SEPTEMBER 2004
Lawrence E. Powers ~ Sept. 4, 2004
Robert (Bob) Dobson ~ Sept. 5, 2004
Elden A. Sigurdson ~ Sept. 10, 2004
Lenore Slater Rose Hays ~ Sept. 11, 2004
Robert A. Medved ~ Sept. 13, 2004
Robby Eugene Overfield ~ Sept. 14, 2004
Glen Mitchell Corbett ~ Sept. 18, 2004
Robert "Bob" L. Emery ~ Sept. 19, 2004
Lawrence Earl (Larry) Thiel ~ Sept. 20, 2004
James Nile Myers ~ Sept. 23, 2004
Janna Frazeir Harkrider ~ Sept. 23, 2004
Frank Patrick Cropanese ~ Sept. 23, 2004
Bill L. Harvey ~ Sept. 24, 2004
Martha Iona Howell ~ Sept. 25, 2004
Ada Mayor Hays ~ Sept. 25, 2004
Ila Marie Sigmon Godfrey ~ Sept. 26, 2004
LaVada M. Hedge ~ Sept. 27, 2004
Lewis A. Roney ~ Sept. 28, 2004
Lyle Edward Rodgers ~ Sept. 28, 2004
Inze L. Harrington ~ Sept. 29, 2004
A graveside service will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery Friday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. for Lawrence E. (Larry) Powers, 88, who died Saturday, Sept. 4 at West Park Long Term Care Center in Cody.
He was born Oct. 1, 1915, in Larned, Kans., to Ancil Powers and Florence (Evans) Powers. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Georgina Lee Brown in Kearny, N.J.
The couple farmed near Ralston for many years. They built a new log home on their property in Ralston. Following their retirement from farming they moved to Powell and later to Cody. He also worked for the National Park Service at Lake and Mammoth for mumerous years.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Georgina; a son, Richard Paul Powers, who was killed in Vietnam in 1969; and a daughter, Candy Lee Powers.
Former Powell resident, Robert (Bob) Dobson, 57, died suddenly Sunday, Sept. 5 in Citrus Springs, Fla.
He had moved from Powell to Florida in May of 2003 to be near a daughter.
He was born July 20, 1947.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Sue Dobson, in Citrus Springs; a daughter, Anne Marie Berry (Stephen) of Florida; a son, Scott Dobson (Tawnie) of Sheridan; and four grandbuddies, Brady Berry, 7, Mikel Dobson, 4, Kole Dobson, 2, and Trace Dobson, 1.
Funeral services in Dunnellon, Fla., are pending.
The family can be contacted at 10180 Majorca Way, Citrus Springs, FL 34434.
A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Powell for Elden Arlo Sigurdson, 81, who died Friday, Sept. 10 at the Powell Nursing Home.
He was born March 23, 1923, on a farm near Minneota, Minn. He was the oldest of seven brothers and four sisters born to Otto and Anna Sigurdson. The family moved to Balaton, Minn., during the Great Depression.
He graduated from Balaton High School in June of 1942 and joined the U.S. Army Air Force cadet program. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and assigned as the navigator on a B-17 with the Eighth Air Force, 303 Bomb Group in England. His plane was shot down over Berlin during its 24th mission on June 21, 1944. He was taken prisoner of war and sent to Stalag Luft 3 near Sagen, Germany. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
Upon his discharge from the military, he returned to the U.S. and entered college, using the G.I. Bill of Rights. He graduated from Wisconsin Institute of Technology and then completed his education by earning a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy at Rolla, Mo., in January, 1951.
He and Margaret McFall of Platteville, Wisc., were married June 1, 1947, at the Whig Methodist Church at Platteville. They celebrated 57 years of marriage. Three sons were born to Elden and Margaret: Randolph Arlo, Kent Otto and Jeffrey Garth.
Following his college graduation, he accepted employment with the Sohio (Standard Oil of Ohio) Petroleum Company. He remained an employee of Sohio until his retirement in 1983. Over the years, he and his family followed the oil fields to various communities in four states and two Canadian provinces. The family moved to Powell in 1965. They moved to the West Willwood community in 1974.
Elden and Margaret raised Arabian horses and were active in the Northern Division of the Wyoming Arabian Horse Association. The family enjoyed showing the Arabians at the Park County Fair and riding in local parades. Elden was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed camping. He especially enjoyed spending time in the Sunlight Basin and in family activities.
He was a long-time member of Hope Lutheran Church in Powell.
Survivors include his wife Margaret of Powell; their sons and families, Randy and Dawna of Kearney, Nebr., and their children, Audrey Sigurdson, Alicia Epping and her husband Mike, and Asher Sigurdson; Kent and Laurie of Powell and their children, Sara Sigurdson and Mike and his wife Melissa and their childrebn, Simon and Derek; and Jeff and Teri of Burnsville, Minn., and their children, Ryan and Julia. He is also survived by his brother, Leonard and wife Sylvia, Dennis and wife Barbara and Stuart and wife Renja; and sisters Laura Brue and Elaine Zacrepand; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.
Lenore Slater Rose Hays - Sept. 11
At the age of 98 years and six months, Lenore Hays died Sept. 11 at the Long Term Care Center in Cody. Her granddaughter, Robin, was at her side.
She was born March 13, 1906, in Minneapolis, Kans., to George William Slater and Charlotta Estelle Cleaver Slater. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Jack, George, and Loris; three infant sisters, and her son-in-law Richard M. Hay.
At an early age she moved with her family to Colorado, and then to Meeteetse, where her father was foreman of the 91 Ranch, owned by Eugene Phelps and Charles Belden. "Mr. Eugene" gave her a horse to ride for as long as they lived on the ranch, and she became an accomplished rider as a young girl.
She and her parents moved to Elk Basin, where she married William Hugh Rose. She and Hugh then lived in Gilt Edge,Mont., for a short time. They returned to Elk Basin, where two sons were born, William G. and Loris H. Rose. After a move to Billings, Mont., their daughter, Myrna Ann, was born.
Various relocations were necessary to obtain work and support a family during the depression years, one taking them to New York State for three and a half years, finally returning to Billings.
Sewing was her passion. She made her first doll dress at the age of three, and continued sewing into her 90s. In her early 20sshe obtained a loan of $50 from the Powell bank and opened a shop there for dressmaking and alterations, repaying the loan in a very short time. During the years that she and her children lived in Billings, she worked in the Jane Drake shop in the Northern Hotel at the time the hotel burned, and also had positions at Coles Department Store and Doyle's Dress Shop. To supplement her income for herself and three children, she worked at home late into the night doing alterations and dressmaking. She was accomplished in designing and styling women's clothing. A number of brides and their attendants in Billings were privileged to wear the beautiful gowns that she designed.
Lenore enjoyed bridge and made many lifelong friends at the bridge table. She continued playing into her last years at the center.
She married Lawrence Hays in Powell in 1955, and they retired to Hemet, Calif.,in 1967. After his death in 1980, she returned to Cody to be near her family.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Marjorie Rose of Cody, son Loris Rose of Oregon, and daughter Myrna Hay, of Cody; grandchildren William Grant Rose, Robin E. Ayres and husband Cliff, Mary K. Waudby and husband Michael, Richard B. Hay and wife Gail, Mark W. Hay and wife Susan; her sister-in-law, Irma Slater of Powell; eight great-grandchildren, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews and their families. Through the years, she has remained close to Juanita Rose, Aaron Rose and family, and Wayne D. Rose and family.
Cremation has taken place and private family services will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
A funeral mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Casper for Robert A. Medved, 74, who died Monday, Sept. 13, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper.
Father Bob Cook will officiate.
He was born on March 12, 1930, in Kansas City, Mo., to Albert and Agnes (Yadrich) Medved. He was raised and educated in Kansas City and graduated in 1948 from Rockhurst High School. After high school, he played Minor League Baseball for the New York Giants. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1948 and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in June of 1952. He married Betty Goodman on Sept. 1, 1956, in Scotts City, Mo. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Entomology from Oregon State College in 1959 and later received his master's in Entomology. He did research and taught at the University of California at Riverside for 25 years. After he retired, he moved to Alberton, Mont., and then, three years later, married Jane Kidneigh and moved to Powell. They had resided in Casper for the last eight years.
He loved woodworking, photography and bird-watching.
Survivors include his wife, Jane Kidneigh-Medved of Casper; two daughters, Cathy Butler of Laguna Beach, Calif., and Susan Walker of Rochester, N.Y.; one step-son, Justin Kidneigh of Casper; five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty, in 1985 and his parents.
Newcomer Family Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Central Wyoming Hospice Program or the Casper Humane Society.
Bobby Eugene Overfield - Sept. 14
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the First Southern Baptist Church in Powell for Bobby Eugene Overfield, 69, who died Tuesday, Sept. 14, at St. Vincent's Healthcare in Billings.
He was born Sept. 16, 1934, in Cash, Ark., the son of Central Earl and Ruby Estella (Daniels) Overfield.
Known for his strong work ethic, he learned many trades. He worked on farms, was employed at the Buick factory in Michigan and was later a ranch foreman in California. He moved to Wyoming in 1978 and worked as a carpenter until he retired in 1999.
He became a Mason on Feb. 1, 1986, and served as Worshipful Master and twice as president of Absorkee Lodge No. 30 of Powell. He was also a member of the Sheridan Valley Scottish Rite and Kalif Shrine Temple as well as the Kefer Shrine Club in Cody.
He was an outdoorsman, loved horses, hunting, fishing and pack trips into the mountains. He also loved watching baseball and Western movies.
Survivors include his mother, Ruby Overfield of Cash, Ark.; his wife, O. Marcella (Henderson) Overfield of Powell; their three sons, Bobby (Karen) Overfield of Flint, Mich., Charles (Barbara) Overfield of Itasca, Ill., and Mitchell Overfield of Woodland, Calif.; their daughter, Acklyn (Kelly) Cheatham of Powell; four grandsons, Matthew Overfield of Flint, Mich., Derek Overfield of Itasca, Ill., Justin Overfield of Itasca, Ill., and Cameron Overfield of Leachville, Ark.; two granddaughters, LaVan Overfield of Itasca, Ill., and Amber Overfield of Leachville, Ark.; five brothers, Charles (Nancy) Overfield of Waterford, Mich., Donald (Yvonne) Overfield of Afton, William (Rita) Overfield of Cody, Roger (Carolyn) Overfield of Amagon, Ark., and Ricky (Connie) Overfield of Couch, Idaho; nine sisters, Gracie Brown of Osceola, Ark., Joann (James) Priest of Cash, Ark., Patsy Morgan of Jonesboro, Ark., Jane (Olis) Higgs of Holland, Mich., Sue (Jimmy) Greer of Union City, Tenn., Glenda (William) Browder of Springfield, Va., Donna (Jimmy) London of Grubbs, Ark., June (Wayne) Lloyd of Grubbs, Ark., and Sherry (Joe) Trotter of Weiner, Ark., and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and a son, Brett Overfield.
Glenn Mitchell Corbett - Sept. 18
Glenn Mitchell Corbett, 69, died Saturday, Sept. 18, in Powell.
He was born Jan. 3, 1935, in Basin to Lawrence and Zelda Sessions Corbett.
He grew up on a farm south of Worland. Farming was in his blood and he never wanted to do anything else. He learned to drive vehicles and tractors, milk cows, tend cattle and irrigate at a very young age.
After graduating from Worland High School, he received a track scholarship from Brigham Young University where he ran the 2-mile competition. He was an excellent shot and enjoyed hunting elk and deer.
He married Irma Brinkerhoff on March 19,1965. To this union were born three children. The marriage ended in divorce.
He was a member of the Wyoming National Guard and took pride in his guard service.
After being struck with Multiple Sclerosis, he entered the New Horizons Long Term Care Center in Lovell and later moved to the Powell Nursing Home, where he had resided for the past seven years.
Survivors include three children, Michelle Simms and Jennifer Farnes of Las Vegas and Michael Corbett of Laramie; one brother, Richard of Worland; one sister, Bernedene Robertson of Worland; and 11 grandchildren.
Robert "Bob" L. Emery - Sept. 19
A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Powell for Robert "Bob" L. Emery, 81, who died Sunday, Sept. 19, at his home in Powell.
He died of natural causes.
He was born Oct. 13, 1922, in Stratton, Colo., the son of Paul and Esther (Fulton) Emery.
He and his family moved to Wyoming in 1946 after his discharge from the Navy and settled in the Heart Mountain area where he and his father farmed together until his father's death in 1966. He continued to farm on his own until his retirement in 1987.
He married Mildred C. Borcher on Nov. 10, 1949, in Powell.
He was active in the American Legion and was especially interested in youth activities. He served as commander of Post #26 in 1994. He was also a life member of the V.F.W.
He enjoyed woodworking, dancing and going to polka parties, gardening and spending time with family and friends. His greatest pride was in his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred, of Powell; two sons, Boyd (Linda) and Brent (Kelly); two daughters, Lorrie (Randy) Lewis and Dawn (Jim) Jarrett; six grandchildren; one sister, Mona Phay; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother and a grandson.
Pastor Susan Adams-Trembath of First United Methodist will officiate. Memorials may be made to charity of choice.
Lawrence Earl (Larry) Thiel - Sept. 20
Funeral Services are scheduled Monday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. in the Bennett Creek Baptist Church at Clark for Lawrence Earl (Larry) Thiel of Clark who died Sept. 20.
He was born July 18, 1940, in Red Lodge, Mont., the son of Lloyd and Ruth (Smith) Thiel. He grew up and attended school in Red Lodge, graduating from Red Lodge High School in 1958.
He enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday and served for three years, stationed in Japan. He lived in Red Lodge until 1975, when he moved to Clark.
He worked dirt construction with his father until his father's death, and continued running Larry Thiel Construction until this past year when his health slowed him down. Even though his health forced his retirement, he continued working on his good days. He worked hard all his life and found satisfaction and pleasure in a job well done.
He was married to Mickey (Hoke) Thiel for 13 years. They had three children. In his later years, he met and married Peggy Anne Connett and they worked side-by-side on their ranch at Clark.
He enjoyed gardening, reading, television, horse shoes and camping trips, where he was always in charge of cooking breakfast.
He was a gentle man who helped anyone in need and did many good things for others.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Lloyd (Tammy) Thiel; daughters, Betty (Ken) Thiel-Nygaard and Lisa Wood; a sister, Janie O'Brien; eight grandchildren and two nephews. Also surviving are his life-long friends Brian and Sharon Roat of Red Lodge, many cousins, aunts and uncles, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Ada Thiel and Harry and May Smith; his parents; and a sister, Betty Jean Thiel.
Burial will be at Bennett Butte (Clark) Cemetery, and a reception will follow at the Clark Community Center.
Memorials may be made to Fort Shiloh Ministry or the Bennett Creek Baptist Church.
Services will be conducted Friday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in Powell for Diane R. Johnson, 57, who died Monday, Sept. 20, at the Powell Valley Hospital after an intense battle with cancer.
She was born Dec. 10, 1946, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., the daughter of Philipp and Margret June (Perkins) McGrath.
She graduated with a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in library science. She was a homemaker and accomplished singer, having published two tapes of original religious songs. She was a long-time member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church.
She married James (Frenchy) R. Johnson on Feb. 4, 1974.
Survivors include her husband, James; two sons, Dominic and Ronald James; one daughter, Mary Lou (Robert) Shepherd; one sister, Carol Headrick; and six grandchildren.
Family friend Bill Stafford will conduct a special celebration of her life Thursday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at Glad Tidings Church. The Rev. Don MacPherson will officiate at the memorial service Friday morning. Internment will follow in the Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell.
Frank Patrick Cropanese - Sept. 23
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. at the new LDS Church on Avenue E for Frank Patrick Cropanese , 60, Powell, who died Thursday, Sept. 23 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Mont.
Dirk Cozzens will officiate at services, with burial following in Crown Hill Cemetery with military rites. A viewing is scheduled Friday, Oct. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
He was born March 17, 1944, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of Antonio Cropanese and Marie Antoinette (Rocca) Cropanese. He completed a high school education in California. On June 17, 1965, he married Linda Koontz in Reno, Nev., and the family moved to Powell from California in 1979.
For 20 years, he was employed in plant operations at the Powell Hospital, retiring in 2001.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of the LDS Church.
He took enormous pride in his family, especially all four of his grandchildren. He loved watching the Oakland Raiders football games on Sundays.Survivors include his wife, Linda Cropanese of Powell; two daughters, Patricia Mansfield and Joyce (Jeremiah) Heiser, both of Powell; a son, Frank Cropanese Jr. of Perry Township, Ohio; a sister, Barbara Cropanese of Laurel, Mont.; and four grandchildren, Tiffany Linville (Tom), Francine Mansfield, Linda Mansfield and Jenna Heiser, all of Powell.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Janna Frazier Harkrider - Sept. 23
The mayor of Powell when Powell was named an All America City in 1994, Janna Frazier Harkrider, died Sept. 23 at the Powell Hospital at the age of 63.
She had just returned to Powell from nearly a month's hospitalization in Billings, Mont., where she underwent two surgeries. She was on dialysis for kidney failure.
She served one term as Powell's mayor. She was elected in 1992 and served through 1996. She led the delegation to Oakland, Calif., in 1994 with Powell as a finalist for All America City designation in a National League of Cities competition. Powell was one 10 communities across the country to win the designation that year.
She was born Nov. 12, 1940, in Lamar, Colo., daughter of Joseph Alvin Frazier and Esteline (Nunnery) Frazier. She moved with her family to Powell in 1954 and graduated from Powell High School with the Class of 1958.
She then attended Northwest Community College for a year, Colorado Women's College in Denver for a year and the University of Wyoming for a year before becoming a flight attendant with Continental Airlines. In her career of more than 20 years with Continental, she was alternatingly based in Denver, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. She also flew with Continental under contract to the Military Air Command for military troop transport.
In 1978, she earned a special citation for heroism for her actions in getting passengers off a burning airliner when it crashed on takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport. She later went on to become a guest lecturer for the airline industry in crash survival school training in Arizona, California and Alaska. She also served as a representative of the flight attendants union in its health and safety division and in that capacity lobbied in the halls of Congress.
She returned to Powell and subsequently completed her degree at the University of Wyoming in the early 1990s.
She had an interest in interior design, and her remodeled kitchen in California was once featured in "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine. Her home in Powell was highlighted in Western Lifestyles magazine.
She was a trained divorce mediator. She enjoyed substitute teaching in Powell, and she was a frequent judge at speech and debate tournaments at Northwest College.
During her term as mayor, she evidenced youth mentoring by establishing the Jr. City Council and by appointing youth liaison representatives to all city boards and commissions.
She was a member of the Business & Professional Women, Park County Republican Women and served as a Park County Republican precinct committeewoman. She loved to play bridge, and she coordinated weekly duplicate bridge play for the Powell chapter of American Contract Bridge League.
Her years as a flight attendant encouraged her to become a world traveler for enjoyment. Her other pursuits included music, foreign films, crossword puzzles, backgammon, good jokes, and the mountains. She was a gourmet cook and loved foods. During her years in California, she enjoyed a holiday ritual of hosting 30 graduate students for Thanskgiving dinners in Pasadena.
Survivors include her mother, Esteline in Powell; three brothers, Jerry (Vivian) Frazier in Middleton, Calif., Tom (Margie) Frazier in Portland, Ore., and Chuck (Jody) Frazier in Powell; three nephews, Kevin, Shannon and Jason Frazier; two nieces, Shawn Gehrts and Kaela Nelson; four great-nephews and one great-niece; and her loving dog, Schin.
Her father preceded her in death in 1995.
No funeral services were held. Cremation has taken place.
James Nile Myers, 59, died Thursday, Sept. 23 in Lovell of a heart condition due to Marfan Syndrome.
He was born Sept.10,1945, in Sellersville, Pa., to James Mercer and Marjorie Hardenfelt Myers. He was raised in Lansdale, Pa. and graduated from Souderton High School.
On Oct.18,1965 he went into the U.S. Army serving a one-year tour in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on Oct.17, 1967. He was an expert rifleman. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, along with his Vietnam medals. In 1982 he enlisted in the Utah National Guard and served for six years.
When he returned from Vietnam, he worked for North Penn Transfer loading trucks. In May of 1972 he came to Cody on vacation and met the love of his life, Diana Hunsaker, on a blind date. After corresponding for six months, they were married in Jarrettown, Pa., on Nov. 4, 1972. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints two weeks prior to their marriage. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Temple on Nov. 7, 1981. In 1976 he moved his small family west to Powell. Three years later, he got a job at Thiokol, an aerospace plant, in Promontory, Utah, so the family moved to Brigham City, settling eventually in East Garland.He earned the title of lead operator and over the years earned many awards for his work. After 17 1/2 years Thiokol had a Reduction in Forces lay-off, so Jim and Diana decided to move to Lovell. Once again, he went to work at the feed lot in Powell.
He loved to fish. It was his greatest pastime. His favorite books were the Big Sky, Good-bye Mr. Chips, and Robert Frost poems. He enjoyed his nightly game of Scrabble with his wife.
He had a strong work ethic. He worked hard at whatever job he had. Yet, he could relax and play with his kids and grandkids. In their 31 years together, he never quit opening doors for his wife and holding her hand. Their happy empty nest time was cut short.
He was preceded in death by his father, James, and his sister, Lynn.
He is survived by his wife, Diana of Lovell; his children: Malynda (Nathan) Hanson of Fallon, Nev.; James L. Myers of Brigham City, Utah; Angela (Steven) Blanchard of USAF Academy, Colo.; Keeli (Scott) Savage of Lovell; Kami (Jeremy) Hammond of Logan, Utah; and Donald Myers of Lovell; his mother, Marjorie of Harleysville, Pa.; and grandchildren: Joseph, Hyrum and Alexis Blanchard; Zachary Hanson; Aubrey and Isaac Hammond; and Joseph Scott Savage Jr.; and sisters Dale (Dan) Souder of Schwenksville, Pa.; and Judie French of Chalfont, Pa.; a brother, Thayne (Mary) Myers of Moab, Utah; and many nieces and nephews.
The brother of a Powell man died Sept. 24 in Summerset, Ky.
Bill L. Harvey, 52, of Louisville, Ky., is survived by a son, Robert Dyer Harvey; a daughter, Caitlin Eugene Harvey; mother Lucy R. Harvey and brother James R. Harvey, Casper; brother Timothy D. Harvey, Powell; and sisters Helen G. Crain, Pampa, Texas, and Tammy S. Schalla, Bridger, Mont.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Sept. 27 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bridger, Mont., for a Clark's Fork Valley resident, Ada Mayor Hays, 93, who died Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Heartland assisted living facility in Powell.
She was born Jan. 21, 1911, at Richwoods, Mo., to Henry and Marie Carrrel Mayor. In 1922, she moved with her family to a Wyoming homestead at Kaycee.
She attended schools in Missouri and Kaycee and graduated from Johnson County High School at Buffalo in 1928. She later attended the University of Wyoming before teaching in rural schools for several years.
On June 27, 1933, she married A.R. (Slim) Hays in Hardin, Mont. They ranched in the Kaycee and Arvada areas for several years. In 1941, they bought a ranch near Jordan, Mont., and lived there for 20 years. The ranch was still owned by Ada and now operated by a daughter and grandsons.
In 1959, they bought a ranch in the Clark's Fork River Valley near Belfry, Mont., and operated a feedlot there.
She enjoyed her family and friends and all aspects of ranch life, working crossword puzzles, traveling, and the great outdoors, particularly the mountains.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Bridger and the former Clark's Fork Valley Women's Club.
Survivors include two daughters, Virginia (Coleman) Murnion of Jordan, Mont., and Linda (James) Peters of Belfry; 23 grandchildren , 45 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Slim in 1997, three grandsons, four brothers and two sisters.
Burial was in the Belfry Cemetery under the direction of Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
Memorial services were held Tuesday at Miratsky Memorial Chapel in Powell for Martha Iona Howell, 81, of El Cajon, Calif., who died Friday, Sept. 25 in Powell.
The Rev. Jack Phillips officiated. Inurment will be at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, Calif.
She was born April 5, 1923, in Windfall, Ind., to Ross and Grace (Gillapsy) Tolle. She married Charles F. Howell on Feb. 15, 1948, in Indiana.
They later moved to El Cajon where they lived for 51 years. She was a school secretary.
Her hobbies were playing cards, knitting and square dancing.
She is survived by children Charles J. Howell of Laughlin, Nev., Debra Phillips of Palmer, Alas., and Jeff Howell of Powell; brother Phillip (Deanne) Tolle of Windfall, Ind.; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and eight siblings.
Ila Marie Sigmon Godfrey - Sept. 26
Funeral services are scheduled today (Thursday, Sept. 30) at the LDS Church in Laurel, Mont., for a Deaver native, Ila Marie Sigmon Godfrey, who died Sunday, Sept. 26 of cancer. She was 64.
She died with her family present and her husband holding her hand. She developed breast cancer in 1992. After an operation, she appeared cured. Then in 1999 the cancer reappeared. For the next five and half years, she took chemotherapy. During her illness, many people remarked what a beautiful, positive attitude she had.
Interment in the Cowley Cemetery will follow services in Montana.
She was born Ila Marie Sigmon on Feb. 5, 1940, daughter of Victor Edwin and Mamie Bell (Dillon) Sigmon, on a farm near Deaver. She joined a family consisting of her parents and one brother, Lyle Melvin. An older sister, Ruth, died about six months after birth.
She lived at Deaver until after the first grade. During her school years, the family moved many times. It was not unusual for Ila to attend three different schools in one year.
In 1957, she met Gene Peterson Godfrey. They were married Aug. 22, 1958, at the Cowley LDS Church. To this union were born four children: Alan, Trent, Brian and Karie.
On Oct. 15, 1966, she was baptized into the LDS Church. She was active in the church and taught Sunday School. She spent five years devoted to cub scouting, first as a den mother and later in volunteer work for the Yellowstone Valley Council of Boy Scouts of America.
She had many hobbies, including oil painting, crocheting, sewing, punch embroidery, lapidaries, rock hunting, family histories. She loved outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, golf, rock hunting and exploring the outdoors. She taught all her children skiing. Her approach to any hobby was to thoroughly learn about it.
In 1991, she and her husband purchased their dream place in the country. At first her dream was the peace and quiet of the country. Then she discovered her love for animals. They acquired all kinds of animals, including llamas.
A memorial service will be held at the Powell First United Methodist Church Saturday, Oct. 2 at 10:30 a.m. for LaVada M. Hedge, who died Monday, Sept. 27 at the Powell Valley Care Center at the age of 101.
The Rev. Susan Adams-Trembath will officiate. A reception will follow in Wesley Hall.
Born in Omaha, Nebr., on Nov. 18, 1902, LaVada was stricken with polio as a child, but didn't let it slow her down. She moved with her parents, Ira and Anna Pickett, to Hot Springs, S.D., and then to Grand Island, Nebr., where she attended grade school and high school. She attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebr., for two years and continued study at the University of Nebraska, achieving a teaching certificate. She taught elementary education in Lincoln, Nebr., and was selected as a demonstration teacher for student teachers.
She married Ivan W. Hedge on Aug. 15, 1928. At the time, he was employed by the State of Nebraska Banking Dept., investing and distributing the remaining assets of failed banks in the Depression in the 1930s. In 1938, they purchased the Filley Bank in Flley, Nebr., and lived there for 40 years.
They had two sons, Paul and Richard.
She was active in church work in the Filley United Methodist Church, leading the church youth group for 13 years, teaching Sunday School and leading study groups for the Women's Society. LaVada wrote, directed and furnished cosutmes for the Sunday School Christmas programs for many years at the church. She was honored by the United Methodist Women with a life-time membership and also honored by the Nebraska Methodist Conference with a Status of Women award.
She was active for many years in Eastern Star, holding many offices. She was a member of the Past Matrons Club.
In 1978, LaVada and husband Ivan moved to Powell to be near her son, Paul, and family after Ivan suffered a stroke. She cared for Ivan until his death in 1987.
In 1989, she moved into the Independent Living Wing of the Powell Hospital and into the nursing home in 1996. In Powell, she was a member of the Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Past Matrons Club and Project Leaders Club.
Survivors include two sons, Paul and wife Lois Hedge of Powell, and Richard Hedge of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren, Randy Hedge of Oshkosh, Wisc., and Dan Hedge of Boulder, Colo.; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ivan; her granddaughter, Cathy Hedge Frederick, in 1996; and her brother, James Pickett and wife Ann.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. at the Filley, Nebr., cemetery. Arrangements are by Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home.
Lyle Edward Rodgers - Sept. 28
Lyle Edward Rodgers, 83, of Billings, Mont., died early Tuesday, Sept. 28 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings with his son, Lyle Rodgers of Powell, at his side.
He was born June 20, 1921, in the sandhills of southwest Carbon County, Mont., between Red Lodge and Joliet, the son of Charles E. and Ethel I. Rodgers. The family moved to Laurel, Mont., when he was 2 years old.
A cowboy at an early age, he raised horses during his growing up years, and with his best friend and schoolmate, Jiggs DeNittis, rode horses all over the rural Laurel countryside.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1941, serving in the South Pacific Theater of World War II. While on leave on June 20, 1943, he married Doris Ellen Gunter in Laurel.
After the war, they built a home in Laurel. To this union, a son, Lyle Earl Rodgers, was born.
The father and son Lyles were fishing and hunting buddies, and Lyle, Sr. spent many hours and weekends coaching Little League Baseball. Lyle and Doris divorced in 1968.
He worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad for a short time and for International Harvester Co. for 30 years until the business closed shop. He then moved to California in 1979 and was employed by McDonald Douglas Aircraft Co. for 10 years. He found great enjoyment working at Douglas and took pride in building DC-9 aircraft.
He married Helen Logan in Billings in September of 1982, and they later made their home in Billings.
Lyle was known to many as "Abe" as a look-alike of President Abe Lincoln, and he enjoyed playing the role.
He was fond of making toys and other wood projects and was well known for his "tinman" and buckboard wagons. He cherished time spent hunting and fishing and riding his horse in the mountains west of Powell.
He was a member of the Billings Amputee Club and a coffee group that met regularly at Elmer's in Billings.
Survivors include his wife Helen; son Lyle Earl (Cheryl) Rodgers of Powell; a stepson, Stanley Logan of Billings; grandson Mike Rodgers of Yuma, Ariz.; granddaughter Kristi Rodgers (Toby) Bonner of Powell; and grandson Justin Logan, granddaughter Adrienna Hines and great-grandson Cale Hines, all of Helena, Mont. He is also survived by one brother, Charles (Shirley) Rodgers of Laurel; one sister Evelyn (Lloyd) Linger of Molt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. and Ethel I. Rodgers.
Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Smith West Chapel, 304 34th St. West, Billings. Burial of cremains will be in the veterans section of the Laurel Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Shrine Children's Hospital Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 20673, Billings, MT 59104 would be appreciated by the family.
Former Powell and University of Wyoming athletic star, Lewis A. Roney, died at Lifecare Center of Cheyenne on Tuesday, Sept. 28. He was 82.
He was born on a farm July 7, 1922 at Powell, the son of Paul and Mae Roney. He graduated from Powell High School in 1940 and enrolled at UW the same year. He played on the 1943 national championship basketball team for the Cowboys.
In July of 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific until September, 1946.
He married Billie Marie Molander in Rawlins on July 3, 1944. After the war, he returned to UW and finished his degree. He began his teaching career in Laramie in 1947, teaching math,and industrial arts and coaching football, basketball and track until his retirementin 1984.
He was preceded in death by his wife Billie.
Survivors include two sons and their families, Lew of Cheyenne, and Ted of Newport Beach, Calif.; a brother, Bill and family in Billings, Mont.; and a brother-in-law, Frank Molander and family of Fremont, Calif.
Private family services were held, and cremation has taken place.
Inze L. Harrington, Jr. - Sept. 29
Funeral services for Inze L. Harrington, Jr., 83, who died Wednesday, Sept. 29 at the Powell Nursing Home, will be Thursday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.
A visitation will take place for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
He was born April 15, 1921, in Little Rock, Ark., son of Inze L. and Grace Harrington. The family moved to Paragould, Ark., where he attended school until his father's death when he was 7. Then his mother and family moved to Cato, Ark.
He joined the Civil Conservation Corps and was sent to Camp Corbett in Wyoming April 12, 1939. He moved to Powell after his discharge in 1940.
On Aug. 4, 1941, he married Mildred E. Rowland in Red Lodge, Mont.
He served with the U.S. Marines in the Pacific in World War II, and after his discharge in 1946, he worked in the oil fields of Wyoming. Later he owned S&H Construction in Powell. He retired in 1983.
Mr. Harrington was active in the Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs. He was instrumental in building the Babe Ruth baseball field, "twisting" arms to get oil field supply companies to donate materials for the field and dugouts, and with help from all, it was laid out, leveled and built.
He worked with the Order of DeMolay and served on the Powell School Board for 10 years, from 1962 to 1972. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding horses and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Big Horn Basin Foxtrotters and the Shrine Temple.
His wife, Mildred, predeceased him in 1992. She was his wisdom and guidance for over 50 years. She worked with him in the family business, S&H Cosntruction, as secretary-treasurer. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Joe, in 1987.
Surviving are three sons, Gerald (Jerry) Harrington of Corrales, N.M., Robert (Bob) Harrington and his wife Roni of Houston, Texas, and Jason Harrington and his wife Margherita of Arlington, Va.; his sisters, Inez Hall, his twin, and her husband Bud of Shawnee, Ark., and Pat Keeling of Sheridan, Ark.; his sister-in-law, Janeil Harrington; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Shriners Children's Burn Hospital 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.