Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services Powell Obituaries

Obituary Preview: LaVern Merle Decker LaVern "Vern" Merle Decker was born June 22, 1955 to Ronald and LaVeda(Schmitt) Decker in Powell WY. Vern was the middle of five children raised on the family farm on the East Willwood. He graduated from Powell High School in 1973 and then went to work for Greybull Valley Irrigation in Meeteetse. From an early age Vern had an unmatched ability in mechanics repair which he put to use when he bought and operated Vern's Exxon service station in downtown Powell. In the late 80's he bought back the family farm. Vern prided himself on a well-maintained and successful farming operation, growing beans and hay. His meticulous attention to detail yielded crops in straight rows and as well free as they could be while teaching the values of hard work and dedication to his children. Retirement from farming brought him to "living his dream" horseback and working cattle operations for Cayuse Livestock Company. Long deserved free time gave him time to team rope with Kim and friends, and some leisure gambling time where he was always lucky! He also enjoyed hunting trips up the Greybull River, fishing, and he was never one to say no to a trip across states with friends to a stock show, casino, or to pick up tractor parts. Vern passed away February 8, 2021 surrounded by loved ones at the Cody Hospital. He was proceeded in death by his mother LaVeda Decker, and nephew Zach Rodgers(Kathy). Surviving family members include wife Kim Decker, son Jeremy(Erika) Decker of Powell WY, daughter Becky(Andy) Perkins of Lovell WY, grandchildren: Rylee Perkins, Shawn Perkins, Wyatt Decker, Kaitlyn Decker, Colton Decker, and Addisyn Perkins, Father, Ronald(Bonnie) Decker of Cody WY. Siblings: Ronda(Roy) Close of Billings MT, Kathy(Rex) Brown of Recluse WY, Colleen(Rick) Renner of Loveland CO, and Gene(Jean) Decker of Loveland CO, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. All who knew him will miss him including extended family, friends, and the many lives he impacted and loved. As per Vern's wishes, cremation has occurred, and a family celebration of life will take place in the summer.

Obituary Preview: Norma Lee Demoney passed away on Feb. 7, 2021, at her home in Powell. She was 82.She was born on Sept. 3, 1938, in Powell, to Mildon and Barbara (Sackman) Patterson.Norma was married on June 15, 1957, to Herbert Ray Demoney, in Patuxent River, Maryland. She was a homemaker and worked at the Pentagon. She attended the Presbyterian church.Norma was an artist and seamstress. She won mom of the year many times, grandma of the year, and great-grandma of the year.She is survived by her husband, Herbert Ray Demoney; son Micheal (Debbie) Demoney; daughter Colleen (James) Perry, of Denver, Colorado, Barbara Lucas, of Powell, and Michelle (Mitch) Peterson, of Kiowa, Colorado; brother Leroy (Jean) Patterson, of Ephrata, Washington; sister Mary (Gordon) Christenson, of Loveland, Colorado;10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildon and Barbara Patterson.Services will be held at a later date.

Obituary Preview: Our family would like to let you know that Geneva’s work here is done. On February 6, 2021, Geneva received an offer, the sort you can’t refuse. It came with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a long time. Her offer took her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, gardening, sewing, and knitting to her heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for her seven children, seventeen grandchildren, and twenty-two great-grandchildren to continue her traditions. We will remember “Monga” and her love for Pepsi, her smile, her hugs, her unique laugh, her love for life, family, and friends.  We will miss her abilities to fix anything and make something out of nothing.Geneva was born to True & Elizabeth Hollingsworth on March 31, 1932, in Rimby, Alberta Canada. They soon moved to Meeteetse, Wyoming, where three years later she was introduced to her best friend and little brother, David Hollingsworth. Her family lived on the Pitchfork Ranch while her father worked as a cow hand. Her father passed away of a heart attack when she was only 14. She felt very fortunate when her stepfather, Johnny Wiederick, became part of her life. She attended Meeteetse High School and later in life enrolled at Northwest Community College. In May of 1950, she married John Clark in Basin, Wyoming. In the blink of an eye, they welcomed Jake. Over the next 15 years, her family was completed with Lynn, Hoot, Curtis, Tony, Shelleen, and Snuf. Geneva moved to Ralston in 1978 with her youngest son, Snuf. Her favorite occupation was retail sales at Linton’s Big R where she met one of her best friends, Evelyn Wright. She continued to travel with her kids and grandkids on various trips. One of her favorites was visiting family in Canada. She loved her house in Ralston and lived there the rest of her life.Geneva was preceded in death by her father, stepfather, mother, Aunt Violet, Aunt Anne, Gilbert & Lee Hollingsworth (cousins), Aunt Evelyn, Uncle Art, Keely Oltmanns (great granddaughter), and lifelong friend, Morris McCarty.Her legacy continues through her brother, 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren: David Lee Hollingsworth and his wife Gloria.Jake (Kay) Clark, their children, TJ (Amy) Clark and their children Rieta and Dally; Codi (Colby) Gines and their children Caden and Casen. Lynn (Don) Bauersachs and their children Melissa (Sean) O’Dowd and their children Trevor and Tailor; Misty (Daniel) Felan and their child Katie; Doretta (Dennis) Baile and their children Austin and Cameron; and Donnie (Michelle) Bauersachs and their children Joseph, Brenda, and Kallie;Dale (Belleva) Clark and their children Will (Dawn) Clark and their children Tylee and Olivia; Erick (Erica) Clark and their children Elise and Emerson. Curtis L. ClarkTony (Cynthia) Triplett and their children Wacey (Quinn) Johnson and their children Lela and Geo; True (Steven) VenJohn and children Paityn and KayDee.Shelleen (Keith) Oltmanns and their children Kass Oltmanns and Kris Oltmanns and his daughter Khloe. Snuf Triplett (Karyn Asay and her children) and his children Savannah (Jaeden) Herd and their child Laikynn; and Mallory Triplett.We welcome all family and friends to join us for a cookie, cup of coffee, and maybe even a Pepsi on ice, at 12:00 Saturday, February 13th to celebrate this well-lived life.  We will gather in the Heart Mountain Building at the Park County Fairgrounds. In leau of flowers, the family would rather have them make donations to Future Farmers of America (FFA) since all her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids loved and participated in the organization

Obituary Preview: Bruce Gould, lost his battle of almost five months with Covid 19 and the damage it did to his organs  on February 4, 2021 in Las Vegas, NV.  Bruce was the son of  Lloyd and P. Elizabeth Scott Gould and was born on September 13, 1954.  He lived in Midwest, WY and as a young child the family moved to Kimball, NE, where he attended school  until his senior year at which time they moved to Powell and Bruce graduated with the Class of 1972. Bruce and Yvonne were married in June, 1982 in Casper and lived there before moving to Las Vegas, where they resided for over 30 years.  While living in Wyoming, Bruce worked for Safeway stores and was employed as a Security Guard at the Hilton.  In Las Vegas, he was employed as a trailer park manager. Bruce was raised as a Presbyterian. He loved to collect and had quite large coin and baseball card collections. Bruce was preceded in death by: his parents, both sets of grandparents and Yvonne, his wife of 33 years. He is survived by his brother, Curtis of Central City, NE; his sister, Cyndi (Joe) Barski of Powell and half sister, Joan (Russell) of Yreka, CA. He is also survived by nieces; Erin Barski of Meeteetse and Catlin Bieber (Kyle) and two great nephews, Jordan and Eli  all of Powell. A graveside memorial will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery on Friday, March 5 at 10:00 am.  Joe Barski, Kyle Bieber, Caiti Barski and Jordan Loera will be Honorary Pall Bearers.  The family asks that people wear a mask to the service to protect others and in Bruce's memory.

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Obituary Preview: Dorathea (Mugrage) Parsons passed away peacefully in Powell, WY on February 2, 2021 just 12 days before her 95thbirthday.  She had been a resident at the Powell Long-term Nursing Center for the past 3½ years and was in the Crook County Nursing Home for 3 years prior.Dora was born in Kremmling, CO on February 14, 1926 to William and Ineila Mugrage, the second of eight sisters and brothers.  She was raised around that area and graduated from Kremmling Union High School in 1944.  She married her classmate, Charles T. (Chuck) Parsons in August of 1946, soon after his discharge from the U.S. Navy.  They began their married life on the family ranch north of Kremmling where their first son, Robert (Bob) Parsons was born in December of 1947.  They moved to Gunnison, CO where Chuck attended Western State College and got his teaching degree.  Their second son, Charles (Ted) Parsons, III was born in September of 1950.  From 1952 through 1957, Dora’s family lived in Dove Creek and Hayden, CO where Chuck taught.  Every summer was spent back at the family ranch where Dora worked parttime as a teller in the Kremmling Bank.  In the Fall of 1957, Chuck began teaching in Wheatland, WY where they would live until Chuck’s passing in November of 2001.  Dora worked as a bank teller and supervisor until her retirement in 1991.  Dora loved traveling and she and Chuck trekked over much of the United States including Alaska in their motorhome.  They also traveled to Europe to visit Chuck’s brother.  She adored visiting her two children and four grandchildren as well as going on family hunting trips.  She was a member of the Women of the Moose and VFW Auxiliary.  Dora was also a Christian and a member of Grace Point Church in Powell. Her hobbies included bridge, knitting, crocheting, reading, and trying new recipes.Dora is survived by her sons and their families: Bob and Kathy Parsons of Powell, WY and Ted and JoEllen Parsons of Hulett; her grandchildren are Jennie (John) Tietema of Seattle, J.R. (Kate) Parsons of Memphis, Joseph (Cheena) Parsons of Saratoga, and Chelsea (Cooper Elwood) Parsons of Missoula; her greatgrandchildren are Jack, Hayden, Booth, Ellie, Carrigan, and Jackson.  Other survivors include in-laws, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.Dora was proceeded in death by her husband and all her seven siblings.The staff of the nursing homes have always expressed what a wonderful lady Dora was and how much they loved caring for her.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends.Condolences can be sent to either PO Box 533 in Powell 82435 or PO Box 151 in Hulett 82720.

Obituary Preview: It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Larry L. Stricker on February 1, 2021 at the age of 79 in Powell, Wyoming. His battle with medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain,Larry came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. Larry was born on October 6, 1941 in Scottsbluff Nebraska to Alex Stricker and Katherine Schmidt. He was the youngest of seven siblings. After graduating high school he married his first wife Judy Wamser in 1962. They had one daughter MichelleChenoweth. Larry was in the United States Army from August 17, 1966 to August 1, 1968 and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He received the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars. After 30 years of dedication he retired from Celotex. On July 16, 2004 he married his loving wife Sheila Stricker in Las Vegas. He loved spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping and 4-wheeling. He also enjoyed bowling leagues and everything Nascar. He was affiliated with the St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbusand a member of the American Legion. Larry was preceded in death by his early wife Judy Wamser-Stricker, daughter Michelle Chenoweth, parents: Alex Stricker and Katherine Schmidt, sisters; Hilda Gross, Clara Schaneman and Jane Hoff. He is survived by his wife Sheila and step children Kevin (Penny) Cannon, Darren (Mie) Cannon, Bryan and Nicole Cannon; siblings Evelyn Ott, Dorothy Schaneman, Shirley Piester and Joan Siegfried. He has nine grandchildren; Chad Stricker, Trent and Willie Cannon, Sierra Cannon, Noel and Rinka Cannon, Dwayne (Bubba) Sumida and Kolten and Jaron Heath. He has two great grandchildren:Silas Stricker and Natalie Tople.Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Thursday evening at the St. Barbara's Catholic Church. A Funeral Service in memory of Larry will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Barbara’s Catholic Church 115 E. 3rd Street in Powell Wyoming. Fr. Phillip Wagner officiating. Interment will follow at the Crown HillCemetery.

Obituary Preview: Sandra Eilene (Bath) Kirkham, 81. born in Canton, II, passed away on January 30, 2021 in Powell, Wyoming. Cremation rites will be performed at the Thompson Funeral Home in Powell. Wy. There will be no visitation or services per her request. Sandra (Sandy) was born in Canton, II. to Quentin Bath and Charlene (Wright) Bath on November 12, 1939. She graduated from Canton Senior High in 1957 and continued her education at Brown's Business College in Peoria, IL. She married Ellis Kirkham Jr. on June 14, 1958 in Canton, II. She worked as a phone order operator for Sears & Roebuck in Canton for many years. She was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and was a Cub Scout Den Mom. Crafts were an important part of Sandy's life, from ceramics to china painting to quilting and sewing. Sandra loved to read, especially westerns. But she didn't limit her activities to the in-doors. She also loved traveling, camping, going into the mountains and hunting and fishing with Ellis. She kept a log of their many adventures. Most importantly, though, she was a loving grandmother and particularly to her grandsons Bryan Jr. and Matthew who resided in Powell in their youth. Sandra Is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Shirley Bath (died in infancy), and Sharon (Montis) Swanson, son Bryan Robert Kirkham, and great-granddaughter Eliza Kendra Shaye Kirkham and great-grandson Judah Kirkham. Sandra survived by her husband Ellis Kirkham Jr, children Morgan Ellis (Robin) Kirkham and Nelson Wayne (Starr) Kirkham, sister Anita (Larry) Fraikes: grandchildren Karesse (Joshua) Helsner, Quentin Ellis (Alyssa) VanDermay-Kirkham, Sabrina Ellene Van Dermay-Kirkham, Bryan (Jennifer) Kirkham, Jr., Matthew (Breana) Kirkham James (Lyndsey) Tyler., All sha D.C. (Mike) Kirkham-Bohanan; and great grandchildren Maya and Kall Kirkham, Eleanor (Nora.) and Reagan Kirkham, Nathaniel Shaw and Ellis Helsner and Rowan Heisner, and Elyse Van Dermay-Kirkham, lazic R.C. Kirkham Bohanan and Noell D.R. Kirkham. The family of Sandra wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Sarah Durney and the staff at the Powell Valley Medical Center. When Ellis and Sandra relocated from Central Minds to the sweeping plains and mountains of Wyoming they totally and completely adopted the lifestyle and ethos of a native-born resident. They loved the west and wanted to be no where else.

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Obituary Preview: Gary Mefford, also lovingly known as Ferd, made his last friendly holler to the world on Jan. 26, 2021, after a beautiful year in a dark time. A massive pulmonary embolism enveloped him that morning and most likely eliminated his pain instantly. They said that the arteries in his heart looked like those of a 25-year-old, a forever young soul, tough-as-nails, but couldn’t fight the hefty blood clot that found the unpatchable holes in his heart of a tragic past. He went fast and hard, the way he wanted.A day without Ferd is a sad day indeed. He had the unique ability to make everyone around him feel special, always calling out to someone in the store or on the street, adding more syllables to the unique nickname only he called them and forcing even the most hard-bitten cowboy to smile.God broke the mold when Gary was born on Oct. 27, 1952, to the late Ray Mefford and Rosalie Mefford (Stossel) in Powell. Being born to children of the Depression, the Meffords were the hardest of workers and pushed that work ethic onto Gary, who started working at their machine shop, Superior Machine, at the tender age of 10. As the only boy of three beautiful Mefford children, Gary was also solely responsible for the family horses, which he was to feed and shoe and ride. When Ray would get a proposal to buy a new horse, he would only go forth with the purchase if Gary could ride it. Being thrown from a horse became a pastime for him, one that he would endure countless times, even to the point of breaking a collar bone, which he was left to “rub some dirt on it.”His rough and rugged uncles, with their leathered skin and boney chins, would always tell him to cowboy-up, and their no-bullsh*t way of life would make a lasting impression on Gary, one that he fought to deny, but couldn’t discard.His childhood was filled with memories of exploring the vast Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, caring for the horses while his father hunted, fly fishing the great Clarks Fork River with nothing but a royal coachman. Always a royal coachman. His mother, Rose, would pan fry runny eggs and trout over a campfire for breakfast, a dish that to this day would make Ferd quiver in disgust.He learned the ways of the wild and explored some of the rawest wilderness in the world, honing his horsemanship skills and ability to withstand and forge a strength that would carry him through his 68 years. As a teen, Gary found rebellion to be the freedom he was looking for, and whether he was going for a laugh or just the sheer abandon of authority, Gary pushed against the system, landing himself in the Park County jail enough times to find his suitcases thrown out on the doorstep while still in high school.He was a stellar athlete, although he would tell you that his wife had more talent in her pinky finger than he did. His fondest memories were of baseball summers, playing second base with his best childhood friends, Jim (Florez) Reed, Perry (Per) Fisher and Mike (Rock) McRann, who together won the Wyoming state little league championships, at 12 years old. Later Gary would play slow pitch softball with a stellar crew of friends, like Roger (Dog) Dunn, Steve (Steee-veeee!) Prosinski, Kenny and Curtis Dugger, Dusty (Dust) Franklin, Rick Mitchell, Tim (Zipper) Lyons, Steve (Stevie) Roehr, Gary (Prof) Sturmer, Steve Urbanski, and Gene (Geno) Shuler. They took their families along, and while their children made beer tab pop-top necklaces and ate cigarette butts underneath the bleachers, they effortlessly dominated tournaments around the nation, as well as any beer drinking contests presented to them. Gary led the Powell High School football team as captain, humbly speaking of how he was slower than the second coming of Christ, but dumb enough to throw his weight around (his words). A stout Ferd, thick with muscle and tight polyester pants, feverishly attempted to straighten his natural curls, because, you know, it was the 60s. He always had a thing for Debbie Dozah ... the statuesque dark haired, copper complexioned, hazel-eyed, homecoming queen. He finally got the guts to ask her out on a date, in which she would later say was the most boring date she’d ever been on. They dragged Main Street in Powell, in his 1964 Plymouth Belvedere listening to the one country radio station that came on in the evening out of Oklahoma. At the movie theatre, Debbie was mortified as Gary laughed and howled, his rumbling cackle echoing through the show house, a signature move he would carry on throughout his adult life while watching Looney Tunes by himself, uttering, “That coyote is NEVER gonna catch that damn roadrunner.” As history tells, the Vietnam War was raging, and Ferd was unwillingly drafted into the United States Marine Corps, young, strong and stupid (again, his words). A former Marine herself, his mother, Rose, was beyond proud. A devastating experience of making best friends and losing best friends and unmentionable scarred memories left him detached and deeply pained by the ordeal, yet extremely proud to serve his country. As a silver lining to the war, he become a blackbelt in karate on the island of Okinawa, would later practice with his children, and became a red belt in Taekwondo. He would often kick over his kids’ heads while they tried to watch a movie just to piss them off and prove that he “still had it.” When asked to go back to Vietnam because his daughter had heard nothing but wonderful things of its beauty, Ferd simply replied with a deadpan declaration of “been-there, done-that.”A proud Wyomingite, Gary attended the University of Wyoming with his hometown buddies and raised hell on the town of Laramie. He did the Buckhorn roll with Jim Kysar, smuggled steaks down their bellbottoms with Bo Brown and hosted many parties crashed by the UW wrestling team, who would vacate his refrigerator and beat each other up into the early campus mornings. “We’d get lunch the next day with the money that fell out of those heathens’ pockets into our couch cushions,” he would proudly say with a sparkle in his eyes. Despite all of the debauchery from this top 25 party school listed by Playboy magazine at the time (Ferd was very proud of that), he managed to find a great love for his studies, and also continued his machinist education that he began at Superior Machine.He had dreams of grandeur, of travel and success, and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming. As he was the top of his class in his field, he had offers to move to California to continue his training to be a sports physical therapist and dreamed of working for the Denver Broncos. But a brand-new baby born just days before his college graduation would lead him back to Powell, to the security of a job at his father’s machine shop that he coined The Silver Palace. By his side was his new wife, the stunning Debbie Dozah, who finally relented and decided he was kind enough and funny enough to marry. (All jokes aside, she would never admit how much she truly adored him.)They bought their first family home — a double-wide mobile home with complimentary tires on the roof — in the country outside of Powell, complete with a fresh water creek flowing behind and enough room for his horses, his baby girl, Kassidy, and his lovely bride. He was in heaven. Two years later they welcomed a bouncing baby boy (although Gary would ask in the delivery room if they would kindly put him back because, well, Paul’s crossed eyes and massive head led him to believe he needed to cook a little more.) Luckily Paul turned into a stunning little dude with chestnut skin and blonde curls, so tan in fact that they started telling him from a young age that they found him in a bar in Hawaii. Regardless, they were the perfect family unit, beautiful, active, grateful and happy.The Silver Palace would become his passion, his world and eventually a bitter strain. He loved his clients, always promising and delivering to get things done as soon as possible even if it meant staying late at work, coming in on the weekend or getting that middle of the night call from a local farmer who needed an emergency weld so they could continue work at sunrise. Every day he returned home, that blue-collared shirt smeared with grease, a patch with Gary sewed into the breast, and his pocket protector, magic marker, tape measure and pencil tucked in tight. His thick brown framed glasses slid up his nose by his middle finger, and he would plop down on the couch in hopes for something to take his mind off of life for a while.On the weekends, Gary savored his family camping and riding trips, braving the dirt gravel switchbacks of the Chief Joseph Highway, camper on top and horse trailer hitched behind with Debbie squealing at every terrifying yet familiar turn. They explored the wild as a family, just as he had done as a boy, riding deep into the wilderness through springtime rainstorms and Rocky Mountain rainbows and accidental moose encounters. Covered in dirt, fish on the line, cooking elk steak over a campfire, with the beer chilling in the river and sounds of the 60s coming from the truck — they lived like kings of their domain. He loved coaching baseball, running airport hill with his longtime partner in crime, Jim Kysar, doing triathlons with his exceptional wife, and cowboying and getting into trouble with the Terry boys. He adored watching his son dominate baseball, basketball, football and just about anything else Paul put a finger on, enduring the sweltering and sweaty swimming meets for his daughter and screaming at her to stop picking dandelions in the outfield during pitching machine, only to encourage her to try to cover the entire outfield during high school softball games. He lived for encouraging his children to be the best they could be and the kindest people they could be.When his beautiful bride decided one day that she would become an EMT with the Powell Hospital, Gary immediately exclaimed that he would fulfill his dream of becoming a volunteer fireman. And so began an 18-year dedicated journey of saving lives, cultivating lifelong friendships and a camaraderie like no other. Many of Gary’s best friends became firemen too, and the firehall became the local watering hole for all of Powell’s finest.They were thick as thieves and although narrowly missing death in a fireworks explosion, Mefford served that department with utmost loyalty, even as a reserve, until his untimely death. Long after retirement, Gary visited the firehall every day to chat with his fellow reserves and catch up on the daily babble. He was a staple of the fire department, almost as much as the oldest truck in the bay, and his lack of presence will surely be a noticeable void. “I’ve worked there my entire life,” he said when finally deciding to retire and sell the machine shop in his 60s. Retirement didn’t go well for Gary as he spent his hours vacuuming the house multiple times a day in perfect rows and pacing the floor, humming tunes that were the same cadence over and over, like a record stuck on the hook of a song: “Chicken in a bread pan, pickin’ out dough... hmmm hmmm hmmm... chicken in a bread pan pickin’ out dough ...” This behavior deeply annoyed his most beloved yet fiery squaw who looked at him with her Grace Jones eyes and said, “you need to get a job.” Consequently, Gary began driving senior citizens for the Powell Senior Center and found a new spark in life. For the first time in 40 years, he loved his job. He chatted with old veterans, flirted with the sparky silver-haired gals and held their arms as they loaded into the van. He proudly wore his hair net as he served them lunch and lovingly teased them. He brought sunshine to the girls in the kitchen every morning and they aptly took care of him with take-home meals. He would stay late to make sure every table was aligned properly in the dining hall and wipe down any surface, leaving no speck of dust behind. He always said, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.”In 2014, the Wyoming public transit association named him Driver of the Year, and he dragged his feet in humility all the way to Laramie to receive his award in an honorable ceremony.Ferd was no stranger to tragedy: a tumultuous experience in Vietnam, losing his son Paul at age 22 to gun violence, his sister Melanie at age 47 to a motorcycle accident, and his beloved bride Debra Anne at 65 to lung cancer just two short years ago. A doctor’s question of “so when did you break your back?” let him know that his back had, in fact, been broken for years and that he wasn’t just getting old. Thus began decades of surgery, pain treatment and crushing agony that would cause him to plead daily “just shoot me” to anyone who would listen.Emotionally, in the past two years, he could not bear to be without his beloved Debra Anne and physically, his debilitating back pain was a constant reminder of his mortality and rough cowboy past (which he would like to be known as a horseman here, in lieu of cowboy). As much as he loved teasing and seeing his coworkers at the center every day, he desperately wanted to retire, but he had worked his whole life since he was 10 years old, and he knew nothing else. His time had come.In all his years, his favorite things to do were explore the wild Wyoming wilderness on horseback with his beloved “Anne,” watch his kids play sports and visit them in all corners of the world, build up and show off his abdominals, speed walk the streets of his hometown, visit Blair’s and spend the hours just chatting with people, snuggle his horses, watch Powell Panther and UW football games, walk his dogs, fly-fish the North Fork with his son-in-law and cry over missing the big one, hunt or just scope elk with his buddies, make big “Slum Gumbo” breakfasts that took two hours to cook, tell old glory days stories with his fellow firemen and just about whoever would listen, figure out what was for “supper” at breakfast time, and bear-hug, read-to and arm wrestle his “grand studs,” as he so lovingly called them, until they fell asleep in his arms in the chair that he spent every night in for the last six years.There is great peace knowing that his pain has vanished, that he can run again, embrace his son, and eternally ride horses through the great Wyoming wild with his beloved bride, encompassed by all the love and laughter in the universe.Left to carry on his self-pronounced horrible “Mefford luck” and Ferdisms of lore like “I’ve got money, all I need is friends” and “sh*t happens when you party naked,” which his oldest grandson proudly announces when there’s a problem, is his one and only daughter, Kassidy (Swadnicks) Love (Benny) of San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico, and his honorary son, Dennis (D Monster) Sullivan (Megan) of Santa Ana, California. He relished his role of Ompah to his two grandsons, Maverick Paul and Indio Gunnison Love (both known as Boo Man Chu), and hoped that they give it their best whether they are a lineman for the Wyoming Cowboys or the piccolo player in the band. Left with decades of fond and colorful memories, is his older sister Linda (Babushka) Jones (Kenny) of Bellingham, Washington; his sister-in law, Denise (Deedo) Dozah (Maureen); and his nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Gary, Brandi (bungeomatic) Glover, Ryan (Maynard) Burt, Kendi (Toots) Lehman, and Justin (Buster) Burt.No flowers, please, unless they can be planted in Debbie’s summertime flower garden. The family is seeking donations to offset the expense of publishing an exceedingly long obituary, which would have really pissed off Gary, but not as much as asking for donations would have. But in all seriousness, we have money ... all we need is friends, so please DO NOT send funds. Instead, go hug your family, play a joke on your co-worker, pet a dog, or nuzzle a horse and have a sip of vodka in Ferd’s memory. Share his stories for as long as you still have your teeth.A celebration of his life will be held at the Powell Fire Department on Thursday, Feb. 4, at noon. It will be outside to make sure everyone has to cowboy up but mostly to prevent the spread of Covid, especially to my father’s beloved seniors, who are most vulnerable.There will be a few outdoor heaters provided, but please dress warm, wear a mask and bring a blanket. Cowboy hats and coveralls are welcome. There will be no food services provided as Ferd loathed eating in public and especially watching people eat with their hats on. There will be music, coffee, stories and laughter and we welcome anyone to share a story of Ferd, appropriate or inappropriate as it may be. If you’d like to publicly or privately share a memory of him, please email me at Kassidymefford@gmail.com, and please take care of yourselves.

Obituary Preview: Ms. Verdella (Della) Edna Amen Reidt died peacefully in her sleep on January 24, 2021. Della was born on October 22, 1931, in Roscoe, South Dakota to Balthasar and Lydia Amen. Della helped her parents on their farm and helped raise her two brothers, Darvie and Orlo. She attended school in Roscoe and after high school married Clifford Reidt in 1951. They worked together on the Reidt farm. Fay, their oldest son, was born in Faulkton, SD, and Linden was born three years later in Ipswich, SD. In 1956 to make a better life for their family, they decided to move to Powell, Wyoming, where Della’s parents lived. In 1957 their third son Craig was born. Clifford worked for Lloyd Heimer and Della worked at Moyers Drug store. Della also worked at Gambles and after a time she got a job as the first woman to work at Linton’s feed/hardware store. Cliff and Della bought and ran the Powell laundries for many years. She also drove beet truck during harvest time for years, which she absolutely loved doing.In 2004 Cliff and Della decided to move to Casper, Wyoming to be closer to their sons. They moved to a much smaller house, which gave Della the opportunity to do all the things she loved. She did gardening, flowers, four wheeling, camping, knitting, sewing and socializing. Della became involved with the Casper senior center and they had quite the group of ladies meeting for lunch three times a week. She dearly loved to dance and attended every dance the senior center sponsored. She loved her children and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.Della was a celebration of life. She lived in the present and was a ray of sunshine to all she knew. Always the first one in line to have some fun. Della was preceded in death by her two brothers, Orlo and Darvie. Her father, mother and husband. She is survived by her sons, Fay Reidt of Casper, Wy, Linden Reidt of Gillette, Wy and Craig Reidt and wife Dianne of Casper, Wy. She has three grandchildren; Dawn and Rian Walling and Darren Reidt. She has four great grandchildren, Abby McClain, Brianna Walling, Damien and Sophia Reidt. Also, numerous nieces and nephews.Funeral Services for Della will be held on Thursday, January 28, at Thompson Funeral Home at 2:00 pm. A viewing will be held one hour before the service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. The service will be live streamed on Facebook on the Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services page.

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Lawrence Sand.

Obituary Preview: Burton M. Bradley, 70, of Powell, died in the early morning of Jan. 16, 2021, at the Billings Clinic Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Burt was born in Sacramento, California, on Jan. 14, 1951, to Betty Jean and Burton H. Bradley, Jr.He spent his youth playing baseball and football, where he earned the nickname “Animal,” and it was said that he approached everything in life with gusto. His mother instilled in him a love of books that followed him throughout his life. He had an intense love of life, family, learning, music, nature and the outdoors. He met his wife, Janet, in Sacramento, in 1974, and they married in Chico, California, in 1978. He was blessed with three wonderful children, Burton J. Bradley, Sierra R. Bradley and Layla M. Bradley.Burt graduated from Kennedy High School in Sacramento, where he played football and baseball. He received an A.A. from Sacramento City College in 1975, where he participated in theater. He was also involved in community theater in Sacramento during that time. He received a B.A. in English from California State University, in Chico, in 1980, and his Ph.D. from the University of New York at Stony Brook, in 1986, where he was a Mumford Fellow and a part of the Federated Learning Community, an interdisciplinary program.Burt’s career as a faculty member and then as humanities division chair began at Northwest College in 1986. He taught English and interdisciplinary courses for 30 years, among which was “Writing in the Wild,” which introduced vast numbers of students to the beauty and wonder of the Yellowstone ecosystem and the Southwest desert. His teaching style was collaborative, inclusive and inspiring. Many students who feared putting pen to paper were coaxed into exploring their voices in Burt’s classes, and those who saw themselves as budding poets and writers were nurtured along their individual paths by Professor Bradley. He was honored with the status of professor emeritus when he retired from Northwest College.As well as being a respected, sought-after instructor, Burt was valued by his colleagues and community members for his willingness to collaborate on projects both local and far-reaching, such as poetry readings and exhibits, workshops and performances.Burt’s love of teaching was matched by a passion for poetry and music. Poets and composers were his lifetime teachers. He prized originality and took much pleasure in his lifelong dialogues with other writers, and he used art to show students how to live the satisfying and generous life that he modeled.Writing was his way of life, something he did every day. After retiring in 2016, he was finally able to pursue, more fully, this passion. His book, After Following, was awarded first prize in the 2018 Homebound Publications Poetry Prize and published in April 2019. A second book of poetry, Letters to Michelangelo from Wyoming, will be published from Homebound Publications Spring 2021.Burt is survived by his wife Janet of Powell; son Burton J. Bradley, and grandchildren, Alex and Sofia of Olympia, Washington; his daughter Sierra Bradley-Warfel, son-in-law Maris Warfel, and grandson Dylan, of Billings, Montana; and daughter Layla Bradley of Powell; his brothers, Timothy Bradley of Seattle, Washington, and Dennis Bradley of Granite Bay, California; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nancy and Terry Morgan of McDonough, Georgia, and their children Jessica Morgan and family, and Terri Jean Ragan and family; sister-in-law Ruth Morgan of McDonough, Georgia; and niece Ivy Eagleton (Reed) and family of Powell.He was preceded in death by his father Burton H. Bradley, Jr., mother Betty Jean Brookhart, his second father Gordon Brookhart, and brother-in-law Terry Reed.A celebration of life will be held at a future date. For Burt Bradley’s family, friends, students and co-creators, his memory will always be a blessing.His family requests that, for those who so desire, gifts be made to support Student Scholarships at Northwest College, C/O NWC Foundation, 231 W. Sixth Street, Powell, WY 82435, or online at www.nwcollegefoundation.org/give. Please note Burt Bradley in the comments section.

Obituary Preview: On January 12, 2021 Helen Marie (Jensen) Anderson passed away in her home in Frannie, Wy surrounded by her loved ones.Helen was born on January 12, 1926 to Hans Christian and Dorothy Irene Jensen in Omaha, Nebraska.The family moved to the Casper area where Helen went to school until meeting and marrying Albert Kelsey and the welcomed 2 beautiful children Peggy Marie and Colin Kelly (Bud) until their divorce.In 1946 she met and married Elmer Ernest (Andy) Anderson. They welcomed 4 beautiful children Rita Susan, Monte Allen, Sherry Lynn and Patricia Rae. In 1967 they moved to Midwest, Wy where Helen would work as a postal clerk and a cook at the local truck stop.fter Andy’s death and Helen’s retirement she moved in with her daughter Peggy and their loyal companion Sugar. After Peggy’s death she moved in next to her son in Limon, Co. Helen again moved back to Midwest and lived next to her oldest granddaughter. When Pat was able to retire she asked her mother to move with her to Frannie, Wy to be close to three of her children.Helen was always wanting to help people and took many in during her years in Midwest. She loved crafting, crocheting, sketching and painting. Helen loved spending time with her friends on craft day.Helen was proceeded in death by her parents Hans and Dorothy Jensen, brothers Duke, Raymond, Bus and Donald Jensen, daughter Peggy Marie Reychler, two grandsons Shawn Sjolin and Kurt Kelsey, 1 great grandson Dane Kelsey, her longtime companion Ray McCoy and just recently her loyal dog Sugar.Helen is survived by her brother Gene (Betsy) Jensen of Powell, Wy., sons Bud (Betty) Kelsey of Frannie, Wy., and Monte (Ilona) Anderson of Lymon, NE., daughters Rita (Roger) Rosencranz of Bentonville, AR., Sherry (Bryant) Wedin of Frannie, WY., and Patricia of Frannie, WY. Grand children Paula (Guy) Chapman of Midwest, WY., Craig (Chris) Sjolin of Brighton, CO., Larry (Erin) Sjolin of Casper, WY., Kevin Kelsey of El Cajon, CA., Kristi (Jon) Hurley of Brighton, CO., Paul (Nicki) Bain of Casper, WY., Jeremy (Carli) Rosencranz of Bentonville. AR., Brian (Shannon) Rosencranz of Colsemial, TX., Mark (Autumn) Anderson of Weatherford, TX., Melanie  Anderson of Azle, TX., Dawn (Colin) Sullivan Waller of Seattle, WA., Dennis (Megan) Sullivan of Santa Ana, CA., and 30 great children and 3 great great grandchildren.

Obituary Preview: Brett David Lara Born: December 19, 1964 in Columbus, GA Passed: January 7, 2021 in Powell, WYBrett was brought into this world on the go; born into a military family.  Brett was the youngest of three boys.  Moving every 2 years, Brett learned to make new friends wherever he landed.  His family moved from Georgia to Wyoming to California and back to Wyoming following his father’s military career.Brett earned academic degrees at Northwest Community College in Powell and, Rocky Mountain College in Billings.  He had a black belt in Karate; studied Jeet kun do and, Grace Brazilian Ju jitsu.  He was also a martial arts instructor.Brett loved his daughter, family, and friends.  He also loved fast cars (esp. his ’68 Dodge Charger), and shooting.Brett began his career as a counselor, working with troubled youth.  Later Brett worked as a peace officer for the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Department in Billings then, finally as a policeman then, detective for the city of Powell.  Until his last day, he considered his colleagues at the Powell Police Dept. his family.Brett had a gentle soul, was very compassionate and, always had time to listen to anyone’s problems.  He had a big heart and, never had a bad word to say against others.In 2013 Brett met Lisa and they got married.  From this union, a little girl was born.  Her name is Aleah.  She was Brett’s sunshine.Brett is preceded in death by his father Marcus Lara.  He is survived by his mother (Wanda),  brother (Mike Lara),  brother (Scott Lara / wife Linda),  daughter (Aleah),  ex-wife Lisa and,  numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.Brett, we love you and, we miss you. A memorial service will be held at the Charity Baptist Church (116 Day St.) at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14th.  The service will stream on Thompson Funeral Home’s Facebook page and on the Church youtube channel https://youtu.be/YERGOW4x6ew

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Obituary Preview: Charles (Mike) Thiel passed away on January 3 , 2021, surrounded by his family. Mike was born inWorland WY on February 4, 1944 and learned the value of hard work early, on the family farm. After attending school in Worland, Mike went on to work in the oilfields for most of his career. Quick with a joke, Mike always had a smile on his face and never passed up an opportunity to help his fellow man. With hard work and perseverance, Mike took care of the family that he fiercely loved. He spent his retirement tinkering in his shop, building and fixing things.Preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Molly Thiel, brothers: Wayne, Frank and Tom and sister Betty, mother and father-in-law, Elmer and Jerry Blakesley and brother-in-law Ron Blakesley.Survived by the love of his life of 53 years, Marlene, children Christi (Jack) Davis, Michael (Laura) Thiel, grandchildren Jake, Ethan and Abby and brother Dave (Betty) Thiel.Services will be held at the methodist church on Friday the 8th beginning at 10 AM.

Obituary Preview: Richard “Dick” Lowell Kattenhorn passed away Dec. 29, 2020 in Powell, Wyoming.  Dick was born in Billings, Montana on May 17, 1942 to parents Dr. Lowell and Doris Kattenhorn.  He spent his childhood in Powell until he moved to Karachi, Pakistan with his parents who were doing mission service for the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Upon his return to Powell he continued his education and graduated from Powell High School in 1962. He was drafted into the US Army and was trained as a Nike Missile technician and machinist. He served for two years and returned to Powell to be reacquainted with Carleen Miller, wife of 51 years, and her two children Ty and Trever.  He adopted those children to raise them as his own until the day he passed.Dick and Carleen moved to Denver, Colorado in 1970 where Dick would use his training to become a master machinist and start his own business, Golden Tool and Machine. Soon after they moved to Denver they added another son Troy, to the family.  Dick ran his own successful business for years with his boys working alongside him. He decided to close the business and try his hand at sales and opened Foothills Machinery Sales in 1984. He retired in 2009 leaving a lasting impression on everyone he did business with during those years. He was known as an honest, hard working problem solver. He loved to create, build and teach others. In his personal time he was an avid pilot, scuba diver, maker, traveler and photographer. He loved his family and was a great provider. He was a friend to all animals. Dick leaves behind a wife, three children, Ty & Joan (Albuquerque, New Mexico)  Trever (Cody), Troy & Melissa (Laguna Niguel, California), five grandchildren (Tanner, Tate, Sam, Austin and Abby), both of his siblings Anne Richmond (College Place, Washington), Dr. Jon Kattenhorn (Yucaipa, California) and his dog that everyone in the neighborhood knew and loved

Obituary Preview: A major light and purveyor of humor of the Onstine family was extinguished on Dec. 18, 2020, at Powell Valley Hospital with the death of Eugene Onstine of Powell.Eugene was born to Fred and Norma (Elder) Onstine on March 24, 1943, in Powell. He graduated from Powell High School in 1961, where he often changed the oil and serviced his teacher’s automobiles (anything to get out of class). He was a hands-on student and utilized those skills throughout his life.On Feb. 20, 1964, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Kay Sanders in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan, Utah, Temple. Their love for each other spanned 56 years and manifested itself in the birth of four children: Cindy, Wendy, Randy and Victor. He was an active and devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Eugene owned a service station on Bent Street in Powell prior to working at the Powell Ford dealership where he was a parts man. He took those skills, along with his family, to Sacramento, California, in 1974, to be a parts man at a Ford dealership until he retired and moved back to his hometown.Eugene loved anything with an engine, and preferably inside a Ford. He spent countless hours working on or helping others with their car repair needs. He loved working on cars.He was a dedicated husband and father who worked very hard to provide for his family. His work ethic was incredible, and he passed that down to each of his children, and anyone else who would listen to his advice. He taught his children to be honest, responsible and to always do what is right, and his love and support to his children and grandchildren were always at no expense or compromise. There is no doubt that he loved us ALL very much.After retirement, Eugene and Kay found great enjoyment in being camp hosts at campgrounds on the North Fork of the Shoshone around the Pahaska area. They both loved camping. Eugene was always interested in people and enjoyed conversations with those who stayed in the campground.Eugene is survived by his wife Kay; sons, Randy Onstine (Amber) and Victor Onstine (Jackie); and daughters Cindy Perez (Kevin), all of California; and Wendy MaGill (Andy) of Powell; 12 grandchildren, Justin, Drew, Jacob and Nate MaGill, of Powell; Brittany Johnson and Tyler Baker, Tyler and Ciara Perez, Mackenzie, Jack, Luke and Nick Onstine, all of California; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Ray Onstine, Ralph Onstine (NoraLee), both of Idaho, and Freddie Onstine (Connie) of Powell; sisters-in-law, Ann Spomer of Powell and Betty Humphreys, of California; as well as many cousins who loved spending time with him and Kay.He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Norma Onstine, sister Jeannine Wood, and brother-in-law William ‘Rabbit’ Wood.Services for Eugene will take place sometime next spring.

Obituary Preview: “Courage is being scared to death — and saddling up anyway.”Kenneth Lyle Chrissley had that courage and so much more. On Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, of congestive heart failure, a new rider joined the mounted angels of heaven. Surviving Ken in passing and mourning his graduation of this earthly journey are his sweetheart, Sue Zann, of 48 years; daughter Wendi Linn (Michael Peterson), of Powell; daughter Tracey Caraccio, of England; brothers, Dean Chrissley (Ann) of New York, Will Chrissley (Wendy) of Florida, Steve Farver (Kathryn) of Utah, sister Cheryl Clark (John) of New York; grandsons, Benjamin Fitch and Gage Peterson; granddaughters, Mollie Caraccio, Imogen Caraccio, and Adelinn Peterson; great-grandson Kaiden Fitch; great-granddaughter Summer Fitch; countless cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.Ken was preceded in death by his father Gordon, mother Mildred and brother David.On July 1,1972, in Brigham City, Utah, Ken married his sweetheart, the love of his life Sue Zann. On July 1, 1982, Ken, Sue Zann and Wendi Linn were sealed for eternity in the Logan, Utah, Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Ken was a faithful, active member of the church, had a testimony of the gospel and of Jesus Christ, fulfilled his callings and attended regularly with his family whenever circumstances allowed.Ken wasn’t born in Wyoming but he “got here as soon as he could.” A career as a munitions specialist for the USAF for over 24 years led him and his family on many adventures (IYAAYAS). Along with spending time with his family (he was immensely proud of his grandkids), drowning a worm or shooting, he enjoyed photography (especially in and around YNP) and had a great love for the outdoors. His other passion was horses — a master farrier, trainer, and cowboy poet were just a few of his many accomplishments.After retiring from the USAF on horseback, Ken took to driving semi and hauled explosives. After a few years he “traded explosives for fire crackers” by becoming a school bus driver. He drove school bus in Idaho and Wyoming for over 16 years, looking out for “his kids.” Ken has been a member of the Powell community for over 25 years and will leave a great void. A husband, father, “Bompa,” brother, uncle, cousin and friend will greatly be missed.

Obituary Preview: Ted was born in Lovell, Wyoming, to Nolan Grant and Irene Asay Grant. He grew up in Elk Basin and graduated from Powell High School in 1954. Over the course of his life, he has also lived in California, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire and ended up coming back to his hometown of Powell, Wyoming. Ted served in the US Navy aboard the USS Piedmont from 1956-1958. He was stationed in several places including Japan and San Diego. He was a self-taught computer programmer who worked for many major companies throughout his career. Such companies included Hasbro Games, Alpha Industries, Talbots, Kay Windsor, Hughes Aircraft, and others. While working for Hughes Aircraft in California, he met his wife, Doreen Anne Healey. This marriage was blessed with two children, Brian and Denice. While living in Massachusetts, Ted was an active member of the Lakeville Lions Club and joined the Powell chapter once settling back into the area. His heart was meant to be in Wyoming. Ted met and married his loving wife Nancy in 1996. Ted is survived by his wife, Nancy Mollet Grant of Powell, Wyoming, sisters Marie Best of Lincoln City, Oregon and Dianne Miller of Hurricane, Utah, as well as his children Brian (Marta) Grant of Taunton, Massachusetts, and Denice (Steve) Berg of Lakeville, Massachusetts, four grandchildren: Tyler Linehan, Stephanie Resendes, Nathan Grant, and Maia Grant, and five great-grandchildren. In addition, his step-children Tyler (Amanda) Black of Powell, Wyoming, Karina Black of Cody, Wyoming, and Chantel Black of Anchorage, Alaska, along with three grandchildren: Morgan Black, Zak Black, and Alyx Black, and one great-granddaughter. Ted was very proud of his growing family, knowing each member carries on his legacy with each generation. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Gerald Grant. Ted loved volunteering his time transporting veterans to their medical appointments and showcasing his patriotism. Ted and Nancy enjoyed camping with their circle of friends, and Ted loved riding his ATV around town, and especially loved riding on the Polecat Bench. Ted passed away late Thursday evening on December 10th 2020 in Billings, Montana due to diabetes complications. Services will be held at the 7th Street Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Wednesday, December 16th at 10:00 am. To view live please join us at the following Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/events/145638033689965/

Obituary Preview: George David Ribble, husband and father, passed away December 7, 2020, surrounded by his family. George was born December 23, 1939, to George Joshua and Rose (Bosch) Ribblein Worland on the family farm where he grew up and graduated from Worland High School.Family was important to George; he married Judy Stefanowichon December 28, 1963. In marriage, he was a devoted son-in-law. Together Judy and George, Ruth and Joe Stefanowichtraveled the United States. After George graduated from the University of Wyoming, the young couple moved to Sheridan, where their three children, David, Stefanie, and Darci were born. His family celebrates the life of this good and faithful man.Education was to be a big part of George’s life. He graduated from Northwest Community College and the University of Wyoming, and his first teaching position was at Central Junior High in Sheridan, Wyoming. He continued his education, earning a Master of Educational Administration in 1974. George was a principal in Big Horn, Kemmerer, and in Powell, Wyoming. George served Park County School District No 1 as a middle school principal, assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum, budget, transportation, and technology before his retirement in 1996. He was a Powell Panther and a Northwest College Trapper at heart and was found in the bleachers cheering enthusiastically.George served in many ways, leaving the world a better place. He was a leader, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Northwest College Foundation, and NWC Alumni Association. He was an excellent educator and awarded teacher of the year, a member of Phi Delta Kappa, and served as President of the Wyoming Association of Classroom Teachers. He served Wyoming in the National Guard for over 30 years, retiring in 1999 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His time in the guard demonstrated his of love of country and his dedication to his family.George was a faithful member of Saint Barbara’s Catholic Church and served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, and his love was music. He was a talented vocal and instrumental musician with a beautiful baritone voice. He gifted his love of music to his children.George leaves a loving family - his wife of 57 years, Judy, his son David (Jen) Ribble of Indianapolis, Indiana, daughters, Stefanie (James) Bell of Cody, and Darci (Cory) Ostermiller of Powell. Grandchildren –  Ashlen (Garrett) Nelson, Hallie(Jacob) Guidry, Taylor (Christoffer) Sommerfeld, James (Bethany) Bell, Courtney Ostermiller, Kateri Bell, Natalie Ostermiller, Michaela Bell, Kobe Ostermiller, Cecilia Bell, John Bell, and Felicity Bell. Great-grandchildren Dallan, Michael, Adalyn, and Evelyn Nelson, and Baby Sommerfeld due in March. He is survived by brother Franklin Ribble (Lubbock, Texas), sisters Joan Propp (Worland, Wyoming), Jessie Saunders (Billings, Montana), and Florence Kitchel (Lyman, Wyoming).He was preceded in death by his parents George and Rose Ribble, brothers Clinton and Richard, sisters Pearl, Laura, Lucille, and Mary Lou, Judy’s parents, Joe and Ruth Stefanowich, and grandson Matthias Ambrose Bell.The Christian Vigil will be Tuesday, December 8 at 6 pm, and Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, December 9 at 10 am at Saint Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell, Wyoming, with interment at Riverside Cemetery in Worland, Wyoming at 2 pm.

Obituary Preview: Lisa René Smith (neé Long), age 57, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 6, 2020. Born December 4, 1963 to Linda List and Cecil Long in Riverside, CA, she spent most of her childhood in Utah, her teens through early 30’s in Idaho, and her remaining years in Wyoming. She was a teacher, an encourager, and an ardent believer in putting out into the world what you hoped would come back to you. She radiated kindness wherever she went.Lisa graduated highschool in Inkom, ID in 1982. She worked a variety of jobs in Pocatello until marrying Karl Brangham in 1986. She birthed their daughter, Aubrey, followed by son, Darrell “Dutch.” When the marriage ended, she moved home to Idaho where she met Kevin Smith in 1994. When Karl passed away suddenly, Kevin stepped up as Dad which made Lisa fall even more in love, and they married in 1996. A year later, Teagan completed the family.In 2001, Lisa graduated from Idaho State University, and in 2002 she began teaching computers and library science in Cody, WY at Eastside. She loved working with children and watching them grow and succeed. She spent her last several years in PCSD#6 helping other teachers use technology in the classroom. Outside of work, she organized book clubs, served on the library board, taught meditation, and pursued her love of fiber arts, books, and world religions particularly Buddhism. Above all, her family was her greatest joy.

Obituary Preview: Dylan Joseph Ray was taken to heaven after an automobile accident, which occured on Dec. 2, 2020. He passed away two days later, at the age of 34. He had a strong faith in God the father and Jesus Christ his savior.Dylan was a graduate of Powell High School in 2004 and worked at Eagle Recovery in Cody. Dylan loved the outdoors, spending time with family, camping, fishing, hiking and snowboarding. He was an avid rock hounder and had a goal of opening a rock shop.The light of his life were his sons, Braydin and Carter. He lived for them! Dylan was a great and loving father, son and brother. He always had a smile and a helping hand to offer. Dylan will be missed dearly by family, friends and the lives he touched. He was kind and loving.He is survived by his parents Barb and Gary; sons Braydin and Carter Ray; their mother Lexi Benn; brothers Hank Ray and Sam (Brandi) Ray; nieces Samantha and Audrey Ray; grandparents Jack Ray and Robert Behage, aunt Kerry Anne (Johnny) Green, uncles Dale Graybill and Tom (Kim) Behage; cousins, Jason and Karina Graybill, Luke Lindsey, Amber and Neal Behage; and his beloved cats Midnight and Sarge.Dylan’s celebration of life service will be at New Life Church in Powell, on Friday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. The family welcomes donations to the Dylan Ray Family fund to benefit his sons.

Obituary Preview: Lawrence Eugene Saunders was born January 12, 1927 in Princeton, Missouri to William Roy and Junie V Bain. Lawrence was the 2nd born son of 5 children. The family later relocated to family farm in Joliet, Montana. Gene spent his youth hunting in the hills around his home. As a young boy Gene went to work for his uncle herding sheep and ride the tractor and then went fishing near the ranch. As an early teen he rented 3 acres of land to earn some money and then took his earnings in the fall on bicycle trip to Billings as a 7th grader and spent it mostly on the movies and ice cream then bought himself a brand new bicycle.In 9th grade he took a job in Billings and a year off from school to work at a local grocer. When he returned to school he got involved in basketball and baseball becoming “Fireball Saunders” as a talented pitcher for a club team.After his junior year of school he obtained permission from his parents to join the army. He left for WWII prior to completing high school. Gene served 2 years in the army where he started as a private in Texas at Camp Hood and then was transferred into the finance division where he was screened to complete 2 trainings and then deployed to work as a finance technical clerk in the Foreign Currency Exchange section in Paris, France. Upon discharge he had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant Finance Technical Clerk. While overseas Gene added 7 countries to his list of places visited, some of which were Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.Upon returning from the war, Gene met Armese Edna Cozzens who was renting from his parents while she attended college. Within a few months they were married in Billings, MT on February 21, 1947. They partnered with his brother John to start a trucking business. When the weather put the brothers went out of business, Gene borrowed money from his mother and moved his family to attend the University of Denver where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting.Following graduation he took a job in Cody, WY with Husky Oil Company. When he retired after 30 years of service from Husky Oil Company, he was the Vice President and CFO and the last American employee for the then Canadian owned company.Working at Husky Oil didn’t keep Larry, as he came to be called, busy enough, so he took on side jobs such as guiding hunts for Squaw PeekRanch, coaching pee wee baseball when his sons were playing, and helping to build on many projects including 2 houses in Casper with his son David and 1 house in Cody.In February 1968, Lawrence and Armese were divorced and in 1978 he met and married Elfrieda Louise Ferguson in May. Larry started his own business, Saunders Accounting Service in 1984 and purchased Radio Shack.Larry joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 2008 and his family came to celebrate with him.Larry passed away 1 December 2020 peacefully in his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his beloved son Daryl and wife Louise. He is survived by his daughter Linda Iverson of Burlington, WY, and sons Gary Saunders and David Saunders both of Cody, WY as well as Sandra Spiegelberg of Cody, WY, Dean Spiegelberg of Clyde Park, MT and 11 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren and 18 Great great-grandchildren.The family is truly grateful for the care of Larry he received from Mel’s Helping Hands caregivers, his son Gary Saunders and granddaughter LeAnn Andrew. --