Thelma I. Harrison

Posted

(Apr. 22, 2001)

Memorial services are scheduled Thursday at 11 a.m. at Union Presbyterian Church in Powell for Thelma I. Harrison of Powell, who died Sunday morning, April 22 at Deaconess Medical Center in Billings, Mont. She was 86.

The Rev. David Hunter will officiate at services.

Thelma Ingemathia Skogen was born on May 30, 1914, in the little house on the prairie in North Dakota, the first born of Theodore and Calma (Kelsven) Skogen.

She graduated from high school at Driscoll, N.D., in 1933 and from the Minnette School of Beauty at Fargo, N.D., in 1935.

She came to Powell in 1935 and was employed by a beauty shop in Cody. She returned to Powell in 1936 and worked at the Powder Puff Beauty Salon and also at some cafes to make a living. She took the first board of cosmetology given in the State of Wyoming and became a registered cosmetologist.

On Nov. 1, 1937, she married Ray Harrison, and they farmed south of Powell. Two sons were born to this union, Leon J., who died at the age of 10 from bulbar polio, and Jan Ray, still living in Powell.

Thelma was active in the community. A member of Union Presbyterian Church, she served as a deacon and two terms as elder. She was a contributor to the arts community.

She was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter P, served two terms on the Powell Hospital Board, was active in Project Leaders Club, and served as president of the Park County Extension Service and also as Northwest Regional Director.

Survivors include her son Jan and wife Janice of Powell; five granddaughters, Kim Lawson and husband Matt, Janell Dunning and Leslie Harrison, all of Powell, and Deena and Kellie Harrison, both of Seattle, Wash.; five great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters and a brother-in-law in North Dakota, a sister-in-law in Casper and many nieces and nephews.

Her husband Ray died April 30, 1990. She was also preceded in death by a sister and two brothers.

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