OCTOBER 2005

Myrtle McSharry - October 2, 2005
Rhea Bringhurst Nelson - October 2, 2005
Richard C. Baird - October 4, 2005
Patricia Ann Mudgett - October 6, 2005
Richard C. Thull - October 8, 2005
Arthur J. Uttenhove - October 8, 2005
Cathi Jo Sorenson - October 14, 2005
Calvin A. Sorenson - October 14, 2005
Capt. Noel D. Wilkie, DC, USN (Ret.) - October 16, 2005
Kenneth James Cunningham - October 18, 2005
Jose Ricardo Rosales - October 19, 2005
Roy William Saffon - October 22, 2005
LaVern Dean Groskop - October 23, 2005
Frances Minnie Ruhl Zane - October 23, 2005
Lucille Ribble Demorest - October 24, 2005
Kenneth E. Dalke - October 27, 2005
Ruth I. Stefanowich - October 28, 2005
Stan Smith - October 29, 2005

Myrtle McSharry - October 2, 2005

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 at Union Presbyterian Church in Powell for Myrtle Mae (Perkins) McSharry, 75, who died Sunday, Oct. 2 at West Park Hospital in Cody surrounded by her children who carry on in life with loving memories.
She was born Oct. 23, 1929, in Meeteetse, daughter of Andrew and Rose Perkins. Her childhood was filled with riding on her family’s ranch next to the Greybull River. In the town where she was born and raised, she met Jack McSharry, and they married in February of 1949 and moved to Anchorage, Alas.
They lived there until 1956 when the couple and their growing family moved back to Wyoming, living in Meeteetse until 1966 and Byron until 1976. Myrtle settled in Powell and worked for a short time at Puregro and finally retired from First National Bank of Powell.
She enjoyed dancing, playing cards and tending to her vegetable and flower gardens,. She enjoyed time with her family and friends, who knew her prized and delicious cooking and her beautiful needlecraft. Myrtle loved history and was the family historian. She was an avid and accomplished horsewoman and particularly loved her Tennessee Walker, Dandy.
Survivors include her children, Katherine Niles of Billings, Mont., Lewis (Paula) McSharry of Farmington, N.M., and Patricia McSharry (Tony) of Abilene, Texas; two grandchildren, Jeffrey (Deanna) Niles of Thermopolis and Kristina Niles of Billings; one great grandson, Matthew Niles; and a brother, Gerald (MaryLou) Perkins of Lovell.
She was preceded in death by her son, Larry McSharry, in 1976 and her parents.
Myrtle cherished her family, and family members say the lessons she taught them will always be treasured gifts.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Ballard Funeral Home.
For those who wish, memorials to the American Cancer Society, c/o Darlene Maser, Box 234, Meeteetse, WY 82433 would be appreciated by the family.

Rhea Bringhurst Nelson - October 2, 2005

The mother of a Powell woman died Sunday, Oct. 2 in Sandy, Utah.
Rhea Bringhurst Nelson, 91, was born Dec. 12, 1913, in Bennion, Utah, to John Tripp and Florence Smith Bringhurst. She was one of seven children. She spent her early years working on the family farm and attending school in the Granite School District, graduating from Granite High School.
She was an active member of the LDS Church and served in numerous positions. She enjoyed a life of music that included opera in high school and church choir, as well as singing at funerals for friends, family and strangers as an employee of Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary.
She married her sweetheart, Walter James Nelson, on May 6, 1936, in Bennion, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Rhea was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years on May 26, 2002, also by her three sisters and two brothers.
She is survived by four children, Janice Muller (Alan) of Powell, W. Lynn Nelson (Jeanette) of Vernal, Utah, Richard Nelson (Judy) of Cottonwood Heights City, Utah, and Roger Nelson (JoAnne) of Salt Lake City; 26 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Royce Bringhurst (Pearl) of Davis, Calif.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday Oct. 5 at 11a.m. at the Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street, Murray, Utah. Interment will be in Murray City Cemetery.

Richard C. Baird - October 4, 2005

Craig (Richard) Baird died Oct. 4 of viral encephalitis caused by West Nile at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.
He was 53.
He was born Feb. 11, 1952, in Powell, the youngest of three children. After graduating from Powell High School in 1970, he attended Northwest Community College.
He married Lonna Stadtfeld of Greybull on Aug. 10, 1974. The couple’s only child, Grayson, was born Dec. 16, 1982, in Powell.
Craig bravely fought a long five-year battle with diabetes and kidney failure. During the past year, he received a successful kidney transplant and spent a great deal of time in hospitals.
The two passions in his life were his family and cars. His love for cars began as a child when he eagerly recalled the name of every car he saw. Later in life, he took great pleasure in selling cars because he said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk to all sorts of people.
A dedicated husband and father, he loved his wife and son more than anything. Craig also had a fondness for his dog, Hazel, who helped him immensely during his illness.
Involved in many events and organizations, he loved the 12 years he served as a volunteer fireman. He was also the president of the Powell Alumni and a member of the Kiwanis and Lions clubs.
Craig was very devoted to his church life and God, enjoying the many different tasks and callings he had in the LDS church, especially working with the young men's group.
A caring and considerate person, he was always quietly helping others — second nature to Craig because he never gave it a second thought or expected anything in return. He was blessed with many friends from all walks of life whom he cherished.
Craig lived his faith, enjoyed the company of others was kind to all and never gave up.
He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Baird, and his mother, Norma Baird.
Surviving are his wife Lonna, son Grayson of Laramie, sister Joan (Jim) Hoffman of Cody, brother Bob (Marsha) Baird of Olympia, Wash., and a large extended family.
Memorials may be sent in Craig's name to: Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, Development Department, P.O. Box 6026 Aurora, CO 80045 or (Organ Donation) The Living Legacy Foundation, 11245 South East 6th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004.

Patricia Ann Mudgett - October 6, 2005

Patricia Ann Mudgett died Oct. 6 at Powell Valley Healthcare at the age of 81. She was born in Powell on Aug. 11, 1924, to homesteaders Percy William and Norah Knight Walsh Oviatt. She had a beloved brother, Waldo, who was 10 years her elder, but who died in 1952. When she was only 3 years old, her mother was killed by a rattlesnake. From that time until junior high she was raised in Iowa by her grandmothers and spoke with much love of her two aunts that were in her life during those years. Her dad and brother were also much a part of her life during these years, although not always living in the same house. In junior high school, Pat, along with her dad Percy and her much loved step-mother Bertha, moved back to Powell. She was a member of the Powell High School National Honor Society and earned a letter in basketball. She graduated in 1942. During high school and shortly after, she worked at Bonner's Department Store. In her mid 20s, she went to work in the office of Home Lumber Co. Her new boss was Ralph Mudgett. A romance blossomed and Pat and Ralph were married in 1950. They raised two daughters, Sue and Noreen. As well as being partners in marriage, Ralph and Pat were also partners in Mudgett Bookkeeping Service, where both Sue and Noreen learned the bookkeeping business. They met many clients during those years that became lifelong friends. Pat was still working in a limited capacity until she became ill in the spring of 2004. She always looked forward to income tax season so she could see her clients and get caught up on their latest news. Pat was involved in Powell Day Care from its beginning in the early 1970s until the closing in 2000, always being a board member and being the accountant for most of those years. Pat lived her last 13 months at the Powell Care Center where she enjoyed the many social events. She cherished visits with friends and looked forward to family gatherings for birthdays and especially Christmas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Waldo. Her husband, Ralph, died in 1988. She is survived by two daughters, Sue Clifton and Noreen (Bill) Cox; eight grandchildren, Amy and Anthony Aguirre and Kristin and Trent Greenwald all of Powell, Rick (Lisa) Clifton of Nine Miles Falls, Wash., Norman (Jodi) Cox of Casper, Ryan (Vickie) Cox of Rawlins and Jason Cox of Rapid City, S.D.; 10 great-grandchildren, Alex, Aspen, Ashlyn and Asher Aguirre of Powell, Nikkole and Jayden Clifton of Nine Miles Falls, Ethan, Avery and Isaiah Cox of Casper and Sheridan Cox of Rawlins; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Steeck; and one step-sister, Virginia (Byron) Bishopp. Pallbearers at her funeral services were Norman, Ryan and Jason Cox, Trent Greenwald, Larry Carter and Jack Johnston. Honorary pallbearers were Anthony Aguirre, Rick Clifton, Dwight Gilbert, Dave Merkel and Paul Jacobs. Donations may be sent to the Powell Valley Care Center Recreation Department for use in the patio area or the charity of choice in her memory.

Richard C. Thull - October 8, 2005

Richard C. Thull of Powell died Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Deaconess Hospital in Billings.
He was 76.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; one son, Steve (Connie); four daughters, Marlene (Cliff) Long, Marilyn (Tim) Nelson; Carolyn and Verna (Daniel) Devries; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Agnes Torczon and Mildred Stone.
As he requested, there will be no services.

Arthur J. Uttenhove - October 8, 2005

Memorial services were held Saturday, Oct. 8 at Gramm-Hein Funeral Home in Ipswich, S.D. for former Powell resident, Arthur J. Uttenhove, who died Tuesday, Sept. 27 at Beverly Healthcare Nursing Home in Ipswich, S.D. He was 92.
Father Chester Murtha officiated at the services. A private burial was held.
 
He was born Sept. 14, 1913, to Charles and Theresa (Shubert) Uttenhove at Mina, S.D. He was one of six children. Art attended school in Mina and then joined his father on the family farm.
 
He met Mary C. Baer in Ipswich in 1939, and they were married on Nov. 7, 1940, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ipswich. They eventually sold the farm and lived in Ipswich. During this time they had four children. They then moved to Rapid City for a short time.
 
They moved back to Ipswich in 1951 and lived there until 1975 when they moved to Powell. They returned to Ipswich in 2000 and moved into Beverly Healthcare Nursing Home together.  Mary died on June 3, 2005. Art remained in the nursing home until his death.

He was an avid gardener, both flowers and vegetables, and loved being outdoors. He also loved to read. He was a member of the Aberdeen Elks Lodge for a number of years.
Survivors include his two sons, Jim (Dianne) Uttenhove of Ipswich, S.D., and Terry (Linda) Uttenhove of Douglas; one daughter, Mary K. (Wayne) Erickson of Jena, La.; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Gladys Baer of Shakopee, Minn.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; infant daughter, Patricia; two brothers, Harry and Clifford; two sisters, Mabel Ristau and Emma Jones; and a grandson, Robert Uttenhove.

Cathi Jo Sorenson - October 14, 2005

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at Hope Lutheran Church in Powell for Cathi Jo Sorenson, 42, who died Friday, Oct. 14 south of Powell.
She was born April 26, 1963, in Bozeman, Mont., daughter of Clyde E. and Ruth Lyda. She graduated from Powell High School in 1981 and attended Northwest College where she met, and later married Nicholas R. Haney Sr. From this union, two children were born.
She married Calvin Sorenson in October of 1997.
The family will always remember Cathi’s unique ability to bring laughter and light to other’s lives. Her passing has left such a deep hole in their lives. The family can only note that as seasons come and go, her flower will forever bloom in their hearts.
She enjoyed many things, rock collecting, antiquing, coin collecting and cruising on her Harley. Her proudest accomplishments were her children, Nicole and Nicholas Haney, Jr. and Catie Jo Sorenson.
Survivors include her son, Nicholas Haney Jr. of Powell and a stepson, Matthew Sorenson of Coeur’ d’ Alene, Idaho; two daughters, Nicole Haney of Gillette and Catie Sorenson of Powell; two brothers, Christian (Keela) Lyda of Casper and John (Sarah) Lyda of Billings, Mont.; four sisters, Cheri Tryon of Wasilla, Alas., Cindi Weber of Powell, Crisi Davison (Jeremy) of Billings and Ann Lyda of Ft. Collins, Colo.; and one grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clyda Lyda; stepdaughter Brooke Thomas; and nephew Michael Jefferson. Her husband, Calvin Sorenson, died in the same accident.
Pastor Clyde Seifert will preside at services and burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Calvin A. Sorenson - October 14, 2005

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson, Mont., for Calvin Arthur Sorenson, 46, who died Friday, Oct. 14 along with his wife, Cathi Joe, in a vehicle accident south of Powell.
He was born Aug. 28, 1959, to Fay Jensen Oberlitner and late Carlton Sorenson. He attended the Polson Public School System all 12 years.
He married Tana Mindt July 26, 1980, in Polson, and shortly thereafter, they moved to Gillette. This marriage produced two children, a daughter, Brook, who died following a car accident July 2, 2004, and a son, Matthew. The couple later divorced.
He married Cathi Jo Lyda in Powell on Oct. 18, 1997, and they had one child, a daughter, Catie Jo. All during his adult life Calvin worked in the oil fields, first as a derrick hand, then a driller, and lastly as a tool pusher, supervising several oil rigs and their crews. He was highly regarded for his skill and expertise in this field.
He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to go fishing, camping and spending time communing with nature. He especially enjoyed the horse and burro pack trips with family members into the Bob Marshall and Mission Wildernesses.
Survivors include his mother, Faye Oberlitner, and stepfather, John, of Polson; a son, Matthew of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; daughter Catie Jo of Powell; one grandchild, Brook’s son, Trenton Thomas of Arkansas; brother Perry of Tracey, Calif.; sister Christine Sorenson of Missoula, Mont.; John’s children, Tom and David Oberlitner of Kalispell, Mont. and Ruthann Oberlitner Dickson of Homer, Alas.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carlton Sorenson, and a daughter, Brook Thomas.
The Rev. Paul Rowold will officiate at services and burial in Lakeview Cemetery.

Capt. Noel D. Wilkie, DC, USN (Ret.) – October 16, 2005

Dr. Noel David Wilkie, 74, retired United States Navy dentist and professor at both Georgetown University and New York University, died of complications from Hodgkins Lymphoma at Georgetown University Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 16. 

Dr. Wilkie began his 28-year career in the United States Navy Dental Corps by serving aboard the USS General A.E. Anderson. Following a sabbatical in Lovell, where he was in private practice, Dr. Wilkie returned to the United States Navy Dental Corps for post graduate study at the Naval Dental School in Bethesda, Md.

Dr. Wilkie served aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War. He was in charge of the Midship’s Battle Dressing Station the day of the USS Enterprise fire —Jan. 14, 1969 — and saved many lives.

He returned to the Naval Graduate Dental School in Bethesda, Md., and served as Chief of the Complete Denture Section, Director of the Second-Year Residencies in Prosthodontics, and Course Director and Course Lecturer for a variety of fields until 1974. Following a four-year assignment at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, D.C., he served as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Regional Dental Clinic at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Staff Dental Officer at the Pearl Harbor Navy Base, the Force Dental Officer of the Naval Logistics Command Pacific, the Force Dental Officer of the Submarine Force Pacific, and the Fleet Dental Officer of the U.S. Pacific Fleet from 1978 until 1982.

Upon his return to the Washington area in 1982, Dr. Wilkie served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Dentistry, Naval Medical Command National Capital Region and was a lecturer at the Naval School of Health Sciences in Bethesda.

Upon retirement from the United States Navy in 1984, he served as an Associate Professor in the School of Dentistry and the Graduate School at Georgetown University for five years, teaching in the predoctoral and postdoctoral programs. Upon the closing of the dental school in 1989, Dr. Wilkie continued his teaching career at New York University where he served as an Associate Professor and the Director of the Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry until 1994.

 He also served as a member of the Clinical Staff, Dental Services, Veterans Administration, Manhattan Hospital, New York, N.Y., from 1989 until 1994.

Son of the late John David Wilkie and Gail Louise Hibbard, Dr. Wilkie was born on the Fourth of July in Powell in 1931. He attended Powell High School and spent his freshman year of college at Northwest Community College in Powell. Dr. Wilkie was a graduate of the University of Wyoming where he received his B.S. degree in chemistry and zoology. He received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Wilkie received his certification as a Diplomate from the American Board of Prosthodontics in 1970.  He served as an Associate Professorial Lecturer at the George Washington University, Washington, D.C. from 1970 until 1974.

He authored nine journal articles and four monographs and presented over 60 lectures or courses nationally and abroad. He conducted research in condyle position, ridge augmentation procedures, and dental resins; and developed computer software that assists in denture tooth selection. Dr. Wilkie was instrumental in the founding of the Journal of Prosthodontics and served as an Organizational Editor to the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Dr. Wilkie was a Fellow and Past-President of the American College of Prosthodontics. He was also Past-President of the American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation. Dr. Wilkie served as a Delegate to the Federation of Prosthodontics Organization from 1984 until 1993. He was a past chairman of the Council for the Affairs of the American Board of Prosthodontics. Dr. Wilkie was a Fellow of the Academy of Prosthodontics and served on the Board of the Education and Research Foundation. He was a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.  He was a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon. He was a member of the American Dental Association and its component, the District Dental Society. He served as a consultant to the Veterans Administration, the Northeast Regional Examining Board, and the Naval Dental School.

Dr. Wilkie served as a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Wyoming Alumni Association from 1995 until 1999 and as its President from 1998 until 1999.

Dr. Wilkie was honored as the 1985 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at Northwest College in Powell; the 1986 Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity Teacher of the Year at the Georgetown University School of Dentistry; the 1990 Humanitarian of the Year by the District Dental Society, Washington, D.C.; and was honored by Omicron Kappa Upsilon at the Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1989.

Dr. Wilkie was the recipient of two Navy Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals (the second of which was for Heroic Achievement, the third with Combat V), the Navy Unit Citation, the National Defense Medal, the Naval Expeditionary Medal with Second Campaign Star, the Vietnam Service Medal with Three Campaign Stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

In retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Wilkie divided their time between their homes in Rockville, Md., and Bethany Beach, Del.  Dr. Wilkie continued his involvement in the field of denture prosthetics and dental education through his Prosstars Newsletter for 10 years and then through his Web siteówww.prosstars.com. Dr. Wilkie enjoyed reading, biking, cooking, baseball, beach activities, and trout fishing.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Constance J. Wilkie of Rockville, Md.; a sister, Jean Stevens of Erie, Colo.; a daughter, Nancy J. Wilkie of Brookeville, Md.; a son, Jeffrey J. Wilkie of Gaithersburg, Md.; and four granddaughters.

Memorial services will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 17 at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Potomac, Md., at 11 a.m.   Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery.

For those who wish, contributions to The Wilkie Family Scholarship, in care of Northwest College Foundation, 231 West Sixth St., Powell, WY 82435 would be appreciated by the family.

Kenneth James Cunningham - October 18, 2005

Funeral services were conducted Friday at First Baptist Church in Powell for Kenneth James Cunningham, 82, who died Tuesday, Oct. 18 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Mont.
He was born Sept. 24, 1923, in Greenfield, Ill., son of Douglas Cunningham and Irma (Plogger) Cunningham. He came to Wyoming with his family and graduated from Powell High School.
He married Alice Hoffman on March 1, 1943, in Billings, and they started a family. He entered the U.S. Army in 1944 and served from 1944 to 1946 in World War II with the 10th Mountain Division.
When he came home from the war, he homesteaded on Heart Mountain. He enjoyed farming, raising his family and spending time with old friends. Family dinners at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house were a favorite with him.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, the American Legion, VFW and National Rifle Association. He loved going to garage sales, visiting Yellowstone Park, traveling, auto repair and music.
The family will remember him as an honest and herd-working man who remained active until his short final illness. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Survivors include his loving companion, Barbara Lang; two sons, Fred (Cheryl) Cunningham of Sheridan and Gene (Jeanie) Cunningham of Fallon, Nev.; two daughters, Diana Smith of Port Angeles, Wash., and Kathy Adamson (Jim) of Sheridan; two sisters, Doris Edgar (Joe) of Powell and Melba Sweet of Powell; 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Alice; a baby daughter and two grandchildren; and brother-in-law Richard Sweet.
Pastor Jesse Sauskojus officiated at services and burial in Crown Hill Cemetery. Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Jose Ricardo Rosales - October 19, 2005

A memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today (Tuesday) at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church for Jose Ricardo Rosales of Powell, 67, who died Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Evergreen Care Center in Laurel, Mont.
He was born March 27, 1938, in Mission, Texas. He moved to Powell in 1964 where he began working for the railroad. After leaving the railroad, he worked as a farm hand and later worked for the sugar plant in Lovell until his retirement.
He married Lorenza Limon in October of 1964. They had one son, Jose Rosales Jr., and one daughter, Rebecca.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Lorenza; his son, Jose (Lorelei) Rosales Jr.; and his daughter, Rebecca (Andy) Schmauch; five gransons: Matthew (Kahla), Tyler, Jose III, Vance and Adrian; and one great-granddaughter, Kyrsten; his sister, Magdalena Bill) Key; a niece, Rosie (Juan) Betancourt; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter.
Interment will be in Crown Hill Cemetery, Powell. Cremation has taken place.

Roy William Saffon - October 22, 2005

Memorial services were held Thursday, Oct. 27 in Woodlake, Calif., for Roy William Saffon, 71, who died Saturday, Oct. 22 at his home from complications of lung cancer under the care of Tulare County Hospice.
He was born in Buckinghamshire, England on June 26, 1934, just minutes after his fraternal twin, Raymond, who died at the age of 23. Also preceding Roy in death was his mother, Gertrude Kohler Saffon and his father Edward William Saffon. Surviving is his sister, Lillian and brother in-law, Michael DelaZerda of Oroville, Calif. Roy came to the United States after completing his apprenticeship in plumbing at Collier & Catley, LTD in Reading, England. He served his National Service in 1954.
Roy earned his American citizenship in 2001. Roy had two daughters with his Philippine-born wife: Mary Ann and Susan. A second marriage to Ida Fookes produced no children, but he has maintained a loving relationship with her seven children.
Roy married Kay Justad in 1997 in Reno, Nev., and became a member of St. Clement's Episcopal Church. He was Junior Warden at the time of his death. He had been clean and sober for 20 years, and had been a great help to many recovering alcoholics, serving as secretary of the Woodlake AA meeting for over eight years.
Roy enjoyed bass fishing in the Tulare County lakes as well as enjoying fishing wherever he traveled. During numerous trips to Wyoming he fished the beautiful reservoirs and rivers of the Powell and Cody areas. Roy has grandchildren in the Philippines: Charmaine, Teddy, Amaris, Genevieve, and Anthony, who are the children of his daughter Mary Ann. He was devoted to grandchildren Augusta Ruth and her brother, Charlie Ragnvald, children of Kay's daughter, Justine Justad Larsen and her husband, Scott Larsen, of Powell, to whom he was "Papa Fish". Kathleen Justad of Campbell, Calif., has been a loving stepdaughter during the eight years her mother was married to Roy.
Ashes will be interred at St. Clement's Episcopal Church Columbarium, Woodlake, Calif.
For those who wish, remembrances may be sent to St. Clement's Day Care Center, 498 N. Valencia Blvd., Woodlake, CA 93286, the American Cancer Society or Habitat for Humanity.

LaVern Dean Groskop - October 23, 2005

Services for LaVern Dean Groskop of Powell, who died Oct. 23 at Powell Valley Healthcare, will be Friday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. at First Southern Baptist Church in Powell. He was 74. He was born May 13, 1931, in Cozad, Neb., to Jake and Alice (Pietz) Groskop. After graduating from school in Billings, he married Alta Todd on Aug. 26, 1951. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 and worked as an electrician for Modern Electric after his military service. He also worked at Northwest College in Powell for 22 years. He loved gardening, golfing and singing and was known to all as a fine whistler. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Alta, of Powell; one son, Dan (Cheryl) Groskop of Powell; two daughters, Sheryll Larson of Phoenix and Marian (Steve) Scott of Powell; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and a grandson. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell.

Frances Minnie Ruhl Zane - October 23, 2005

Services for Frances Minnie Ruhl Zane of Powell, who died Oct. 23 in Billings, are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Jehovah's Witnesses Hall in Cody. She was 75. She was born April 11, 1930, in Big Timber, Mont., to John A.L. and Edith Emma (Kearney) Ruhl. She married William W. Zane on Nov. 6, 1948, in Billings and the couple made their home in Powell. Survivors include her husband, William Zane of Powell; one son, Robert L. Zane of Powell; one daughter, Elizabeth Anne Murphy of Grand Junction, Colo.; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Robert J. Ruhl of Bozeman, Mont., Donald Jack Ruhl and Clyde E. Ruhl of Valdez, Alaska. Services will being at 2 p.m. Saturday. Arrangements are being handled by Thompson Funeral Home of Powell.

Lucille Ribble Demorest - October 24, 2005

Services are pending for Lucille Ribble Demorest, who died Monday, Oct. 24 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings. She was 75. She was born March 9, 1930, in Worland to George and Rose (Bosch) Ribble, the fourth of 11 children. She grew up on the family farm and attended school and worked in the Worland area. She married George Earl Demorest and they resided on their farm near Powell for many years. Family, children and animals — especially horses — were very special parts of her life. Survivors include her husband, Earl; his three children, George III, Craig and Pam and their spouses; two brothers, Franklin (Sue) Ribble of Colorado Springs, Colo., and George (Judy) Ribble of Powell; five sisters, Laura Fontaine of Billings, Joan (Ted) Propp of Worland, Mary Lou McRann of Hulett, Jessie (Gary) Saunders of Billings and Florence (Larry) Kitchel of Lyman; a sister-in-law, Beverly Batterton of Pocatello, Idaho; six grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces, including nephew Mark and niece Monica, with whom she was especially close. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Pearl; and two brothers, Clinton and Richard. Cremation has taken place and services will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.

Kenneth E. Dalke - October 27, 2005

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 31 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home in Laramie for Kenneth E. Dalke, 67, Laramie, who died Thursday, Oct. 27 at his ranch in Encampment.
He was born Jan. 20, 1938, in Powell, son of Jake and Olga (Suko) Dalke. He was a graduate of Powell High School and Northwest Community College.
He married Jane Stewart on Dec. 27, 1957, in Twin Bridges, Mont. He was active in the agriculture and real estate investment businesses. He farmed and ranched at Powell, and also in Ryegate, Mont., on the North Fork and most recently in Encampment.
For the last 20 years Ken and Jane made their home in Laramie where they owned and managed rental property. They split their time between Laramie and the Cherokee Ranch in Encampment. He enjoyed his time spent outdoors, his livestock and his family.
Survivors include his wife Jane of Laramie; son Jim Dalke of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law Debra and Jack Riker of Encampment; granddaughters Lindsey and Danielle Riker of Encampment; a sister, Mary Wells, of Powell; and numerous other relatives.
Loren Coleman and Sandy Pheifer officiated at services. Burial was Monday afternoon at the Mountain View Cemetery in Encampment.

Ruth I. Stefanowich - October 28, 2005

Ruth Irene Stefanowich, 81, of Powell and long-time Worland resident, died Friday, Oct. 28 at the New Horizons Care Center in Lovell.
She was born March 28, 1924, at Glendive, Mont., to Morris and Julia (Rosendahl) Berg. She was raised at Glendive and attended school there.
She married Joseph M. Stefanowich on May 23, 1942, in Glendive. The couple lived there for two years, then moved to Billings, Mont., in 1944. In 1946, the family moved to Worland and farmed for many years on the West River Road.
In 1977, they moved into Worland and resided there until moving to Powell in 2003 to be near their daughter.
She liked to play pinochle, read, bake and cook. She also enjoyed visiting and having coffee with friends, but most of all she enjoyed her family and grandchildren.
Surviving Ruth are her husband Joe Stefanowich of Powell; her first daughter Judy (George) Ribble of Powell and their children, David (Jen) Ribble of Indianapolis, Ind.; Stefanie (Jim) Bell of Cody and their children Ashlen, Hallie, Taylor, James, Kateri, Michaela and Cecilia; and Darci (Cory) Ostermiller of Powell and their children, Courtney, Natalie and Kobe. Ruth’s second daughter is Karen (Santos) Luna of Kennewick, Wash., and their children are Santos Luna, Lyn (Vic) Martinez and their children Joey, Michael, Bobby, Kimie, Robin and Lynzi; Joseph (Nicole) Snider and their children Karena, Savanna and Joey; Joy Luna and her children Shylo and Timothy; Anna Luna and her daughter Karen; and Ruthie (Jose) Castillo and their son Jonathan.
She is also survived by her brother, Richard Berg of Great Falls, Mont.; and sisters Amy Martens of Bend, Ore., Frances Ringen of Cheyenne and Shirley Bradford of Pasco, Wash.
The Vigil and Rosary Service will be tonight (Tuesday, Nov. 1) at 7:45 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Worland. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. athe chu4ch.
The Rev. Sam Hayes will officiate at both services. Rite of Chrisitan Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Worland.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Children’s Home in Torrington or to the fund of the donor’s choice. Veile Mortuary of Worland is in charge of arrangements.

Stan Smith - October 29, 2005

Memorial services were conducted Monday in Odessa, Texas, for former Powell resident, Stan Smith, 65, who died at his Odessa home Saturday, Oct. 29 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 25, 1940, in Greeley, Colo., to Francis J. and Helen Olson Smith. He grew up in Elk Basin and Powell and graduated from Powell High School in 1958.
He married Nancy Herrington in Powell Nov. 22, 1961. To this union were born two sons, Scott and Steve. Stan and Nancy were later divorced.
He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1965 and began a long career in the oil and gas industry with Conoco. He met and married his wife, Reta, in Hobbs, N.M., and they spent a number of years overseas, employed in the Mideast oil fields.
Stan was a life master in duplicate bridge and enjoyed playing chess and restoring old cars. He loved to travel, enjoyed history and keeping up with politics. He had a special association with the PHS Class of 1958.
Survivors include his wife, Reta, in Odessa; son Steve Smith and wife Michelle of Denver, Colo.; step-sons Chad Denney and wife Dionne of Odessa and Jeremy Denney and wife Kara of Justin, Texas; brother Sid Smith of Denver; sister Dianne Brady and husband Robert of Valley Forge, Pa.; four grandchildren, Krystal and Kelsie of Lake Jackson, Texas, and Kyler and Kody of Denver; and three step-grandchildren Dylan, Colton and Spencer.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Smith; and his parents.
Cremation has taken place. The memorial service was held at the Odessa Christian Faith Center, with Pastor Don Caywood officiating.
For those who wish, the family has asked that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 811 Central Dr., Odessa, TX 79761.
Frank Wilson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.