DECEMBER 2004
Jose Adonias Ramirez ~ Dec. 2, 2004
Tomasa De Leon ~ Dec. 2, 2004
Gladys Heasler~ Dec. 3, 2004
Edward L. Christensen ~ Dec. 7, 2004
Ruth G. Branstetter ~ Dec. 8, 2004
Margaret Marie Thull ~ Dec. 14, 2004
Eugene Brewer ~ Dec. 18, 2004
Virginia Johnson ~ Dec. 14, 2004
Connie H. Gutierrez ~ Dec. 18, 2004
Mary Ellen Burgener ~ Dec. 19, 2004
Howard William Roby ~ Dec. 20, 2004
Isadora "Issy Dorie" Lee - December 26, 2004
Vernon Dale Keever ~ Dec. 29, 2004
Ray Kenton McCullough ~ Dec. 29, 2004
Harold Grammar ~ Dec. 31, 2004
Jose Adonias Ramirez, Sr. - Dec. 2
Former Powell resident Jose Adonias Ramirez, Sr., 85, Worland, died at the Worland Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Thurs., Dec. 2.
He was born on July 1, 1919 in Monero, N.M., to Jose A. and Senida (Garcia) Ramirez. At an early age, his family moved to Powell where he received his education and worked on farms in the area.
He served in the Army during WWII and was proud that he was able to serve his country. After his discharge he returned to Powell where he continued to work as a farm hand. He was married to Ann Gonzales in Powell on Sept.17, 1947.
In 1963 the family moved to Worland where he worked on various farms until his retirement. Shortly after this he went to work for the City of Worland in the parks department. He retired for the final time in 2002.
Hobbies during his life included, hunting, gardening and his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Alfred and Jose Jr.; one brother and four sisters.
He is survived by his wife Ann of Worland, son; John (Teresa) Ramirez of Rockford, Ill., daughters; Esther (Jesus) Guzman of Worland, Rachel (Joaquin) Garcia of La Vernia, Texas, Barbara Monrroy and Diana (Florencio) Deniz, both of Worland; brothers Frank, Philip, Joe A. and Eugene Ramirez; sisters, Susie Rangel and Carmen Soto; grandchildren, Jose E. Ramirez, Jesus A. Guzman Jr., Pompeyo Monrroy Jr., Jose A. Guzman, Gloria J. (Antonio) Galarza, Cristina E. Guzman, Amanda L. ( Manuel) Gomez, Antonio N. Monrroy, Armando Deniz, Melissa Garcia, Adriana Deniz, Alejandro Deniz and Hanna Ramirez; three great-grandchildren, and one step-grandson.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Dec. 6, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, with Father Sam Hayes officiating. Burial was at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Worland with the American Legion and VFW in charge of military honors. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Fund in care of Bryant Funeral Home PO Box 524 Worland, WY 82401. Bryant Funeral Home wass in charge of arrangements.
Funeral services are scheduled today (Tuesday) at 1 p.m. at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home in Powell for Tomasa De Leon, 82, who died Thursday, Dec. 2 in Great Falls, Mont.
She was born in Cameron, Texas, on Dec. 29, 1921, the daughter of Estevan and Luz Arriaga. She was the oldest of seven sisters.
She married Ventura (Ben ) De Leon, and together they made their home in Garland where they both enjoyed working the soil of their flower beds and garden. Passers-by would often stop to enjoy the cool of the trees that rimmed the flower garden.
She enjoyed sewing and quiliting, as well as cooking for other people. Her family recalls that no one left her home hungry.
Her gift of hospitality included her annual involvement making food baskets and providing clothing for anyone in need.
She was blessed with four children, three daughters, Pilar (deceased), Julie (Mark) Meis and Rachel (Vern) Stiller; one son, Estevan (Mary Davey) De Leon; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ventura.
Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery under the direction of Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
Gladys Heasler, 80, died at the Powell Nursing Home Friday, Dec. 3.
She was born Gladys Louise Peters to Albert and Anna Peters Sept. 5, 1924, in Glendive Mont. She was the last of four children. Her parents, sister Hazel, brothers Harold "Bud" and Albert Peters preceded her in death. Her father Albert was a 32 second degree Mason and her mother an active member of the Rebekahs.
In 1928 her father moved the family to Powell when he took the job of field superintendent for the newly discovered Badger Basin oil field. He supervised the development of the field to include an onsite refinery and was instrumental in the foundation of the Resolute Oil Company.
Gladys went to grade school and high school in Powell, graduating from Powell High School in 1942. She began dating Dick Heasler in high school and married him in August of that year. Together they had four children, Richard, Patrick, Henry and Margaret. Gladys enthusiastically supported her husband in all his local political endeavors, from his years on the city council to two terms as mayor and 30 years on the hospital board.
She was a member of The League of Women Voters and was committed to the issues they supported. She put a great deal of effort into gaining national support for diabetes research. She never lost her sense of humor and for that she was best known. Her culinary talents were exceptional and she was known throughout the state as an excellent cook. One could always count on a delicious meal served with equally good jokes when visiting her home.
She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. A private service will be held. Donations can be made to either Alzheimer or Diabetes research.
Edward L. Christensen - Dec. 7
Powell native Edward L. Christensen, 72, died on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 in Ventura, California after a short illness.
He was born November 7, 1932 in Powell, the son of Arthur and Audrey Rimbey Christensen. He spent his childhood on the Willwood and was a 1951 graduate of Powell High School.
During the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and until his retirement worked for H&H Oil Tool and Crane Service where he was a heavy equipment and crane operator. He had lived in Santa Paula, California for 31 years.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Christensen, of Santa Paula, brother Donald Christensen of Powell and his children, Terri (Gary) Hansen, Leath Peter Christensen, Audra (Mark) Winter, Rhonda (James) Burke, Krystal (Eric) Johnson and Gregory (Carol) Harding-Brown and 11 grandchildren.
He is also survived by his aunts, Mina Christensen of Powell and Ruth Garret, from Utah and his nephew Scott Christensen (Becky), Ucross, Wyoming and nieces, Lori (Randy) Lohrenz of Powell, Jodi (Shawn) Byrne of Billings and Kari Jones, of Florida and Clara (Mike) Maringas of Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Wesley Lyle Christensen and Rodney Christensen.
Services were held in Santa Paula on December 14. A memorial service will be held in Powell at a later date.Memorial services for Powell native Edward L. Christensen will be held Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m. at the Union Presbyterian Church. The Rev. David Hunter will officiate. Christensen, 72, died Dec. 7, 2004, in Santa Paula, Calif. He spent his childhood on the Willwood and was a 1951 graduate of Powell High School. Survivors include his wife, Joan Christensen of Santa Paula; six children and 11 grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Christensen of Powell.
He is also survived by aunts, Mina Christensen of Powell and Ruth Garret of Sandy, Utah.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Powell for Ruth G. (Wright) Branstetter, who died Friday, Dec. 3 at the Powell Hospital. She was 89.
Pastor Jesse Sauskojus will officiate at services and burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.
She was born Nov. 6, 1915, in Powell to Asa Gulla Wright and Gladys G. Logan Wright. She lived in Emblem, Greybull and Powell and attended school in Powell, where she graduated in 1933.
She married Leo Branstetter in Basin on Dec. 21, 1935. They moved to Martinsdale, Mont., where she cooked for the hired hands and he worked on the ranch.
After returning to Powell she worked as a baker at the Powell Hospital for many years. She was a member of the Rebekahs and the North End Club. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, fishing and being with her family.
Survivors include her sons, Gary Branstetter and Donald (Diane) Branstetter, both of Powell; her daughters, Mary Hatch and Gladys (Arnie) Schwab, both of Powell, and Carol Mathews of Cody; brother Jack (Glenda) Wright of Billings, Mont.; 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her parents; four brothers and two sisters; sons-in law, John Mathews and Marlin Hatch; and two grandchildren.
Pallbearers at the funeral will be Barry Schwab, Stuart Schwab, Ray Branstetter, Nick Blank, Wilbur Mathews and Chris Pavloski. Honorary pallbearers are Bret Hatch and David Hatch.
Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Margaret Marie Thull - Dec. 14
Funeral services and a Catholic Burial Mass will be performed at 10 a.m. today (Thursday, Dec., 16) for Margaret Marie Thull, 85, who died Tuesday, Dec. 14 at the Powell Nursing Home.
Father Pete Johnson will officiate at services and burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.
She was born March 4, 1919, in Park City, Mont., to Frank and Katherine (Fischbach) Beslanowitch. She married Edwin Thull on June 28, 1938, in St. Anthony Catholic Church in Laurel, Mont., where they made their home.
They later moved to Cushman, Mont., and then to Wyoming, first to Wheatland and then to Powell in 1951.
She enjoyed crocheting and gardening, and loved her flowers and plants. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan. Her family will remember her as a very giving and loving person who loved her family and friends deeply and always expressed her love both verbally and in her actions.
Survivors include her daughter, Grace (Norman) Briggs of Manderson; two brothers, Louis (Audrey) Beslanowitch of Brush Prairie, Wash., and Herbert Beslanowitch of Powell; four grandchildren, Teresa (Brad) Johnson of Burnsville, Minn., Linda (Dan) Dalton of Powell, Rovenna (John) Cooley of Powell and Ed (Sid) Muller of Worland; five great-grandchildren, Melisa Dalton of Powell, Logan, Morgan, Jordan and Megan Muller of Worland; and one great-great-grandson, Cayden Dalton of Powell. Cayden always called her "Great Momma."
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Rovenna; and five brothers, Joe, Frank, John, Robert and George.
Mildred "Virginia" Johnson, 89, died Dec. 14, in Wenatchee, Wash., where she had just moved to be near a son.
She was born on July 27, 1915 to Charles G. and Clara Mudd, owners of the Mudd Cash Store in Powell and publisher of a one-page newspaper, The Powell Project, described as a "monthly message of good cheer". Virginia's parents and a brother died in the flu epidemic of 1918, and she lived with her aunt and uncle, Lora and Sidney Hooker, in Deaver where she graduated from high school.
She married Robert W. "Bob" Johnson in Jackson on July 13, 1935. They resided in Powell thereafter, raising a family of two sons and a daughter. Virginia became a freelance newspaper reporter providing news and feature articles of the Powell valley for the Billings Gazette, Worland Daily News and the Denver Post. She particularly enjoyed covering the sports events for the Powell High School and Northwest Community College. Her most cherished position was that as the secretary to the Powell High School for 18 years. She particularly enjoyed her days interacting with generations of young people and keeping in touch with them through their adult lives.
In the summer months of the late 1940's, Virginia volunteered to manage the City of Powell's public swimming pool, with her two sons as the pool cleaning crew. This started a lifelong interest in swimming (and cured her sons of ever wanting to clean swimming pools again) that continued through her recognition by the Montana Senior Olympic Committee as the recipient of the Warren Boyd Memorial Award in 2003 at the annual event in Butte. The award is given to senior athletes who have overcome disabilities, providing an inspiration to others. Over the years, as a competitor in the Senior Olympics, she earned 18 medals, most of them "Gold", including participation in the National Senior Olympics in Tucson, Ariz. in 1997. Swimming became a way of life for Virginia. It created friendships, support groups, provided recreation, exercise and focus on healthy nutrition. She was an inspiration to others, especially those who remembered her many years as the secretary at the high school.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, in 1994; her parents; three brothers and a sister.
She is survived by sons, Terry of Wenatchee, Wash.; Tom of Boise, Idaho; and daughter, Carol Suckle of Traverse City, Mich.; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
At her request, she has been cremated, and a memorial service will be held in Powell on a date to be announced in the spring of 2005.
Memorial services were held Wednesday for Eugene Brewer, 79, of Powell, who died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004, at the Powell Hospital.
He was born April 10, 1925, to Homer and Ida Brewer of Bellflower, Calif. He attended school in Bellflower and enlisted in the Navy in 1941.
He married Mary Moore in July of 1948. He was active in the VFW organization.
Preceding him in death were his brother, Bob, and his parents. Survivors include two sisters, Peggy and Alene.
Memorial services took place at the VFW Club and private internment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Powell for Connie H. Gutierrez, 75, who died peacefully in her sleep Monday, Dec. 13 at the Powell Nursing Home after a short illness.
Rosary will be said Friday at 7 p.m. at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
She was born Sept. 24, 1929, to Santiago and Felicitas (Hernandez) Alvarez in Cody. She was educated in the Powell schools.
On June 30, 1953, she married Rogelio Gutierrez in Billings, Mont. To this union, two children were born.
Connie worked at the Powell Nursing Home as an aide until her retirement in 1992. Since retiring, she spent her time being active in the Powell VFW Auxiliary, especially the annual Poppy Sale and the Christmas Basket Program. She held the office of vice president of the VFW Auxiliary for several years.
She also had been a member of the Powell Eagles Auxiliary.
Survivors include her son, Richard Gutierrez and wife Laura of Byron; daughter Delia Galvan and husband Jaime of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Chad, Ryan and Amber Gutierrez; brothers, Tony Alvarez and wife Lola of Cody and Raymond Alvarez and wife Julie of Thorton, Colo.; sisters, Vera Villareal of Sacramento, Calif., and Sally Cruz of Powell; sister-in-law, Minerva G. Rios of Powell; special niece, Gloria Alvarez of Powell; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rogelio; an infant son; and her brothers-in-law, Valentine Cruz , Ed Villareal and Raul Rios.
She will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her gentle smile and joyful laugh. Flowers and gardening brought her special joy, and the sound of Mexican music always made her happy.
Said her family, "You're dancing in heaven now, Connie, where the dance floor is golden, and the music never ends. We will always love you and miss you."
Mary Ellen Coorough Burgener, 89, died Dec. 19, 2004.
She was born April 2, 1915, in Powell to Boston Ora and Blanche Logan Wright. She attended Powell schools and spent most of her life here.
On Feb. 7, 1934, she wed Delbert Coorough in Billings. Dell died April 20, 1966.
She married Ferdinand Burgener on May 25, 1969, in Powell. Ferd died Aug. 19, 1969.
Mary Ellen was a wonderful cook, and she spent most of her working life in that area. She was employed as department head of Powell Hospital's food service for many years and later at the Greybull-Basin hospital.
Family was always important in her life. She positively influenced many lives.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, fishing, playing cards, music and dancing. She spent many enjoyable hours at the Senior Center.
Survivors include children Bob (Bonnie) Coorough and Blanche (Jim) Stebner; grandchildren Ned Coorough, Victor, Mont.; Cindy (Cliff) Collings, Cheyenne; Caleen (Barclay) Berry, Camano Island, Wash.; Curt (Connie) Stebner, Lance (Dey Lynn) Stebner and Todd (Michelle) Stebner, Greybull; great-grandchildren Ralston, Kathleen, Saxton and Tyler Coorough, David and Tucker Collins, Declan Berry, Cory, Chancey, Mason, Megan and Landen Stebner; brothers Wayne (Clem) Wright, Tucson, Ariz., Raymond (Dorathy) Wright, Huntington Beach, Calif.; and special friend Duard Farmer of Powell.
She was preceded in death by husband Dell Coorough and husband Ferd Burgener; parents Ora and Blanche Wright; brother Wilbur Wright; and a sister, Virginia Schock Nelson.
Her loved ones will always love and remember her for her independent and "Let's get it done" attitude.
Memorial services are scheduled for Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. at Miratsky Funeral Home in Powell. Internment will follow at 11 a.m. at the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Memorial services will be conducted Monday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at First Southern Baptist Church in Powell for Howard William (Corky) Roby, 47, who died Nov. 28 in Billings, Mont.
He was born April 29, 1957, to Howard and Nancy Roby.
Survivors include a son, Matthew Roby; daughters Shannon Roby and Amy Roby; his parents, Nancy and Howard Roby; brothers Ed Roby and David Roby; five sisters, Lori Leeper, Dori Hendrickson, Diane Keller, Angie Zent and Julie Matheson; and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Bethel Capron.
Isadora ‘Issy Dorie’ Lee - December 26
Isadora “Issy Dorie” Lee, 87, died Monday, Dec. 26 at Powell Valley Health Care.
She was born April 2, 1918, in Twin Lakes, Minn., to John Raymond and Elizabeth Bridget Callahan. She married Erving Lee on Sept. 3, 1941, in New Richland, Minn. The couple had seven children, Robert Lee of Hewitt, Minn., Charles and wife Brenda Lee of Deer Creek, Minn., Tim and wife Becky Lee of Parkers Prairie, Minn., Jan and husband Dick Warren of Powell, Lucille and husband Chuck Walker of Villard, Minn., Patricia and husband Max Crumrine of Lovell and Julie Piere of Alexandria, Minn.
She is survived by her children; a brother, Walter and wife Mary Callahan of Austin, Minn.; two sisters, Ellen and husband Paul Sweeney of LeSueur, Minn., and Margaret and husband Don Gordon of Bellflower, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ambrose and Nick Callahan; a sister, Veronica Callahan; and a grandson, Travis Piere.
Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell. Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lovell.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, with Father Pete Johnson and Father Eckley Macklin officiating.
Ray Kenton McCullough - Dec. 29
Funeral services are scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Powell for Ray Kenton McCullough, 66, who died peacefully in his sleep Friday, Dec. 24 at his home in Powell.
He was born Dec. 3, 1938, on the family farm on the Willwood south of Powell, one of five children born to George and Helen McCullough.
He graduated from Powell High School in 1957. He served in the Army National Guard of Wyoming at Fort Lewis, Wash., and was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He made his career in the oil patch with Texaco, working throughout the Rocky Mountain region until 1973 when he accepted a position as senior drilling supervisor with P.T. Caltex Pacific in Sumatra, Indonesia, to build a college fund for his two sons (or to hear him say it, "until I get my sock full, and my sock has two large holes.") His overseas assignment gave him the opportunity to travel and make friends around the world. He retired in 1989 and returned to Powell.
He was a firearms enthusiast without comparison, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing with his brother Meldon, endless summer yard work, poker nights, Jeopardy! and drinking coffee and solving the problems of the world at McCullough Peaks. Kenton had an infectious sense of humor and could tell a story like no one else. He was well-read and strong-willed, and he he had strong opinions that he was happy to share.
He was hard-working, honest and fair, and he kept his word. But most of all, he was devoted to his family, taking particular delight in his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a dedicated and loving father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Survivors include his sons, Travis of New York City, N.Y., and Tracy (Brenda) of Powell; three grandchildren, Stephanie, Sean and Sara, all of Powell; sister Virginia (Glen) Loomis of West Yellowstone, Mont.; and brothers Meldon and Gary, both of Powell.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tonight (Tuesday) at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, Dec. 31 at 1 p.m. at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home in Powell for former Powell resident Harold Grammar, 71, who died Friday, Dec. 24 in Billings, Mont.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 3 at Ballard Funeral Home in Cody for Vernon Dale Keever, 85, who died Wednesday, Dec. 29 at West Park Nursing Home.
He was born July 17, 1919, to Ora E. and Hazel M. Keever in Quitman, Mo. He helped his dad on the farm and worked for neighbors for many years. He graduated from Quitman, Mo., high school in 1939. He was baptized in the Southern Methodist Church when he was 8.
He came to Cody in the early 1940s. He worked for Joe Winninger at Meeteetse in 1942, doing ranch work. He worked for Clyde Webster from 1943-1944 in Meeteetse doing ranch work.
He returned to Missouri and married Helen Louise Kempf on Feb. 14, 1947. They moved to Cody in September of 1947, riding in the back of his parents' pickup with their few belongings. He worked for a time as a plumber's helper, then went to work for the City of Cody in 1950.
He was appointed street commissioner in 1954 and retired in 1987.
He joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Cody in 1944. He was a member of the Cody aerie for 60 years. He was president of Cody Aerie 818 in 1968-69 and served in all local offices as well as state offices. He was Wyoming State President in 1983-84. He was state honorary father in 1992-93 and was honorary state grandfather in 1999-2000. He served as tri-state president and was mountain regional cancer president in 1982.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Helen; son Elwin Charles Keever (Nina); daughter Linda Marie Ruskowsky (Dale); brother Blaine Keever of Cody and brother Shelby (Emilee) Keever of Maryville, Mo.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dale Edward Keever; and brother, Purl Garland Keever.
Cody Eagles provided graveside rites, with members of the Eagles as pallbearers.