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(Oct 20, 1926 - Jan. 10, 2015)
M. Lorraine Stauffer, 88, of Cody, died Jan. 10, 2015, after a short stay at Spirit Mountain Hospice.
Lorraine was born in Lancaster, Pa., on Oct 20, 1926, the youngest daughter of Harry and Mary Harnish.
Growing up on a dairy, she was no stranger to hard work. Upon graduating from high school in 1944, she began working as a “colorist” — using oil and special pencils to hand-color sepia photographs, a skill she used most of her life.
Lorraine married Jack Stauffer on June 7, 1950. Jack accepted a job with the Ohio Oil Co, now Marathon Oil Co., and the first assignment was in Cody. Lorraine worked at Cody High School until their first son, Kurt, was born.
She then worked for journalist and photographer Jack Richard. She helped him with portraits and returned to hand-coloring his photographs, many of which can still be seen around town.
The couple had two more children, Eric and Mark.
Lorraine started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and was baptized in 1980. She loved the ministry. One of Lorraine’s favorite scriptures is found at Psalm 86:11,12.
Lorraine loved cooking large meals and baking cookies and pies.
She was known for being sophisticated and dressed well. She also was known for her hospitality, deep love of people and great sense of humor. She loved wearing high heels at every opportunity,
Lorraine is survived by her sister-in-law Ruth Child of Norristown, Pa.; three sons Kurt (Vienn) Stauffer of Cody, Eric Stauffer of Powell and Mark Stauffer of Casper; grandchildren Nicolas (Joana) Stauffer, Jesse Stauffer, Brooke (Seth) Harris, Anthony Holcomb, Haley Stauffer, Kelli Stauffer, Kacey Stauffer; and five great-grandchildren.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband John “Jack” Stauffer, and sister Alberta “Bert” Emmerich.
Cremation has taken place with Ballard Funeral Home.
A memorial service will held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2702 Cougar Ave. in Cody.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses or to Spirit Mountain Hospice.
