trauma form a fall.
Mr. Ostermyer was born January 11, 1943 in Otto, Iowa to Leo and Ruth (Kelsheimer) Ostermyer. His parents divorced when he was about four. He lived with his mother and step-father, Harry Kroll on the family farm north of Sioux City, Iowa until he joined the U. S. Army at age 22. Larry trained at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and then served 26 months in Germany in a Persian missile battery as a mechanic. After his discharge, he returned home to Iowa but things didn’t work out. A friend from the service, Denny Edwards, was from Buffalo, and had told Larry if he ever needed a job to come to Wyoming. With $80 and a suitcase of clothes, he came to Buffalo in June of 1969.
He worked about eight months for George Nimick and then for Wally Ramsbottom as a ranch hand. During that time he met Jean Lupton on a blind date and they married in 1972 in Sheridan. In 1975, Larry started working on the Texaco Ranch and he and Jean moved to Lower Piney Creek where they lived for 26 plus years raising their daughter, Lea and son, Kim while putting in many long hours irrigating, haying, raising a huge garden and trapping in his spare time.
Larry was as he said, “a pack rat” collecting date nails, barbed wire, porcelain signs, carpenter pencils and yardsticks, among other things.
At the end of 2001, Larry retired and they moved to Sheridan and continued his collecting and recycling. He was always busy and lived life to the fullest.
Larry will be remembered for his laughter, his many strong opinions, his passions and his love of the many people in his life. He was looking forward to enjoying his retirement more by going on more fishing trips and to looking after his grandson who was born on August 2nd.
Mr. Ostermyer was preceded in death by his parents and step-father. He is survived by his wife, Jean, of Sheridan, WY; one daughter, Lea Koenig, of Saginaw, MI; one son, Kim Ostermyer, of Salt Lake City, UT; one grandson, of Salt Lake City; one sister, Karen Stultz; three step-brothers, Harry, Jr., Dennis and Mike; and three step-sisters, Marilyn, Linda and Colleen.
A Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 A. M. Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Steve Wuthier officiating. A reception will be held at the Kalif Shrine Center Auditorium, 145 W. Loucks St., Sheridan, immediately following the service with inurnment in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery at 3:00 P. M. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Those planning on attending the memorial service are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably at the request of Larry’s family.
Memorials in memory of Larry may be made to the Sheridan Area Search and Rescue, 1898 Fort Road, Sheridan, WY 82801
Helen K. Warnke, age 95, of Sheridan, Wyoming died Saturday, February 9, 2008, in Sheridan Manor.
Helen was born February 17, 1912, in Tripp, S. Dakota to Whittmore & Rosa (Wildermuth) Mikuska.
Helen grew up and graduated from high school in Tripp. She married Edmund Henry Warnke, Sr. on July 24, 1934, in Mitchell, S. Dakota. Helen was a homemaker until Edmund was killed in an automobile accident. After that she cleaned for Mossholders, Vickery Lumber, Bloedorn Lumber, Helvey Hotel and Gibson Lumber. She retired when she was 89 years old. Helen enjoyed music, reading and working circle puzzles.
Helen was also preceded in death by her three brothers, her great grandson, Cody Warnke, and her son-in-law, Ron Bodine.
Helen is survived by her sons Tom & wife Alice of Sheridan, Jon & wife Joyce of Torrington, WY, and Ed, Jr. & wife Jackie of Sheridan, daughters Rose Marie Buckley & husband James of Sheridan, & Wanda Bodine of Torrington, WY; eleven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 1 great, great grandchild.
Memorial service will be 10:00 A. M. Saturday, August 9, 2008 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Goodwin officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Memorials in memory of Mrs. Warnke may benefit the Sheridan Senior Citizen’s Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
Michael V. Chalfant, 51, of Parkman, Wyoming, passed away on August 1, 2008, at the Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County after a two year battle with cancer.
Mike was born on October 21, 1956, in Sheridan, to Vincent and Edna (Shroeder) Chalfant. He graduated from Big Horn High School in 1975 and in 1979, he married Susan Cox/Bradshaw. To this union, a son, Sean arrived..
Mike worked at Spring Creek Coal and he enjoyed hunting, drawing western art, watching the Denver Broncos play football, and working outdoors. He especially liked watching Sean play basketball and spending time with his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Vincent, and he is survived by his wife of 28 years, Susan, and his son, Sean; his mother, Edna Scott of Sheridan and one brother, Larry Chalfant also of Sheridan.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at 10:00 am with Pastor Kirk Peters, of the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Kane Funeral Home and interment will be in the Dayton Cemetery.
Memorials in Mike’s name may be made to a fund for the education of Sean or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Kane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Mildred L. Fox, of Sheridan passed away on August 2, 2008, at Westview Health Care Center. She was 96 years old. She was born to Elmer and Bertha (Webb) Thomas on March 31, 1912, in Afton, Iowa, the oldest of five children. When Mildred was seven, the family moved to a homestead south of Rozet, Wyoming. She went to school in the traditional one room country school house. At age fifteen, Mildred lost her mother to a scarlet fever epidemic. As the oldest, she helped her father raise the younger siblings.
Mildred married Kenneth Chace in 1931. To that union, a son, William (Billy) was born. The family moved to Sheridan in 1945 and Ken passed away in 1976.
Mildred married Parke Fox in 1978. He passed away in 2002, and Mildred moved to Westview at that time.
During her years in Sheridan, she worked for Tudor Cleaners, Sandwich Shop, Elks Dining Room, and Central School Cafeteria. She enjoyed playing cards, fishing, camping, traveling and visiting with family and friends. Her house was always open to visitors and she was never too busy to sit down for a cup of coffee and conversation. Everyone was invited to share here table at meal time and always urged to stay a "Little Longer."
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, two brothers, two husbands, one son and one niece. She is survived by one sister, Carole (Ken) Irish of Gillette, Wyoming, and one half sister, Betty (Wayne) Dygert of Buffalo, Wyoming, and several nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made to Day Break at the Senior Center, 211 Smith St, Sheridan, WY or to Alzheimer’s Wyoming, PO Box 1493, Casper, WY 82602; or to the charity of their personal choice.
Graveside services will be held on August 5, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with Cindy Shipley of the First Christian Church officiating. Kane Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
