OCTOBER 2006
Joaquina Duarte Juarez - October 2, 2006
Mary Leola Hopkin Simian - October 4, 2006
Garry Allen Gibbs - October 7, 2006
Phyllis Ann Higgins - October 7, 2006
Thelma I. Churchill - October 7, 2006
Louise Keele Hubbell - October 8, 2006
Erna Jones - October 11, 2006
Fred Theyon Bassett - October 12, 2006
Betty Lou Spragg - October 13, 2006
Dorothy Faye Beier - October 13, 2006
Rosa Lee Bunyard Strong - October 16, 2006
Gene Dearcorn - October 16, 2006
Manuel Martinez - October 18, 2006
Robert Pryde Borders - October 19, 2006
Faye Barron - October 21, 2006
Bruce Murray - October 25, 2006
Myron W. Wiertzba - October 25, 2006
Shirley Castle - October 28, 2006
Wes Patton - October 28, 2006
Doris Carol Neu - October 29, 2006
Marilyn Schmitz - October 31, 2006
Joaquina Duarte Juarez - October 2, 2006
Joaquina Duarte Juarez went peacefully to eternal rest Monday, Oct. 2, 2006 after batteling brain cancer. She was born on July 13,1920 in Mexico and came to Powell on April 5, 1957.
She was an excellent cook, enjoyed dancing, music, and outings but mostly loved being with her family.
She is survived by her beloved children Tula (Frank) Gonsalez, Max Juarez, Delfino (Cele) Juarez, Antonia Lopez, Hilario (Andrea) Juarez, Victor (Debra) Juarez, MaryLou (Inock) Sandoval, and Lillia Marquez; 31 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Praxedis, sons Silvino and Marino, and grandson J.P.
The family invites friends to celebrate her life starting with a rosary at St. Barbaras Catholic Church, Friday, Oct. 6th, at 5:00pm.
She will be buried Saturday after church services at 10:00am. A luncheon will follow.
Mary Leola Hopkin Simian - October 4, 2006
Funeral services for Mary Leola Hopkin Simian, who passed away in the Powell Valley Care Center on October 4th, 2006, were held on Monday, Oct. 9th, at at the L.D.S. Church, Avenue E Chapel in Powell.
Mary was born June 21, 1914, in Penrose, to Fred and Elizabeth Hopkin. She attended the Penrose School through the first six grades before transferring to Powell, where she graduated with the class of 1932. She also attended Brigham Young University for a year and then taught at a one-room school in Spence, Wyoming. She was employed by the Project Telephone Company in Powell as an operator at different intervals beginning in 1938.
On March 9, 1941, she married William Hardee in Florence, Arizona. They later moved to Thermopolis, where she owned and operated the Shirley Hotel from 1942 to 1946. She and Bill later were divorced, and in 1950 she returned to Powell where she worked for the First National Bank.
In 1954 she married Elmer Claud Simian and they moved to Colorado. A year later, Elmer suffered a debilitating stroke. After spending some time in the Veterans’ Hospital in Cheyenne they moved to Midland, Texas, to be near Elmer’s daughter, Von Markham, and her husband and family. When Elmer became bedfast, they moved to Big Springs, Texas, where he entered the Veterans’ Hospital for a few years until being moved to their own home there. Mary cared for her husband for eleven years until his passing in 1969. Mary then returned to Powell. With her years of experience in caring for the ill, she begun a career at the Powell Nursing Home until she retired in 1985.
Mary enjoyed traveling, enjoying trips to far-off places including Hawaii, Alaska and The Holy Land. She also enjoyed attending family activities with her brothers and sisters and took special interest in the accomplishments of her nieces and nephews.
She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and participated in various positions including a counselor in the Young Women’s Organization, ward .ibrarian and Relief Society visiting teacher, and a member of the choir. She worked in the Family History Library until her failing health prevented her from continuing. She also enjoyed attending the temple, especially when one was built in Billings, Mont.
She resided in the Rocky Mountain Manor from 1996 to 2001 and then in the Beehive Home for a short time. In 2002, when her eyesight failed, she became a resident of the Powell Valley Care Center. Even though she faced many health problems, Mary continued to be cheerful and optimistic and enjoyed the visits of family and friends in person and on the telephone.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, her parents, two brothers, Fred W. Hopkin and Harold W. (Whitey) Hopkin, two brothers-in-law, Jim Smith and Sam Roper, and two nephews, Harold Smith and Dennis Smith.
Two sisters, Fay Smith and Zona Roper, one brother, Burchell Hopkin, and three sisters-in-law, Alyce Hopkin, Ruby Hopkin and Dorcas Hopkin, survive her. Although she was not blessed with children of her own, her many nieces and nephews truly benefited from her love, her guidance and her examples as did all those whose lives were touched by hers. She will be missed.
Interment followed the service at the Penrose Cemetery.
Garry Allen Gibbs - October 7, 2006
Memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at American Legion Post No. 26 in Powell for Garry Allen Gibbs, 55, who died Sept. 14 at his home in Houma, La.
Burial of cremains will be at Crown Hill Cemetery with military rites by the Veterans of Foreign Wars drill team of Powell. Dinner and celebration of his life will follow at the American Legon.
He was born Feb. 8, 1951, in Casper to Vernon and Ruth (Angen) Gibbs. He moved with his family to Powell when he was in the seventh grade.
In 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea and then Vietnam until 1971. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star.
On Jan. 30, 1971, he married Nancy Enes. To this union were born two children: Heidi and Kacey Gibbs.
Garry remarried in 1984 to Jean Gunther and adopted her son, Christopher, into his family. He worked for many years in the oilfields as a driller, and while living in Jackson, he worked on the largest oil rig in the nation.
He was a past Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 26 in Powell and also a member of the VFW. His family will remember him as a true patriot who defended his country and its flag every day of his life.
He will also be remembered for his love of stock car racing. When he wasn’t driving, he was watching. He also loved the great outdoors of Wyoming. Hunting and fishing with family was a favorite pasttime.
Gary was loved by many because of his love for life. He always had a smile or a joke and will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his daughter, Heidi (Mike) McIntosh of Powell; sons Kacey (Peri) Gibbs of Powell and Chris (Gina) Gibbs of Virginia; sisters Doni Gibbs and Cheryl Gibbs, both of Billings, Mont.; four granddaughters and three grandsons.
Phyllis Ann Higgins - October 7, 2006
Phyllis Ann Higgins, 60, of Powell died Oct. 7, 2006, at Powell Valley Healthcare.
She was born May 1, 1946, in Baker, Mont., to Harley L. Wassink and Esther Bertsch. She attended schools in Riverton, and was a member of the Eagles.
After her first husband, James Jones, died in 1971, she moved to Powell to be closer to her family and to raise her two daughters. She worked at Head Start as a teacher's aide, then as a teacher for many years. Then she moved on to work at the nursing home as a certified nurses assistant. She also enjoyed keeping score at the bowling alley for many years.
She married Jerry Higgins on Feb. 14, 1983, in Powell. In May 1989 she became disabled and was not able to work anymore. She was never one to let that get her down. She filled her days with visiting friends and famly, craft projects and teaching herself how to use the computer. She enjoyed her may card games. She never let her own disbility and circumstances get her down.
We will remmeber her as a very strong and caring person, never once complaining about her own situation. She was always more concerned about her family and firends. She would put everyone’s happiness and wellbeing before her own.
She is truly going to be missed by her family, friends and many caregivers she had throughout the years.
Phyllis is survived by her mother, Esther Wassink of Powell; her husband, Jerry Higgins of Powell; two daughters, Rhonda (Kevin) Nelson and Christy Jones; a brother, Wayne (Brenda) Wassink; a sister, Twyla (Pedro) Segura; two grandchildren, Amanda McWIlliams and Joshua Jones, and one great-grandchild, Cheyenne McDonald.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harley Wassink; first husband, James Jones; a sister, Sharon Scranton; and her mother-in-law, Mary Higgins.
At her request, there will be no funeral or memorial serivce. Cremation has taken place.
Thelma I. Churchill - October 7, 2006
Thelma Churchill died Oct. 7, 2006 at the Powell Valley Care Center just 13 days after her 100th birthday.
She was born Sept. 24, 1906, in Deerfield, Mo., the eldest of six children, to Anna May Lewis and Oscar Monroe Rimbey. After her mother's death in 1919, her father came to Powell. Shortly afterward, when only 12 years old, Thelma boarded a train with three of her siblings in tow and traveled from Missouri to Wyoming to join her father. An aunt packed a picnic basket for them so they would have food on the journey.
Thelma helped raise her siblings, who were joined after a few years by one of the twin baby sisters left behind (a twin died at age two). As her brother once said, "She was the only mother I ever knew."
Thelma graduated from Powell High School in 1927 and, until recently, enjoyed attending the annual alumni banquets.
On June 17, 1927, she married Frederick H. Churchill, and they raised two children on the family farm just west of Powell. Known as "Mom Churchill " to her grandchildren, she is remembered by them as the one who would keep a secret, provide comfort and always be happy to see them. She taught her grandchildren and most of the great-grandchildren how to play Gin Rummy. A deck of cards was never far out of reach, and "Mom C" did more than her share of winning.
Thelma lived independently on the farm until age 98. During the summer, her house was frequently full to the rafters with family and friends. She ran up and down two flights of steep stairs, keeping house, mowing lawns, gardening and preparing dinners for 20 or more people well into her 90's.
For more than 40 years, Thelma was a "summer mother" to dozens of young paleontologists who came to the area to look for fossils. She referred to the fossil hunters as the "Princeton Gang" and eagerly awaited their arrival in the summer. Until her death, she continued to correspond with at least three generations of students and their families. In 1997, she and her family flew to Chicago to the annual meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology where they were given the Morris F. Skinner Award in recognition of their many outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of vertebrate paleontology.
Thelma had a boundless spirit of adventure and love of nature. She journeyed to many foreign countries, including Peru, China, Australia, New Zealand, England, Mexico, Norway and Africa. At a moment's notice she was ready to head for the hills in search of artifacts or fossils. She would marvel at sunrise on the Big Horn Mountains and sunset over Heart Mountain and the Beartooths. She loved flowers and had a green thumb when it came to growing them. She always had a kitty or two and they lived the good life under her care.
Thelma is survived by her daughter Joyce Shelby of Bozeman, Mont.; son Winston (Beryl) Churchill of Powell; five grandsons; two granddaughters; 13 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Her sister Wilma Groen, and sister-in-law Irene Rimbey, both of Powell and several nieces and nephews, also survive her.
Her husband, who died in 1959, three sisters, a brother, a grandson and her son-in-law preceded her in death.
Memorial services are scheduled for October 23rd at 11 a.m. at the Union Presbyterian Church in Powell. A luncheon for family and friends will follow in the church's Ferren Hall. Memorials may be given to the Powell Medical Foundation for the Powell Valley Care Center, the Union Presbyterian Church or charity of choice.
Thompson Funeral Home of Powell is in charge of arrangements.
Louise Keele Hubbell - October 8, 2006
Louise Keele Hubbell, 92, died Oct. 8 at North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell.
She was born Aug. 15, 1914, in Lovell, the daughter of Thomas Alexander and Luella Leithead Keele, the third of nine children. Louise graduated from Lovell schools in 1933. She later attended Billings Business College in Billings, Mont.
In 1937, she married Grant S. Hubbell from Cowley. To this union, two children were born: Rex Grant Hubbell and Ina Louise Hubbell. Grant worked construction and in the oilfields, and his job took them traveling to many locations from San Diego, Calif., to Saudi Arabia.
When Grant returned from Saudi Arabia in 1958, they bought the Keele farm fulfilling Grant's longtime dream of farming. After Grant's death, Louise continued as an active partner on the farm with her son Rex. Louise also worked as a nurse's aide for 20 years at the North Big Horn Hospital. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, quilting, and solving puzzles of all kinds. The doors of her home were always open to her grandchildren. Her love of the outdoors and spending time with family, led to many camping and fishing trips with four generations of her family, especially in the Big Horn Mountains. Many picnics and family gatherings came about while working cattle, or trailing cattle to pastures in the Big Horns, Pryors,Luther ranch, or the surrounding hills of the farm; all were enjoyed just the same.
As an active member of the LDS church, she served in many capacities including Primary, Homemaking, and Mutual teacher, Primary President, and Relief Society visiting teacher. She enjoyed traveling with her sisters to the Idaho Falls Temple, where she did temple work and researched family genealogy.
Survivors include two brothers, Don (Bonnie) Keele of Ferron, Uah, and Brant Keele of Riverton; two sisters, Sevella Kysar of Sylmar, Calif., and Alice Tarter of Basin; her children; Rex (Betty) Hubbell and Ina Hubbell, both of Lovell; four grandchildren, Kathryn Schaefer of Powell, Mark (Tami) Hubbell of Cowley, Alisa (Tate) McCoy of Powell, and Bruce Hubbell of Seaside, Ore., eight great-grandchildren, Eric Schaefer and Joel Schaefer, both of Powell, Maureen (Jason) Percifield of Gillettte, Matt (Sandi) Hubbell of Absarokee, Mont., Tawni (Thomas) Green of Lovell, Grant Hubbell and Colton Hubbell both of Seaside, Ore., and Erin McCoy of Powell, and four great-great grandchildren, Chelsi and Kade Green, Amy Hubbell, and Kamryn Percifield.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sisters, Phyllis Keele, Patra Scott, Burnice Ames; and a brother, Fenton Keele.
Erna (Schoen) Jones, 98, died Wednesday, Oct. 11 at West Park Long Term Care Center in Cody.
She was born July 15, 1908, in her grandmother’s house in Hanover Township, Iowa. She was the first of three daughters (Lydia and Alvina) of Robert and O’Tillia Schoen. She grew up on the land, learning all the ways that the richness of nature supports the family farmer.
She married Willis Jones in 1930, and to this union were born a son, Wilmar Ward Jones, who died shortly after birth, and a daughter,
Beverly, in 1933. Erna and Willis worked on farms in Iowa, for the Deter Ranch near Ten Sleep, farmed near Schleswig and later Manilla, Iowa, then bought and operated a ranch in the Rapid Valley of western South Dakota.
The couple eventually purchased a huge cattle ranch along Sage Creek in the mountainous beauty of southwestern Montana, near Dell. The 47 Ranch became a model for cow-calf operations, and Erna was at the middle of it all. She cooked, split wood for the kitchen stove and heating stoves, milked Brown Swiss cows, raised white Leghorns, kept the ranch books and raised a huge garden. She was regionally famous for raising the largest cabbages (heads the size of basketballs) and for which she earned the blue ribbon at the Beaverhead County Fair.
Erna loved flower gardens, including her favorite varieties, blue Bachelor’s Buttons. The presence of Mountain Bluebirds, as brilliantly blue as the big Montana sky, always put a smile on her face.
Erna was gentle and soft-spoken and small in stature. She was also incredibly strong, resilient, uncomplaining and kind. In this way she remains in the memory of her family as lively and beautiful as the gently-rolling prairies on which she spent most of her life.
Survivors include her daughter, Beverly (Bill) Kolacny of Clark; six grandchildren, Terry (Eve) Shorb of Prescott, Ariz., Jim (Wanda) Shorb of Powell, Ellen (Steve) Bales of Cody, Brett Kolacny of Clark, Bart (Loydrenna) Kolacny of Powell and JoAnn (Jerry) Denny of Clark; 13 great-grandchildren, Josh (Trish) Shorb and Danny Shorb of Powell, Justin (Ashley) Shorb of Hampstead, N.H., Tanya (Cory) McGregor, Shelly Bales and Kassie Bales, all of Southfork-Cody, Colt Kolacny, Melissa Kolacny and Eathan Kolacny, all of Powell, Orin Denny, Jessica Denny, Kevin Denny and Jake Denny, all of Clark; and one great-great grandchild, Ashlyn Grace Shorb of Powell.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis Ward Jones; her parents; a son, Wilmar Ward Jones; and sisters Lydia and Avina.
Cremation has taken place, and her remains will be placed near those of her husband on a native grass mesa on the Nowhere Ranch, near the Montana-Wyoming border at Clark. Ballard Funeral Home, Cody, assisted with arrangements.
Fred Theyon Bassett - October 12, 2006
Fred Theyon Bassett died on Oct. 12 in Lovell after a brief illness.
He was born Dec. 21, 1913 in the small community of Iona to Fred Herbert and Susan Alzina Bassett.
He grew up in Iona and attended schools in Kane and Lovell. After high school he tended sheep in the Big Horns, then served in the Eastern States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1931-1933.
When he returned from his mission, he attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie where he met Barbara Clark at the LDS Institute. They married on Jan. 3, 1940, in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Fred spent World War II working at the shipyards on Mare Island near San Francisco. Since then, Fred and Barbara made their home in Lovell, where he worked as a blacksmith and welder. In addition, he was served faithfully in the LDS Church, 4-H and the Boy Scouts. He was awarded the BSA Silver Beaver.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; and one daughter, Ruth Bryant; as well as three grandchildren, Randall Swensen, Elaine Bassett and Rikke Swensen.
He is survived by six children, 25 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Surviving children and in-laws are Irene (Robert) Swensen of Salt Lake City, Fred C. (Louise) Bassett of Longview, Texas, Donella (Mike) Pease of Powell, Bruce (Marie) Bassett of Orem, Utah, Donald Bryant of Vernonia, Ore., Jason (Della) Bassett, of Richfield Wash. and Carlos (Connie) Bassett of Laramie.
Funeral services were held Oct. 16 in the Lovell Stake Center. Burial followed in the Lovell Cemetery.
Betty Lou Spragg - October 13, 2006
Betty Lou Spragg, 68, of Lovell died Friday, Oct. 13 at her home in Lovell.
Betty Lou was born March 19, 1938 to George Willard and Mary Grippen Andres in Chicago, Ill., She moved to Meeteetse when she was 3 months old. She attended school in Greybull and Manderson, graduating from Greybull High School in May of 1956. Betty married Robert L. Spragg on Jan. 11, 1975.
Betty enjoyed flower gardens, hunting, fishing, camping, and all kinds of hand work. Most of all she really enjoyed large family get-togethers with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family meant the world to her.
Betty is survived by her husband Robert and a “Yours, Mine, and Ours” family of eight children; sons: Charles (Tina) Spragg of Greybull; Curt Spragg of Lovell; Joe (Kasi) Robison of Cody; daughters: Carmen (Carl) Olson of Basin; Cathy (Doug) Feller of Worland; Verdine (Tim) LaBorde of Cody; Mary (Larry) Price of Thermopolis; Liz (Cliff) Claudson of Cody; brothers George (Joyce) Andres of Cody and Chris Andres of Commerce City, Colo.; sister Mary (Nort) Fowler of Surprise, Ariz.; 28 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m. at Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center.
Dorothy Faye Beier - October 13, 2006
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Union Presbyterian Church for long-time Powell resident, Dorothy Faye Beier, who died Friday, Oct. 13 at Powell. She was 89.
The Rev. David Hunter will officiate at services and burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.
She was born Sept. 12, 1917, in Parker, S.D. to Harold and Madge (Cargin) Kolb. She graduated from high school in 1935 and moved with her family to Wyoming in 1936. She married Mike Beier on Sept. 12, 1937, and the family made its home in Powell.
Mike and Dorothy owned and operated the Dutch Mill, then went into the grocery business with Harold and Bob Kolb (Food Basket).
She was a member of BPOE Does and the Presbyterian Church. Dorothy’s house was always the hub of activity. She always had plenty of food and exta room at the table for whomever happened to drop in.
She enjoyed playing bridge with the same bridge club for 50 years.
She was very involved in her children’s lives. She cherished her grandchildren and kept track of their activities faithfully. It was a delight to her that she lived to know of the birth of her great-great grandson.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia (Howard) Smith of Powell and Kathy Beier of Powell, her caregiver; two daughters-in-law, Sandra Beier and Jere Lynn Beier, both of Cody; a son-in-law, Larry Argento of Powell; a brother, Bob (Loretta) Kolb of Powell; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; her parents; a daughter, Nanci Argento; sons Ronald Beier and Jerry Beier; and an infant brother.
Pallbearers at the funeral will be Steve Burgener, Dan Burgener, Eric Burgener, Scott Argento, Greg Kolb and Brad Kolb. Honorary pallbearers will be Kent Beier, Kevin Beier, Todd Beier, David Beier and Darren Beier.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorials to the Heart Association or the Powell Animal Shelter.
Rosa Lee Bunyard Strong - October 16, 2006
Rosa Lee Strong died Monday, Oct. 16 in Billings, Mont., at the age of 91.
She was born on April 19, 1915, in Roff, Okla, daughter of William Lee Bunyard and Annie Laurie Beauchamp Bunyard. She married William Ray Strong on May 6, 1933, in Ada, Okla. They moved to Powell, Wyoming with their five children in 1949. Except for a period of years when Ray’s work for Texaco Oil Company took them to North Dakota, Wyoming was their home. Rosa Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, who died at their Powell home on Jan. 22, 1986.
Her family will gather for graveside services at East Hill Cemetery in Roff, Okla., where she will be interred alongside her husband. A memorial service will be held in Powell at a later date.
Survivors include daughters Martha Slater of Gilroy, Calif.; Kathleen Elder of Nashville, Tenn.; Sandy Smith and husband Ron Smith of Billings; sons Tom Strong and wife Niurka of Redondo Beach, Calif., and Ken Strong and wife Sue of Salem, Ore.; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Louise Tyler of Wagoner, Okla.; Edith Taylor of Houston, Texas; a brother, Jack Bunyard of Ada, Okla., and many nieces and nephews.
Rosa Lee was a member of the Methodist Church in Powell for more than 50 years, where she was active in Women’s Circles, helping with funeral meals, and crafting items for church bazaars. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 778, Powell, WY 82435.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home.
Gene Dearcorn - October 16, 2006
Funeral services for Eugene Otto (Bill) Dearcorn, 87, who died in Billings, Mont., Monday, Oct. 16, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 at the First United Methodist Church in Powell, with military services to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
He was born Nov. 24, 1918, in Sunrise, Wyo., to Otto and Hortense (Smith) Dearcorn. He was raised on their homestead north of Fort Laramie. After his father died when Gene was 15 years of age, he and his mother farmed several more years until he went to work at the Whittaker Ranch north of Cheyenne where his Uncle Paul was foreman.
In June, 1942, while stationed at Indiantown Gap Base near Harrisburg, Pa., he met Frances Straw before serving overseas for three years. As an enlistedman in the Army during World War II, he served with the Big Red One, the 1st US Infantry Division 4, in battles and campaigns. While serving overseas he was in the following areas: Algeria French Moreno, Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Sicily, and Tunisia.
He returned to marry Frances Straw on Sept. 8, 1945, at Straits Corners, N.Y., at the home of his mother Hortense (known as “Hearty”) and stepfather Nate Hollenbeck. He and his life-long wife, Frances, enjoyed 61 years of marriage after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. He operated and did maintenance work on all common types of cars and machinery. He had the ability to figure out what made things operate and how to get things put back together after taking them apart. He farmed for nearly 40 years, most of that on Heart Mountain.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Frank; and sister, Irene Wilson.
He is survived by his wife; four children, David Dearcorn (Nancy) of Dayton, Valera Jeanne (Terry) Swenson, Duane Dearcorn (Judy) and Joann Lee (Jim) Cross, all of Powell; eight grandchildren, Eric (Teri), David Jack (Liz) and Erin Dearcorn, Travis (Heide) Swenson, Jennifer (Greg) Wilson, Casey (Brandi) Dearcorn, Paul Dearcorn, and Nicholas (Trisha) Cross; 15 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Heston, Shattuck, and Shea Swenson, Ryver, Delaney, and Ivy Dearcorn, Holden, Taber, and Elle Wilson, Ty, Bo, and Jordyn Dearcorn, and McKenna and Cayden Cross; three step great-grandchildren and five step great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Manuel Martinez - October 18, 2006
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church for Manuel Martinez of Powell, who died Saturday, Oct. 13. He was 60.
Father Peter Johnson will officiate at services. Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. tonight (Tuesday). Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
He was born June 22, 1946, at Lovell, son of Frank R. and Juana (Velasquez) Martinez. He attended Lovell High School and married Virginia Franckowiak at Lovell in 1972.
The family lived in Powell, and Manuel never knew a stranger. He was always quick with a joke and loved helping people. He loved to cook, and his salsa was always requested.
He was especially fond of fishing and watching baseball. He really loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Cassandra, Sydney, Anthony, Jami and Jackson.
Survivors include his wife Virginia of Powell; a son, Branden Martinez of Billings, Mont.; a daughter, Katie Martinez of Powell; brothers and sisters-in-law, Pete and Judi Martinez of Cascade, Mont., Ramon and Dorothy Martinez of California, Rudy and Rhonda Martinez of Iowa and Jesse Martinez of Lovell; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rita and Ben Cobos and Rose and Jerry Cantrell, all of Denver, Colo.; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Eva; brothers Art and John; and sister-in-law, Jaunita.
Pallbearers at the funeral will be Mathew Martinez, Melchor Garza, Jared Baker and Rocky Melger. Nick and Matt Martinez are honorary pallbearers.
Robert Pryde Borders - October 19, 2006
Funeral services will be conducted today (Tuesday, Oct. 24) at 10 a.m. at the Avenue E Chapel of the LDS Church for Robert Pryde (Bob) Borders, 80, who died Thursday, Oct. 19 in Powell.
Bishop Rod Barton will preside at services.
Bob was born July 8, 1926, at Powell, son of Angus Borders and Gladys (Pryde) Borders. He attended local schools through his junior year in high school and married Phyllis Hinkel in Columbus, Mont., on March 25, 1944. Their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple on Aug. 23, 1951.
He was a member of the LDS Church.
As a long-time Powell businessman, he purchased the Texaco service station and the Exxon service station and bulk plant on Feb. 1, 1973, and operated for many years.
He enjoyed boating, skiing, camping, snowmobiling and 4-wheeling, as well as horseback/pack trips to fish. He loved to follow sports, especially the Wyoming Cowboys, the Powell Panthers and the Denver Broncos.
Survivors include his wife Phyllis of Powell; daughters, Caryl (Ron) Miller of Gillette and Cathi Farnham of Powell; daughter-in-law, LuAnn Sand Borders of Powell; brother, Angus (Linda) Borders of Lovell; sister, Patricia Henry of Powell; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Borders; a grandson, Nicholas Robert Borders; his parents; sisters, Wessie Borders and Margaret Chrisman; and brother, John Henry Borders.
Pallbearers at the funeral will be Jason Borders, Ronald Miller, Tyler Bunner, Stacy Carter, Randy Yates and Wes Metzler. Honorary pallbearers include Tad Bunner, Melvin Scott and Schyler Borders.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Powell Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
Faye Barron - October 21, 2006
Memorial services are scheduled Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Powell for Faye Barron, 85, who died Sunday, Oct. 15 at West Park Hospital in Cody.
She was born Aug. 10, 1921, in Logan, Texas, daughter of Preston Barnett and Alma (Williams) Barnett. She graduated from high school and went on to beauty school to become a hairdresser.
She married Henry (Duncan) Barron Oct. 14, 1941. They lived in Wright City, Texas, and later moved to Powell where she continued in her occupation.
She was a member of First Baptist Church and Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, oil painting and other crafts.
She is survived by her husband Duncan of Powell; a sister, Kay Waldron of Seminole, Okla., one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her only daughter, Janette Barron Sullivan; her parents; her sister, Sue Jones; and brothers, James, Preston Jr. and Howard Barnett. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
Pastor Jesse Sauskojus will officiate at Saturday services, assisted by David Poole.
Bruce Murray - October 25, 2006
Funeral services for Bruce Murray, 93, who died at the Powell Valley Healthcare, Wednesday, Oct. 25, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Union Presbyterian Church in Powell.
Viewing at Thompson Funeral Home will be one hour prior to services.
He was born Jan. 2, 1913, in Ludlow, Mo, to Earl and Tula Murray. Tula suffered from asthma and was told to move to a dry climate. This brought them to Powel when Bruce was a baby. They brought their livestock, farm equipment and household belongings in an immigrant rail car, arriving in Powell on Dec. 5, 1914.
They first homesteaded on the Cemetery Road east of Powell. During this time, a brother, Max, and a sister, Merne, were born.
Bruce graduated from Powell High School in the class of 1931 as salutatorian and was voted outstanding athlete in his class. He was the first Balfour Award recipient at PHS, the first American Farmer from Powell and the second in the State of Wyoming. He received the boy's Honor Scholarship and a $500 scholarship to the University of Wyoming for being the high point livestock judge at the Kansas City National FFA judging contest. He worked odd jobs while attending college and was a member of Alpha Zeta Honorary. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Animal Production in 1935.
After losing the farm east of Powell during the Depression, the senior Murrays started over on the East Willwood in 1931 on a one half-school section. Bruce homesteaded on an adjoining farm by the Shoshone River in 1934. The name “Mere” was added to the end of the Murray name, which is a Scottish tradition meaning green pastures.
In 1940, Bruce met and fell in love with Darla Millspaugh, a school teacher from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, who had come to Powell to teach the fifth grade. Bruce and Darla were married Aug. 7, 1941 in her family home in Iowa. To this union were born a son, Keith Davis, and daughter, Linda Verlee. Bruce and Darla had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August.
Bruce was born to farm. His greatest pleasure was watching plants and animals grow. He took pride in saying that "our cattle are in our possession from conception to consumption." In later years, Bruce enjoyed collecting antique farm equipment. One of his great memories is going to Israel, climbing Mt. Sinai and Masada.
Bruce was the son of a homesteader and a homesteader himself. He always took great pride in being a good farmer and said, “I am proud to have spent my lifetime producing food for my fellow man. Change and challenge have been the hallmark of my life. The Future Farmers of America creed best expresses my philosophy. I believe in the future of farming with a faith born not of words, but of deeds."
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Max; and sister, Merne.
Survivors include his wife, Darla; two children, Keith (Rita) Murray and Linda Murray of Powell; four grandchildren: Bryon (Veesha) Murray and Valerie (Jeremy) Walton of Powell, Kenton (Sherri) Murray of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Tiffany (Allan) Darwich of Portland, Ore.; and 12 great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bruce Murray Women’s Athletic Scholarship or the Bruce and Darla Murray String Music Scholarship at Northwest College Foundation, 231 West 6th Street, Powell, WY 82435.
Myron W. Wiertzba - October 25, 2006
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Oct. 28 at Thompson Funeral Home for Myron W. Wiertzba, 61, who died Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the Powell Hospital.
He had been a Powell area resident for the last three years.
He was born May 31, 1945, in Burney, Calif., son of William R. and Della V. (Ruth) Wiertzba. He graduated from Fall River High School in northern California and married Tina Jones on Aug. 8, 1964, in Reno, Nev. They lived in Red Bluff, Calif., where he was an inspector for Pacific Gas & Electric Co. before moving to Powell.
He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and loved the outdoors — hunting and fishing. He enjoyed working outdoors, especially driving his tractor. One or both of his dogs was always at his side.
He was also fond of leathercraft, home carpentry and watching movies from his easy chair. His sons and granddaughter were the light of his life. He is now at peace and free of pain.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Tina Wiertzba of Powell; two sons, Keith Wiertzba (Teri) of Powell and Frank Wiertzba (Cassandra) of Springfield, Ore.; his mother, Della of Carmichael, Calif.; a sister, Elaine Mason (Richard) of Sacramento, Calif.; granddaughter Alicia Wiertzba; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, William R. Wiertzba.
The Rev. Douglas Sunderland officiated at services. The family would appreciate donations to the local cancer society.
Shirley Castle - October 28, 2006
Shirley Castle, Nancy Freudenthal's mother and the mother-in-law of Gov. Dave Freudenthal, died Saturday, Oct. 28 in Cody after being hospitalized for about a week with pneumonia. She was 76.
Castle was president of Shoshone Title and Abstract Co., a position to which she climbed to after starting as a title agent and examiner. She also served on the board of directors of First American Title Co. of Wyoming.
She was born Shirley A. Archer in Cody Jan. 14, 1930. She graduated from Cody High School in 1948 and married Harold W. Roan in 1952. Nancy Freudenthal was one of their five children — three daughters and two sons.
They later divorced, and Shirley married Richard H. "Dick" Castle in 1974.
She is survived by her husband; her sister, Nancy Mansell; sons Neill and Thomas Roan; daughters Nancy Freudenthal and Kathleen Thompson; stepdaughter Kim Castle and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mildred Archer; daughter Dee Anne; and stepson Jeff Castle.
Memorial services are scheduled Friday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. at the Powell Veterans of Foreign Wars for Wesley Virgil Patton, 71, who died Saturday, Oct. 28 at his home in Ralston.
He was born in Collbran, Colo., Jan. 30, 1935 to Clarence and Pearl Patton. He attended school and worked in a sheep camp with his father during his childhood. At the age of 15, he left to work in the oil fields. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Army and served two tours in Korea.
He married Wilma Ross in Naturita, Colo., on Sept. 11, 1957. He was then stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where his first son, Delbert, was born in 1958. After being relocated to Bamburg, Germany for three years, his first daughter, Sharon, was born in 1960. He was released from the army in 1962 and went to work in the mines in Nucla, Naturita and Uravan, Colo. He also did ranch work, other mining jobs and worked in various oil fields throughout Colorado.
In 1963, his son, Wardell, was born in Montrose; then his daughter, Wanda, was born in 1965 in Glenwood Springs. Eventually the family moved to New Jersey where he worked in the horse racing industry. In Mount Holly, N.J., his youngest son, Weston, was born in 1969.
The family later moved back to Wyoming, venturing from Colorado to Utah, then settling in Wyoming. He held the commander post at the American Legion and was a member of the VFW.
He and his wife divorced in 1989.
Survivors include his two daughters, Sharon (and her life partner, Mike) and Wanda Vanderpool; son Weston and wife Heather; five grandsons, Danny, Jeremy, Justin, Jaymie, and Delayne; three granddaughters, Amanda, JeaLinda and Jolene; three great-grandchildren, Casey, Kinyon and Camryn; three brothers, Julius, Walter and Robert; and two sisters, Barbara and Joann.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Delbert Wayne (1981) and Wardell Allen (1985); two half-brothers, one half-sister; his little brother James; and two sons-in-law, Robert Vanderpool and Michael King.
Doris Carol Neu - October 29, 2006
Former Powell resident Doris Carol “DC” Neu, 81, of Dayton, died Sunday, Oct. 29 in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County at Sheridan.
She was born Aug. 9, 1925, in the town of Kane, to Alvin and Sue Adams. She grew up in Kane and graduated from Lovell High School.
She went on to graduate from Billings Business College and married Harold S. Neu on Nov. 16, 1946, in Powell where they lived and she worked for the CB&Q Railroad.
Later she worked for the Dixon law firm until the family moved to Dayton in 1969. They owned the Dayton Texaco and the Dew Drop Inn drive-in in Dayton. She then worked for the U.S. Forest Service until she retired.
Doris enjoyed poetry, flowers, gardening, playing the piano and music of all kinds. She loved family gatherings and made them special.
Survivors include her husband Harold of Dayton; daughters Vickie Martin of Sheridan, Mona Scott of Dayton, Michele Lofgren of Buffalo and Tami Neu of Billings, Mont.; and eight grandchildren.
Memorial services are scheduled today (Thursday, Nov. 2) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home in Sheridan, with Father Charles Gifford officiating. Inurnment will be held later in Powell.
Memorials may benefit Callie’s Fund, in care of Tara Keep, First Federal Savings Bank, Box 6007, Sheridan, WY 82801. Donations will be distributed to local veterinarians to assist the older citizens of Sheridan and surrounding areas with care for their pets.
Marilyn Schmitz - October 31, 2006
Marilyn Ann Schmitz, 64, died at the Powell Valley Healthcare Center Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 31.
Vigil for the deceased, with the Rosary recited, will be tonight (Thursday, Nov. 2) at 7 p.m. at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, Powell. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m., also at St. Barbara’s. Luncheon will follow in the parish center.
Burial will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Billings, Mont., on Monday, Nov. 6. Ballard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.