Russell W. (Rusty) Dawson ~ February
1, 2002
Blanch I. Kellersman ~ February 2, 2002
Nelle Viola Coley ~ February 6, 2002
Jane Marie (Sievers) Dyas ~ February 7, 2002
Helen Tebbs Bischoff ~ February 7, 2002
Dr. Edgar Waters Bryan III ~ February 10, 2002
Mae H. Percival ~ February 12, 2002
Maurine LaFleiche ~ February 13, 2002
Dorothy Churchill Keagle ~ February 15, 2002
Eleanor S. VanValin ~ February 17, 2002
Marlin Neilson Hatch ~ February 18, 2002
Marie E. Miller ~ February 18, 2002
Robert H. Martens ~ February 19, 2002
Richard Otto Peterson ~ February 20, 2002
W. Ivan James ~ February 20, 2002
Mildred G. Ohman ~ February 20, 2002
Mildred Jesmer Copenhaver ~ February 22, 2002
Eleanor Margaret Miller ~ February 23, 2002
George E. Cooke ~ February 24, 2002
Ella Thompson ~ February 28, 2002
Mary Rose Horn ~ February 28, 2002
Russell W. (Rusty) Dawson ~ February 1
Funeral services for one of Powell's pioneer business owners,
Russell W. (Rusty) Dawson, 88, will be conducted Thursday at 2 p.m. at the
First Southern Baptist Church.
Mr. Dawson, who died Friday, Feb. 1 in the Powell Hospital, owned and operated
a blacksmith shop and fabricating business on Powell's main street for 62 years
until his retirement. The Dawson Repair shop was the namesake for present-day
Blacksmith Plaza at 143 South Bent Street.
Pastor Don Peel will officiate at services and burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.
The Powell Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors.
Mr. Dawson had been a resident of the Powell Nursing Home for most of the last
two years.
He was born May 4, 1913, in Bloomington, Nebr., to John and Lula (Moffet) Dawson.
He moved to Powell as a young boy in 1916.
In 1950, he and B. Berniece Johnson were married.
He served with the U.S. Army during World War II and received the Asiatic Pacific
Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.
He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW, the Masonic Lodge, the
White Shrine and the Powell Veterans Honor Guard. He was also an avid rockhound
during his earlier years.
Mr. Dawson was a strong supporter of Powell High School athletics all his life.
For many years, he held the PHS record for the two-mile run.
Survivors include his wife Berniece of Powell; two sons, Wayne E. Dawson and
wife Angelina of Lancaster, Calif., and John A. Dawson of Powell; a brother,
Raymond (Pete) Dawson of Powell; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Wayne, Glen (Johnny)
and Stanley.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorials to the Parkinson's
Association.
Blanche I. Kellersman ~ February 2
Funeral services are scheduled Friday at 2 p.m. at the First
Presbyterian Church in Cody for Blanche I. Kellersman, 80, who died at the
Powell Nursing Home Saturday, Feb. 2.
Dr. Patrick Montgomery will officiate at services and burial in Riverside Cemetery.
Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
She was born June 17, 1921, to Harry H. and Myrtle Gayle Blanche (Smith) Capron
in Daniel. She and John Albert Kellersman were married Dec. 18, 1945, in Billings,
Mont.
During 56 years of marriage, she helped her husband in their janitorial business,
starting in Cody, then moving to Casper and on to Powell 10 years ago. They
also served as caretakers of Riverside Cemetery in Cody for five years.
She loved being a wife and mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed
working in her flower garden.
Survivors include her husband of the family home; son John Kellersman and wife
Kathy and their seven children of Tucson, Ariz.; daughter JoAnne Evans and
husband Todd and their sons, Tyler, Kyle and Morgan of Powell; one great grandchild;
and sisters Ella Quick, Betty Stout and Shirley Barhaug and husband Dennis,
all of Cody.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Joe, Bill, Hap and Ken.
Visitation will be from noon until 1:30 p.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian
Church.
Nelle Viola Coley ~ February 6
Nelle Viola Coley died Wednesday, Feb. 6 at St. Vincent Hospital
in Billings, Mont. She was 85.
She was born Nelle Ayres on Nov. 21, 1916, in Bartlesville, Okla., daughter
of Thomas and Berth Ayres. She attended schools in Oklahoma and Texas.
She married Ralph Anderson Hilton in 1937 in Bartlesville. Later, living in
Enid, Okla., a son, Ralph, was born. The family moved to California during
the war, and another son, Ron, was born in Albany, Calif. They moved to the
Powell area in the early 1950s, and a third son, Rex, was born.
Mr. Hilton died in 1964. She continued to make her home in the Powell-Cody
area. She married Mike Coley in 1968, and they owned and operated the Irma
Hotel until their retirement in 1971.
They kept a cabin on the North Fork and a condominium in Arizona. They retired
on a permanent basis to Powell in 1984. Mr. Coley died in 1993.
She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Survivors include her three sons, Ralph, Ron and Rex Hilton; nine grandchildren
and nine great-grandchildren.
Private graveside services will be held. Miratsky -Easton Funeral Home is in
charge of arrangements.
Jane Marie (Sievers) Dyas ~ February 7
Memorial services will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. at
St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Powell for Jane Marie (Sievers) Dyas, who
died Thursday, Feb. 7 at her home in Paxon, Nebr. She was 41.
Father John Wright will officiate at the memorial service.
She was born in Casper on June 12, 1960, to Merle and Ella Mae (Yohon) Sievers.
She grew up in Powell and attended Powell schools, graduating from Powell High
School in 1978. She married Gregary Keith Dyas in Powell on June 16, 1979.
She was a devoted wife and mother and loved cooking and taking care of her
home and family. She worked with both handicapped children and adults during
her life and always provided a helping hand and a smile to anyone in need.
She had a fierce love for animals and doted on her dog, "Smokey Joe."
She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary in Powell and St. Patrick's Catholic
Church in Paxton.
Survivors include her husband, Greg Dyas of Paxton; a daughter, April Sue Dyas
of Lincoln, Nebr.; a son, Loren Michael Dyas of Laramie; her mother, Ellie
Sievers of Powell; a sister Cyndi Miller of New Braunfels, Texas; her father-in-law,
Ace Dyas and wife Kathy of Nampa, Idaho; her step father-in-law, Ron Blevins
and wife Emily of Powell; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Merle Sievers, and mother-in-law,
Sue Blevins, both of Powell.
Her family said her untimely loss leaves a great void in their lives. She will
be greatly missed by all of her family and friends who loved her dearly.
A rosary was held in Paxton, and the body was cremated following funeral Mass
at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Following services in Powell, burial will
take place at Crown Hill Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her
father.
A memorial fund has been established to the nursing program at Northwest College
in care of the NWC Foundation. Memorials to a charity of choice would also
be appreciated.
Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Helen Tebbs Bischoff ~ February 7
Funeral services were held Monday at the Lovell LDS Church
for Helen Tebbs Bischoff, 87, Lovell, who died Thursday, Feb. 7 at North Big
Horn Hospital after a long illness.
She was born March 17, 1914, in Cowley to Sidney James and Mary Alice Meeks
Tebbs. She grew up and attended school in Cowley.
She married Gene Bischoff on Dec. 7, 1933. To this union were born nine children.
After raising her family, she purchased Valley Flowers and Gifts and owned
and operated her store for many years before selling it to her grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Gene Bischoff of Powell, Dan Bischoff and wife
Kathy of Lovell, Kay Hopkin and husband Neil of Lovell, Mack Bischoff and wife
Kelly of Sheridan, Jim Bischoff of Lovell, and Dave Bischoff and wife Jackie
of Lovell; sisters Hazel Welch of Powell and Vivian Robertson of Salt Lake
City, Utah; 29 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gene; three children, Anne, Ronald
James and Judy Lewis; and two grandchildren, Patrick Bischoff and Brenda Jolley.
Burial was in the Lovell Cemetery.
Dr. Edgar Waters Bryan III ~ February 10
Dr. Edgar Waters Bryan III, former pastor of the First Southern
Baptist Church in Powell, died Sunday, Feb. 10 at his home in Kemmerer following
a courageous battle with cancer. He was 58.
Funeral services were conducted in Evanston Wednesday at the Aspen Grove Baptist
Church. A second funeral service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Baptist
church in Spring Hill, La., with interment in the Spring Hill Cemetery.
He was pastor of the Powell church from October of 1989 until April of 1998.
Dr. Bryan was currently the Director of Associational Missions for the Southern
Baptists in Wyoming, living in Kemmerer.
He had pastored six churches in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi before
being called to Powell in 1989.
While in Powell, he also volunteered as a chaplain for the police department.
He was an avid hunter and sportsman and collector of guns.
He was born Aug. 26, 1943, in New Orleans, La., the son of the Rev. Edgar Waters
Bryan Jr. and Maggie (Holstrum) Bryan. From a young age, he dedicated his life
to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
On July 30, 1966, he married Barbara Martin in Minden, La.
Survivors include his wife Barbara of Kemmerer; a son, Rev. Edgar W. Bryan
IV and wife Autumn of Rock Springs; a daughter, Tabitha, and her husband, the
Rev. Ronnie Osborne of Castor, La.; two special granddaughters, Megan and Anna
Grace Osborne; his mother, Maggie H. Bryan of Coushatta, La.; and a sister,
Julia Bryan Miller and husband Richard of Sulpher, La. He was preceded in death
by his father.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorials to the WSBC/Mountain
Top Baptist Assembly at P.O. Box 4779, Casper, WY 82604.
Mae H. Percival, a native of Powell, died Tuesday, Feb. 12
in Missoula, Mont. She was 90.
She was born May 8, 1911, at Powell, daughter of Harry and Anna Hecht, among
the original homesteaders on the Powell Flat. She graduated from Powell High
School in 1929.
She attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie and graduated with a degree
in English and Education. She obtained a professional fifth year certificate
in education from the University of Montana in Missoula.
After graduation, she married Garth D. Percival. She lived in several Wyoming
towns, including Powell, Sundance, Gillette, Newcastle and Lusk. In 1955, she
moved to Deer Lodge, Mont., where her husband assumed the position of county
extension agent. After his death, she taught sixth grade in Deer Lodge for
16 years.
She felt her greatest satisfaction in her teaching career resulted from her "Million
Dollar Idea." In cooperation with the Deer Lodge Federal Savings and Loan
Association, for several years she opened a savings account for each student
in her class. She taught and encouraged her students to earn and use money
to best advantage.
After retirement, she moved to Missoula to live near her daughter and son-in-law.
She maintained communication and friendships with a number of her former students.
She was happy when digging, planting or enjoying her garden and flowers. She
also enjoyed other outdoor activities, sewing, reading, attending and participating
in community events and volunteer activities. She especially enjoyed visiting
friends and family and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and George C. Johnson
of Missoula; grandson and wife, Randy and Cindy Johnson of Missoula; great-grandchildren,
Cheyenne, Jennifer and MaRysa of Missoula; her brother, William J. Hecht of
Powell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are Saturday morning, Feb. 16 at the Garden City Funeral Home
in Missoula. Memorials are suggested to Hospice, Missoula County Cancer Assocation
and Missoula Food Bank.
Maurine LaFleiche ~ February 13
Maurine LaFleiche, 91, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 13 at
the Powell Nursing Home.
At her request, no services will be held.
She was born June 9, 1910, in Oakland, Iowa, to Blaine and Olive (Clark) Pleak.
As a child, she moved to Wyoming with her parents and sister to a ranch near
Upton.
She married Zener LaFleiche in Rapid City, S.D., on Aug. 4, 1930. To this marriage,
three sons were born: Zener Jr., Jim and Jerry.
While living in Lovell, she was active in the Lovell Women's Club and served
Meals on Wheels for many years. She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal
Church and was an active member of the Eastern Star for over 50 years.
She was also an avid bridge player and played every time she had a chance,
sometimes five or six times a week. Her family has the proud remembrance that
she spent her lifetime making sacrifices and helping others.
Survivors include her sons, Jim LaFleiche of Laramie and Jerry LaFleiche and
wife Anita of Powell; three granddaughters, Debbie LaFleiche of Anchorage,
Alas., Missy LaFleiche of Los Angeles, Calif., and Jena Zink and husband John
of Chicago, Ill.; two grandsons, Danny and Jim LaFleiche of Laramie; and one
great-grandson, Ethan A. Zink of Chicago.
She was preceded in death by her husband Zener and son, Zener Jr.; her parents,
Blaine and Olive Pleak; her stepmother, Mary Pleak; and a sister, Madeline
Grieves.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorials to Cathedral Home,
P.O. Box 520, Laramie, WY 82070; Habitat for Humanity of Albany County, 104
S. 4th, Laramie, WY 82070; or a charity of choice.
Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dorothy Churchill Keagle ~ February 15
Dorothy Churchill Keagle, daughter of an early-day Powell
family, died in Palo Alto, Calif., on Feb. 15, just two weeks after her 94th
birthday.
She was born in Wetherfield, Conn., on Feb. 29, 1908, to Levi and Grace Churchill
and came to Powell in 1910 where her parents farmed on the Garland Division
of the Shoshone Project.
She was graduated from Powell High School in 1926. She married Lyle Keagle
and lived in Powell for many years. In later years, she moved to Illinois and
then to California to be closer to her children.
In July, 2001, she returned to Powell to enjoy the alumni activities and to
visit family here.
She is survived by her children, Shirley Olsen of Sunnyvale, Calif., and Rev.
Bill Keagle of Decatur, Ill.; and two grandchildren. Her sister, Marie Wallace
of San Angelo, Texas, and cousins in Powell also survive her.
Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army or the Powell High School Alumni
Association, Box 695, Powell, WY 82435.
Eleanor S. VanValin ~ February 17
Funeral services are scheduled Friday at 1 p.m. at Miratsky-Easton
Funeral Home for Eleanor S. VanValin, 77, who died at her Powell home on Sunday,
Feb. 17. She was 77.
Father Tom Ogg will officiate at services. By her wish, cremation will follow
services with private burial.
She was born Oct. 11, 1924, in Laramie to George R. and Ella Agnes (McCue)
Surline. She graduated from Laramie High School in 1942 and attended the University
of Wyoming.
On Aug. 21, 1947, she and Ted Van Valin were married in Cody. For many years,
she was the bookkeeper for Cream of the Valley Dairies in Powell.
She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
were her special joy.
Survivors include sons Steve L. Van Valin of Powell and John Van Valin and
wife Deb of Powell; daughter Teddy O'Conner of Powell; brother Richard Surline
and wife Gen of Rock Springs; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren;
and several nieces and nephews.
Her husband Ted died in 2001. She was also preceded in death by three brothers,
Jack, George and Bill.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
For those who wish, memorials to a charity of choice would be appreciated by
the family.
Marlin Neilson Hatch ~ February 18
Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 10 a.m. at First
Baptist Church for Marlin Neilson Hatch, 65, who died Monday morning, Feb.
18 at his Powell home.
Pastor Jesse Sauskojus will officiate and services and burial in Crown Hill
Cemetery.
Mr. Hatch was born Aug. 25, 1936, in Byron to Wilder True Hatch and Fern (Neilson)
Hatch. He graduated from Powell High School and served with the U.S. Navy from
1955 to 1958.
He married Mary Branstetter on July 2, 1956, in Billings, Mont.
He was the plant foreman in the Elk Basin oilfield. A member of First Baptist
Church, he enjoyed Jeep racing, camping, hunting, fishing and spending time
with family and friends. He was a member of the 4-wheel drive club, snowmobile
club and the National Rifle Association.
Survivors include his wife Mary of the family home; a son, Bret Hatch and wife
Sandy of Powell; three daughters, Kelly Zitting, Cheryl Pavloski and husband
Butch and Marcie Ray and husband Dave, all of Powell; a brother, Wilder Hatch
of Powell; and 12 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Ashley Pavloski;
brother Cal Hatch; and sisters Patty Hatch, Myra Durfee and Irene Workman.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. (today) Thursday at Miratsky-Easton Funeral
Home. Should friends desire, memorials might be made to the American Lung Association.
Graveside services are scheduled Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at
the Deaver Cemetery in Deaver for Marie E. Miller, 79, who died Monday, Feb.
18 at Helen Keller Hospital in Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Born in Galena, Ill., on Oct. 17, 1922, she was a former resident of the Frannie-Deaver
area.
Survivors include a son, Robert Carlisle of Galena, Ill.; daughters Connie
Pendley of Cheyenne and Margaret Ham of Anderson, Ala.; stepson, Glenn Miller
of Torrance, Calif.; step-daughter, Glenna Kennedy of Takoma Park, Md.; brother,
Benjamin Mausel, Jr. of Apple River, Ill.; sister, Betty DeBuhr of Lancaster,
Wisc.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Robert H. Martens ~ February 19
Funeral services were conducted Saturday for long-time Lovell
area farmer, Robert H. Martens, 84, who died Tuesday, Feb. 19 at his home southwest
of Lovell.
Burial was in the Lovell Cemetery.
He was born April 11, 1917, in a dugout on Sarpy Creek in Montana and lived
in the Hysham, Pompeys Pillar, Custer and Huntley areas during his growing
up years.
In 1938, he married Helen Thatcher in Billings, Mont. at the age of 21. He
worked on farms for a while and then moved to Illinois. When Pearl Harbor was
bombed in 1941, they moved back to Montana because he thought he might be drafted,
and he wanted his wife to be near her parents.
He went to work for a cattle ranch when he returned. He was never drafted because
he was considered in a vital industry to feed the army. He later rented a farm
for four years in Billings, then the family moved to Forsyth, Mont., and rented
a farm for 10 years.
In 1960, he fulfilled his life-long dream of owning a farm when he bought The
Little Valley Ranch seven miles southwest of Lovell, where he lived and farmed
until his death.
He enjoyed teaching his sons how to farm and working with them. His family
is proud that Robert was known for his honesty and fairness. He was a family
man and loved to have all his children and his brothers and sisters and their
spouses come to visit.
Survivors include his wife Helen; three sons, Bob and wife Elsie, Bill and
Ben, all of Lovell; two daughters, Nancy Walker and husband Ned of Lovell and
June Cox and husband Larry of Forsyth, Mont.; 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren;
and two brothers, Charles of Two Dot, Mont., and Gilbert of Rogers City, Mich.
Mildred G. Ohman ~ February 20
Mildred G. Ohman, mother of a Powell chiropractor, died Wednesday
morning, Feb. 20 at the Powell Hospital. She was 94.
She was born on the family farm June 17, 1907, in Audubon, Minn., to John and
Marie (Helgeson) Thorpe. She completed local schools and attended one year
at Moorhead State Teachers College.
On June 3, 1930, she married Lloyd W. Ohman at the Parsonage in Audubon, Minn.
She spent her life in Deer Creek, Minn., until recently moving to Powell to
be near her sons.
For many years, she served as a postal clerk in Deer Creek. She was a member
of the United Methodist Church, Christian Women's Club, Deer Creek Study Club
and the Deer Creek Garden Club. As a member of the Salem United Methodist Church,
she taught Sunday School for 53 years and was the financial secretary for many
years. She sang in the choir and was active in the United Methodist Women's
Club.
She was a loving wife and mother.
Survivors include her sons, Dr. Gerald W. Ohman and wife Marcella of Lovell
and Dr. Ronald L. Ohman and wife Marlys of Powell; a brother, Charles Thorpe
and wife Esther of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; sisters, Olive Rostad of Underwood,
Minn., and Dorinne Gronfor and husband Clem of Anoka, Minn.; 8 grandchildren
and 22 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lloyd W. Ohman; brothers
Lloyd, Wilfred and Clifton Thorpe; and a sister, Norma Krause.
Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Salem United Methodist Church
in Wadena, Minn. Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 24 at Johnson Memorial Home
in Wadena from 4 to 8 p.m.
Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Deer Creek. Pallbearers will be
her grandsons, Kent Ohman, Brett Ohman, Todd Ohman, Reed Ohman, Leif Ohman
and Erik Ohman. Should friends desire, memorials to Salem United Methodist
Church would be appreciated by the family.
Local arrangements are by Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
Richard Otto Peterson ~ February 20
Memorial services were conducted Monday morning at St. Barbara's
Catholic Church in Powell for a Casper man, Richard Otto Peterson, 60, who
died Wednesday, Feb. 20 in Casper.
Father Tom Ogg officiated at services. Mr. Peterson's cremains were buried
at Crown Hill Cemetery.
He was born June 1, 1941, in Macomb, Ill., son of Otto Henry and Betty Lee
(Martin) Peterson. He was raised in Ft. Collins, Colo., and attended schools
there.
On June 6, 1981, he married Diane A. Gilbert in Missoula, Mont. The couple
moved to Casper in January of 2001.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1969.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, crafts and square dancing. Mr. Peterson
was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Qwest Pioneers. He loved to travel
and be with his six grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Diane of Casper; five children, Scott Peterson,
Richard R. Peterson and Tammie Peterson, all of Billings, Mont.; Claude Rivera
of Edmond, Okla., and Danny Rivera of Norman, Okla.; brothers Jon Peterson
of Missoula and Robert Wilson of Logan, Utah; sisters Judy Faley, Mary Lee
Hiatt and Vindy Shinnaberry, all of Missoula; his father, Otto Henry Peterson
of Missoula; and his mother, Betty Le Lajoie of Missoula; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by ha sister, Nancy Wirmer, and his step-mother, Glatha
Peterson.
Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, 330 S. Center, Casper.
The father of a Powell woman died Wednesday, Feb. 20 in Springfield,
Ill.
W. Ivan James, 79, of Jacksonville, Ill., died at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
He was born May 21, 1922, in Mount Blanchard, Ohio. He married Bernadine Clark
Adams on July 10, 1970, in Iowa.
Mr. James had retired in 1987 as an executive salesman with General Electric
in Houston, Texas. He and his wife have lived in Jacksonville for the last
14 years. He was an army veteran with service in World War II.
He was a member of the Bloomington Masonic Lodge AF&AM and the Shrine Temple.
An avid woodworker in retirement, he was a member of the Tri-County Woodworkers
and Springfield Woodworkers.
Survivors include his wife Bernadine in Jacksonville; one daughter, Denise
Roberson and husband Marc of Powell; two stepsons, David Adams and wife Janis
of Jacksonville and Jon Adams and wife Jeanne of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; five
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Richard James
and wife Judith of Jacksonville, Fla.
He was preceded in death by one son, Terrance James, and granddaughter Amanda
Roberson.
Funeral services were held Saturday in Jacksonville. Burial will be held at
a later date in Powell.
Memorials are suggested to the Grace United Methodist Church in Jacksonville
or the Powell Medical Foundation.
Mildred Jesmer Copenhaver ~ February 22
Mildred Jesmer Copenhaver, 93, died Friday, Feb. 22 at the
Powell Nursing Home.
She was born July 9, 1908, at Baggs, Wyo.
She married Harry E. Jesmer on Aug. 21, 1923, in Craig, Colo. After the death
of her first husband, she married Everett T. Copenhaver in Powell on Nov. 26,
1971. He died April 3, 1986.
Mildred Copenhaver continued to live in Powell and had been in the nursing
home about the last eight years.
Survivors include her daughter, Kay Copenhaver of Powell, and nine grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Wendell Jesmer and Boyd Jesmer, and
a daughter, Shirley Zimmerman.
Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date in Baggs.
Eleanor Margaret Miller ~ February 23
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at
Union Presbyterian Church for long-time resident, Eleanor Margaret Miller,
84, who died Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Powell Hospital.
The Rev. David Hunter will officiate at services. Burial will follow in Crown
Hill Cemetery.
She was born May 3, 1917, to Clair Glen and Libby Edith Moore in Powell. She
was graduated from Powell High School in 1935.
She married Emil Argento on Nov. 30, 1939, and to their union, three children
were born. Her first husband died in 1943, and she maried Harry R. Miller in
1946 and had five children, the second dying in childbirth.
She lived her life with passion for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
sharing in their daily activities. Her family will remember her as a very loving
mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who in all relationships, looked
and found good in everyone.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Old Time Fiddlers Association.
She enjoyed camping, playing cards and dancing. Her biggest joy was hosting
big family dinners and family gatherings where her home cooking was enjoyed.
Survivors include four daughters, Sharon Feazel and husband Phil of Huntington
Beach, Calif., Joyce Pike and husband Dave of Laurel, Mont., Janice Beslanowitch
and husband Roger of Powell and Kathy Hake and husband Ed of Big Sky, Mont.;
three sons, Clair Argento and wife JaNiece of Powell, Larry Argento of Powell
and Russell Miller of Powell; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is scheduled tonight (Tuesday) from
7 to 8 p.m.
A former Powell bank president, George E. Cooke, died Sunday,
Feb. 24 at Sandhills Manor Nursing Home in Broken Bow, Neb., after a long illness.
He was 81.
He served as the first president of the American National Bank in Powell in
1963. He was president of the Wyoming Bankers Association in 1979 and finished
his banking career in Ogden, Utah.
He was born Feb. 9, 1921, in Buffalo. He was graduated from high school in
Midwest and earned a degree in agriculture at the University of Wyoming in
1947.
Mr. Cooke served in the U.S. Army during World War II, with service in the
South Pacific.
On June 6, 1947, he married Marina Carlin in Scottsbluff, Nebr.
His family writes that his first love was always that of being a devoted husband,
father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Close behind were his passions for
golf, skiing, racquetball, playing cards, traveling, attending his grandson's
hockey and soccer matches and his undying support for the Denver Broncos.
Survivors include his wife Marina of Broken Bow; one daughter, Judy Lindner
and husband Lonnie of Ansley, Neb.; one son, Brec Cooke of Naples, Fla.; three
grandchildren and one great-grandson.
A memorial service is scheduled Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Sandhills Manor
Chapel in Broken Bow. A memorial has been established for the selected needs
and desires of the residents of Sandhills Manor.
Graveside services are scheduled today (Tuesday) at 1 p.m.
at Crown Hill Cemetery for Ella Thompson, who died Thursday, Feb. 28 at Powell
Hospital. She was 85.
Viewing will be at noon Tuesday at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
She was born Sept. 24, 1916, to Fred and Amelia (Ungefug) Hergenraeder. In
her early childhood, the family lived in Belfry, Mont. The family then moved
to Lovell where she grew up and attended grade school and high school.
She married Alex Fink on Feb. 25, 1935, and they made their home in Lovell,
later moving to Powell. She held a number of office jobs, including the sugar
factory and the medical community. Her husband Alex died in 1964.
In June of 1967, Ella and Herb O. Thompson were married. They found pleasure
together in the outdoors, golfing and skiing. He died in 1973.
Bridge, golf and skiing were among her favorite pasttimes.
Survivors include two sisters and their spouses, Clara and Chris Marcus of
Billings, Mont., and Liz and George Hamilton of Austin, Texas; many nieces
and nephews; and special friends, Katie and Dale Jensvold of Powell.
Memorials may be made to the ALS Association, the Powell Nursing Home or a
charity of choice.
A longtime Powell area resident, Mary Rose Horn, 91, died
Thursday, Feb. 28 at her daughter's home in Denver, Colo.
She was born Aug. 26, 1910, in Havre, Mont., daughter of John and Rose Cestnik.
She married Edward James Horn in February, 1949, and they purchased the Lou
Peterson farm south of Powell.
After her husband's death in 1964, she continued to live on the farm until
1992, when she moved to Denver to live with her daughter Irene.
Survivors are her daughter, Irene Horn; and a sister, Pauline Cestnik of Denver.
No formal funeral services are planned. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.