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James ‘Pete’ Leroy Fitch
James “Pete” Leroy Fitch, 57, of Gillette, father of Kandi K. Murray of Sheridan, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, in Gillette. A private memorial service is planned at the Fitch Ranch. Arrangements are with Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, Mont. Born March 30, 1952, to Fred and Pauline (Eskew) Fitch, he attended rural grade school and Garfield County High School in Jordan, Mont., where he was known as an excellent athlete, especially in track and field. Mr. Fitch was known as a jack-of-all-trades, working as a rodeo clown, ranch hand and on sheepshearing crews, a farrier, and in the oil fields. He enjoyed horses, solitaire, cribbage, the outdoors, and meeting people. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Fitch. His companion was Carol Fitzlaff. Survivors include a second daughter, Jaimie Hoffmann of Littleton, Colo.; a son, Casper Fitch of Rapid City; two brothers, Monte Fitch of Jordan and Bob Fitch of Huntley, Mont.; two sisters, Sue Muri of Miles City and Sally Ness of Billings; and several nieces and nephews.
Geraldine Frances McKinney
Geraldine Frances McKinney, 87, of Gillette, mother of Karen Izzard of Sheridan, died Friday, March 19, 2010, at Campbell County Memorial Hospital. A celebration of life was this morning in Gillette Memorial Chapel with Shayla Graham officiating. Burial is in Greenwood cemetery, Upton. Born Sept. 28, 1922, to Frank H. and Viola M. (Alverson) Mendenhall on the family ranch near Upton, she moved at age 7 to town, where she attended Upton schools. While in high school, she participated in basketball and was a member of 1939 championship team for the Lady Bobcats. Her family enjoyed many fishing trips to Sand Creek near Beulah, which later became a favorite fishing and camping destination for her own family. She worked for a time as a bookkeeper and truck driver at the Wyodak Chemical Plant, which her father managed. She hoped to enlist in the Navy but was unable to serve due to a heart murmur. She married
Samuel Patrick McKinney on July 1, 1944, in Madison, Wis. When he returned from the war, they resided in Moorcroft. In 1963 the couple moved to Gillette and operated a wool warehouse. After her husband’s death in 1969, she began a 19-year career with Stockman’s Bank (First Interstate) as receptionist/PBX operator until her retirement. She enjoyed 1940s’ music, family gatherings, cooking, and spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Gillette and for 69 years a member of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 32 in Upton. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Lauren Falk and Marjorie Thompson; and a half sister, Helen McVety. Survivors include a second daughter, Patricia Harwood of Gillette; a brother, Frank Mendenhall of Tooele, Utah; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews. A memorial in her name will benefit OES charities. Memorials and condolences may be sent c/o Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716.
Jo-Elaine Howard Upton
Former Sheridan resident Jo-Elaine Howard Upton, 85, died Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, N.M. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is 1:30 p.m. March 25 at the Assisted Living Center of the Good Samaritan Retirement Village where she resided until her death. Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home in Las Cruces, N.M. She was born in Osceola, Iowa, on Jan. 5, 1925, to Ernest Howard and Opal O’Neall Howard. After brief stays in Iowa and Colorado, the family moved to Sheridan where she attended Sheridan schools and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1942. She received an associate’s degree in fine arts in 1944 from Colorado Women's College in Denver. A voice major, she received an award of merit at graduation for her exemplary character. During college she was elected President of the Glee Club, and was active in La Tritonne, a music fraternity. As member of The Bit and Spur Club she was able to display equestrian skills learned during her childhood in Sheridan and Story, and was the radio announcer of a popular Sunday morning broadcast in Denver. She lived New York City in 1945 where she studied voice at Barnard College. She returned to Sheridan and married
Walter Upton in 1947. She moved to various states with her husband who worked as an account manager for Montgomery Ward until his retirement. The couple moved to Las Cruces in 1983. She enjoyed reading, animals (especially her horses and dogs), and volunteer work. She offered voice recitals at various venues throughout her life, including the Sheridan Women’s Club. She was active in the War Bond Drive. Mrs. Upton continued educational pursuits with attendance at seminars and college classes, and received a Certificate of Advanced Standing from George Williams College in Downer's Grove, Ill., in 1978. She was active with the Episcopal church, and participated in activities addressing world hunger and juvenile justice issues. She was a member of the Las Cruces Chapter of the League of Women Voters. She was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include two children of California, Kristine Diamond and Greg Upton; and one grandson.
William B. Carroll
Memorial services for William B. Carroll, 88, of Sheridan are at noon, March 27, 2010, at First Baptist Church with Pastor Chuck Gifford officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Sheridan Municipal cemetery. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Carroll died Sunday, March 14, 2010, at his residence.
Dorothy Moerike
Dorothy Moerike, 87, of Buffalo died Friday, March 12, 2010, at her daughter’s home in Las Vegas. Private graveside service is planned March 28 at Willow Grove cemetery in Buffalo with Neil Wolcott officiating.
ESTHER McWILLIAMS
SEPTEMBER 5, 1925 - MARCH 14, 2010
Esther McWilliams, 84, of Sheridan passed away at Westview Health Care Center on Sunday, March 14, 2010. Esther was born on September 5, 1925 to Gottlieb and Christina (Job) Mueller in Ranchester, Wyoming. She was a woman of extraordinary intelli- gence who loved the natural world and could name most North American plants and birds on sight. Esther had a unique eye and spent years photographing her travels, most notably the Big Horn Mountains which she loved best of all. Her book, “Beauty of the Big Horns” and its subsequent DVD reflect the love that she had for her homeland. She taught us many things, but most of all that there is something beautiful wherever you look.
Esther was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and four sisters. Survivors include her children, Michael McWilliams of Stanwood, Washington, Diana Bochenski of Sheridan, Wyoming, Anthony McWilliams of Basin, Wyoming and her sister Emma Milford of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Private family services will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory can be made to the Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury (Web/Support) 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203. Or donate online at www.nature.org/joinanddonate/?src=11 Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
William B. Carroll
William B. Carroll, 88, of Sheridan died Sunday, March 14, 2010, at his residence, surrounded by family. Memorial services are noon Saturday at First Baptist Church with Pastor Chuck Gifford officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Sheridan Municipal cemetery. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Born Dec. 11, 1921, to Robert E. and Lavina (Watson) Carroll, he attended Sheridan schools, the University of Wyoming and Colorado College. He joined Sigma Nu fraternity during his college years. He attended Harvard for naval communications training and served nearly four years during World War II in the Navy, receiving a commission as ensign radioman second class. Much of his Navy time was spent in the Aleutians. He met Nelda Mae Olson in high school, and the two married
after the war on Jan. 2, 1947. He was co-owner of Carroll’s Furniture in Sheridan, retiring in the 1970s due to health. Mr. Carroll was a charter member of the YMCA, helping with fundraising for the current building. He was past president of the Linden School PTA, selected by the governor as chairman of the civil defense committee, served on the city planning commission, and was a past president, secretary and treasurer during many terms on the school board. A lifelong Baptist, he served First Baptist Church at one time on its board of trustees. He enjoyed teaching his children to fish, chop wood, dig up stumps, drive a stick shift, shoot a gun, change a flat tire, and chase down window peekers with croquet mallets. He was preceded in death by his wife; two brothers, Clifford Carroll and Dr. Robert A. Carroll; two sisters, Ruth Driskill and Ethel Vance; and a daughter, Mary Ann Carroll Taylor. Survivors include four daughters, Jane Carroll of Tulsa, Okla., Catherine Kiaie of Milwaukee, and Patti Prestfeldt and Margaret Sare of Sheridan; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorials may benefit Hospice of the Big Horns at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, 1401 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801; Sheridan Senior Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan; or First Baptist Church, 3179 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan.
Michael Jurosek
Michael G. Jurosek, 87, of Big Horn died Wednesday, March 10, 2010, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Jurosek was born October 7, 1922 in Kooi to Michael and Mary (Urbatchka) Jurosek. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp on October 24, 1942, and served as a flight engineer-lieutenant until his honorable discharge on August 12, 1945. Jurosek married
Donna Cain in 1962 in Billings. He graduated from Harlington, Texas High School, went to college in Jefferson City, Mo. for a year, served in World War II, came back to the states and continued his education at The University of Missouri. Jurosek then moved back to Sheridan and began a career as a small business owner, with his first venture being The Trail Bar with his brother Bob. He then went on to own The Sheridan Inn, Ten Pin Lounge and Seafood, and ranched in Big Horn area for 47 years. Jurosek enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cribbage, shooting craps, hunting, fishing, going south for the winter, and making his Polish whiskey, vajunka. He was a member of The Elks, Mountain Eagles, Moose, and American Legion. Jurosek was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Donna, of Big Horn, daughter Marcia Lukas, and from a previous marriage, daughters Cynthia Jurosek and Michelle Marie, son Jack Cain, and five grandchildren. Christian wake service will be 4 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ronald Stolcis officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Harold LaVern Link
Big Horn County resident Harold LaVern Link, 67, brother of Carl Allen Link of Sheridan, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at South Big Horn County Critical Access Hospital between Basin and Greybull. Viewing is 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at Atwood Family Chapel in Greybull followed by funeral services with Pastor Kent Dempsey officiating. Burial is at Emblem cemetery in Emblem. A reception for family and friends will follow at Greybull Elks BPOE Lodge 1431. Born Nov. 15, 1942, in Powell to Carl Link and Orpha (Oleson) Link, he grew up in the Big Horn Basin and graduated from Greybull High School. He married
Elizabeth Mae Nielsen on June 14, 1969, at Zion Lutheran Church in Emblem. They had two sons and later divorced. He worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for 20 years, retiring in 2005. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and four-wheeling and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Emblem. In addition to his brother, survivors include two sons, Preston Link and Jacob Link of Greybull; his wife, Margo Kay Link of Greybull; and two grandchildren of Indiana. Memorials may be sent to a fund in his name at Security State Bank, P.O. Box 531, Basin, WY 82410.
Helen L. Wiley
Helen L. Wiley, 86, of Sheridan died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at Sheridan Manor. A celebration of life for friends and family is 2 p.m. Friday at Sheridan Manor. Burial is 3 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Olivet cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colo. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home.
HAROLDINE PETERSON
MARCH 11, 1924 - SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
The beautiful and loving consciousness of Haroldine Peterson left us peacefully, early in the morning of Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Haroldine was born in Caldwell, Idaho on March 11, 1924. At the time, her father, Robert Jones, ran a dairy. Her mother, Mae Jones, also worked from sun to sun caring for the family _ now four sisters and one brother. When Haroldine was five, her parents sold the dairy, moved to town and purchased and operated a grocery store. Haroldine attended high school in Idaho, Colorado (where she was elected as a cheerleader) and California. She graduated in 1942. Intent on making her own contribution to the World War II effort, she worked as a station agent for the Union Pacific Railroad for two years. Afterwards she attended Walla Walla College and later worked as an assistant editor at Washington State University. There she met our father Donald Peterson. They married
in 1947 and honeymooned in Sun Valley. Afterwards they attended the sugar beet convention in Colorado Springs, then drove on to make their new home in Sheridan, Wyoming where Don was newly employed as a geneticist with Holly Sugar Corporation. In Sheridan, Haroldine was active in the Congregational Church, P.E.O. Chapter T, membership drives for Community Concerts, PTA, book review club, bridge groups, square dancing, and all the ice skating, sledding, snowball throwing, tent camping, and picnicking offered by such an idyllic place to raise kids. The family moved to California in 1970. As an Executive Secretary at Fujitsu Corporation in the San Francisco Bay Area, Haroldine was nicknamed Dena. She graduated from West Valley College, managed a chain of shoe stores, was a supermodel at the Emporium, I Magnin and Saks and became a certified graphologist. She remained active in P.E.O. and also enjoyed line dancing, ballroom dancing, and was an avid dowser and a student of metaphysics. If you lived in Sheridan in the 1950s and 1960s, you would probably remember Haroldine. Those who met her even briefly remark that she extended unconditional love and listened with genuine interest. She saw only the good in people yet laughed at the ironies of life. She had a quick wit. In her presence you felt healed. Her favorite color was lavender in any shade. She even loved its aroma. Others called her Haroldine or Dena. We are so proud to have called her Mom. We miss her. But her gentle touch will always be with us, her words of wisdom always in our ear, her loving kindness always an inspiration. And though we no longer have the privilege of holding her hand, looking into her eyes, or hearing her laugh, we feel her presence often. Haroldine is preceded in death by Donald Peterson and their son Terry. She is survived by daughters Bobbi Peterson and Karen (and Ron) Dickenson living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
SUZANNE BETH FRYE BUCHANAN
FEBRUARY 24, 1949 - MARCH 6, 2010
Surrounded by family and dear friends, Suzanne Beth Frye Buchanan died Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Wyoming Medical Center, Casper. She was born February 24, 1949 in Sutherland, Nebraska, the second child of Theodore George Frye and Mary Elizabeth Poff. She grew up on a registered Herford ranch five miles north of Arthur, Nebraska. She graduated from Arthur County High School in 1967. While in high school she competed in music, volleyball and track programs. She attended Chadron State College before marrying Ted Thomas Buchanan in Ogallala, NE on June 19, 1971. They had two children, Tanya and Jason. Suzanne was a long time member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Lamar, Colorado, Worland and Gillette, Wyoming. She enjoyed fishing with her father in the Nebraska sand hills and traveling to her husband_s Vietnam Army reunions. She taught piano lesson to many children in Lamar and Worland. Among her many hobbies were quilting and playing with her three granddaughters. She is survived by her husband, Ted of Sheridan, daughter, Tanya Marie Buchanan and granddaughters, Paige Marie and Ella Gray Wise, son, Jason, daughter-in-law, Courtney and granddaughter, Beatrix Finn Buchanan of Billings, Montana; one sister, Shelley (Tim) Knott, Arthur, NE and sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Sam Talbott; one niece and five nephews. An early summer private family memorial service will be held in Arthur. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Bustard’s Funeral Home.
Lavon I. Cox
Former Sheridan resident Lavon I. Cox, 82, died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Gillette of natural causes. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements were with Gillette Memorial Chapel. A celebration of life is 3-5 p.m. Friday at the Sheridan Elks Club, 45 W. Brundage St. Born Oct. 10, 1927, in Belle Fourche, S.D., she graduated in 1945 from Sundance High School. She moved with her family to Sheridan, where she married
Howard Cox. She was preceded in death by two sons, Gary in 1967 and Howard in 1996. Survivors include two sons, Steve of Wyarno and Ed of Gillette; one daughter, Vicki Connally of Gillette; a brother, Tom Rabe of Great Falls, Mont.; a sister, Lou Krinning of Pickerton, Texas; four grandsons; two granddaughters; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
DONALD MOWRY L. OBDELL
DECEMBER 17, 1912 - MARCH 4, 2010
Donald Mowry Lobdell, 97, of Sheridan passed away at Westview Healthcare Center on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Donald was born December 17, 1912 in Casper, Wyoming to Donald M. and Sylvia (Ricker) Lobdell. During high school he worked summers on ranches in Dubois and Pinedale. After graduation from Natrona County High School he married
June (Smith) Hodgson on June 3, 1938. In 1942 he joined the United States Marine Corps and spent two years in the South Pacific as a Master Tech Sargeant. From 1951-1953 he owned and operated Blue Bird Laundry in Casper, Wyoming. Donald moved to California in 1953 and owned numerous businesses including a bakery, horse stable, liquor store, chemical toilets, car wash and managed a hardware store. In 1972 he had a mobile home business before retiring in 1974. Don and June traveled to Bermuda, China, New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Germany and Switzerland. Donald eventually moved back to Sheridan to be with his daughter in 1994. Donald’s interests include playing golf, skiing, ski patrol, hunting and traveling. He was a former Mason, Shriner, member of the Elks, Eve’s Casper Country Club, National Ski Patrol, a private pilot and he set up a scholarship at the University of Wyoming. Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Sylvia Lobdell and his wife, June Lobdell formerly of Sheridan. He is survived by his daughter Donna Kuehne of Sheridan; grand-daughter Jennie K. Loomis of Sheridan and great-grandchildren Kailey and Winfield Loomis of Sheridan. Donald is also survived by his good friends Madonna J. Rowe, Deb Adams and Jim Tyra, all of Sheridan. Memorial service will be held Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:00 am at Kane Funeral Home with Pastor John Meyer of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church officiating. Military flag presentation to follow. Private inurnment will take place at the Wyoming Memorial Gardens cemetery in Casper Wyoming at a later date. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Wyoming Chapter, 400 E. 1st Street, Casper WY 82601 or the Sheridan Senior Citizen’s Center, 211 Smith Street, Sheridan WY 82801. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Norman Hugh Weddle
Norman Hugh Weddle, 78, of Sheridan died Thursday, March 4, 2010, at his residence. Services were Monday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Thomas Ogg officiating. A reception followed in the Parish Hall. Arrangements were with Kane Funeral Home. Born Nov. 16, 1931, to Clyde and Vera Weddle in Metcalf, Ill., he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954. He married
Annamae Weddle on Dec. 18, 1954, in Kankakee, Ill. Mr. Weddle enjoyed reading, watching John Wayne movies, riding his power chair throughout town, and Day Break at the Senior Center. He was preceded in death by his wife; a daughter, Marylou; and a sister, Sharon. Survivors include a daughter, Suzanne Bohm of Sheridan; two sons, James Weddle of Sheridan and Terrence Weddle of Scottsbluff, Neb.; a sister, Lois Wallace of Chrisman, Ill.; a brother, Herman Weddle of Metcalf; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent c/o James Weddle, Citco Federal Credit Union, 502 N. Main St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
DIANE (BAKER ) HUTCHINSON
AUGUST 15, 1930 - MARCH 6, 2010
Diane (Baker) Hutchinson age 79, of Sheridan, Wyoming, a very beautiful lady with an unlimited supply of love for her family, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2010 in Gillette, Wyoming of respiratory failure. At her request, cremation will take place and private family services will be held at a later date at the Black Hills National cemetery, Sturgis SD. Diane was born in Glendive, Montana on August 15, 1930 to Clem and Willah (Shaub) Baker. Diane was truly a native of Glendive as all of her maternal great-grandparents settled there in the early 1880_s. She attended Washington Elementary School and graduated from Dawson County High School in 1948. After high school, she worked as an operator for Mountain Bell before moving to Yakima, Washington in the fall of 1949 where she was employed by two different news agencies. Diane returned to Glendive in the fall of 1952 and worked for Consolidated Freightways. Diane married
C. Keith Hutchinson on December 23, 1953 in Glendive. They spent the next twenty-five years traveling as part of Keith_s Air Force career. They shared fifty-six wonderful and adventurous years together as they lived in Texas, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Massachusetts, Montana, Alabama, Virginia, Iran and Oklahoma before settling in Sheridan, Wyoming in 1978. No matter where they lived or how humble the house, Diane always transformed it into a home. Diane was an avid bowler until arthritis forced her to quit. She set house records and was among the best female bowlers wherever she competed. In her later years, she even out played her family in Wii Bowling. She also loved to fish and frequently reminisced about doing so at Intake with her dad as a kid. When fishing with her husband, she often kept score, but there was no need because she nearly always caught more than him. After her husband retired, they traveled to Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Australia, and about the continental United States. Camping with their pick-up camper and, in later years, their motor home, were yearly highlights. She enjoyed snow birding to escape part of the Wyoming winter. She especially liked having the entire family together at an annual campout at Glendo Reservoir or in the Black Hills. When at home, Diane enjoyed sitting on her back porch to take in the view of the Big Horn Mountains and watch the wild animals that visited her yard. She had a complicated relationship with the deer, as they were fun to watch but frustratingly fond of her flower beds. She cared deeply for all animals, but had a special love for her record-breaking twenty-eight pound cat, _TC_. She also spent many pleasurable hours doing crossword puzzles, playing back- gammon, and having long telephone conversation with her children. Diane is survived by her husband Clarence Keith Hutchinson of Sheridan, WY; daughter Debbie Wolf (Frank) of Gillette, WY; daughter Vicki Burgess (Freddy) of Bailey, CO; son, Jerry (Gerveann) Hutchinson of Gillette, WY; and grandchildren Ryan Wolf of Denver, CO; Erin Wolf (Aaron) Spatz of Denver, CO; Kayla Wolf of Laramie, WY; and Tracy Nemes of Gillette, WY. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Ellenor Ripley. Condolences may be sent in her name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the website at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com
