Feb. 2, 1941 - Jan. 5, 2017
Emma Louise Wright was born February 2, 1941, in Rosebud, SD to Lawrence and Ellen (Shaw) Wright and passed away in Rapid City on January 5, 2016, at the age of 75.
Emma grew up at the Black Hills Army Depot and graduated from Provo High School in 1959. After high school she took a two year business course at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas, after which she went to work for Indian Health Service in Washington, DC. Emma was proud of hiking up all 898 steps of the Washington Monument and enjoyed touring all the other sites in Washington. In 1963 she married Nathan (Joe) Head and they had three children, Lawrence, Rose and Christopher. Emma and Joe moved to New Mexico and Minnesota before Emma and the Children returned to South Dakota. In 1991 she married Frederick M. Stern and they lived in Box Elder. Emma worked at Ellsworth Air Force Base, retiring in 1996 after 32 years of Civil Service and receiving a letter from Pres. Bill Clinton. Emma was a charter member of the American Legion Post 315 in Box Elder, SD.
Later in life Emma became interested in quilting and formed a group of other like-minded women who met weekly to learn how to make star quilts. Emma also enjoyed crossword and jig saw puzzles.
Emma is survived by her husband Fred; her children; four grandchildren Jasemine, Geordan, Zachary and Kyle; two stepdaughters, Shelley(Jerry) Eisenbraun, (their children Luke and Rachel); and Kelley(Todd) Ross (their children Shea and Ross); and her sister Melda (Janice) Holskey; Nieces, Florence (Brent) Evans, Patricia (Craig) Blodgett, Janet (Dave) Hoff and Nephew Shawn Holskey.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Wilma Wright and a niece Kathleen Ondik.
Services will be held at Kirk Funeral Home, Friday, January 13, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Visitation will precede the funeral service starting at 12:00 pm at Kirk Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign Emma's online guestbook at Kirk Funeral Home's website.
Dec. 15, 1929 - Jan. 17, 2017
Donald "Doc" Richardson passed away on Jan. 17, 2017, at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada. Donald Lyle Richardson was born on Dec. 15, 1929, at home in Westover, South Dakota, to Donald D. Richardson and Jennie A. Bunker. He lived in Westover until 1946 when his family moved to Igloo, South Dakota. Doc started work at the Black Hills Ordinance Depot until he went into the Navy. He served on the USS Southerland and was involved in the Korean Conflict where he sustained injuries and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Doc married Norma I. Carlson on Aug. 22, 1953 in Igloo, South Dakota. They resided there six years and moved to Edgemont, South Dakota. They had six children, Donald E., Carol A., Mary A., Linda S., James L. and John L. (twins).
They transferred to Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, California in 1966. They moved to Doyle, California the next year. Doc worked at the Sierra Army Depot until he retired in 1985.
Preceding him in death are his parents and siblings, Rose Mesteth, John Richardson, Elinor Mae Carlson, Clarence (Shorty) Richardson; and grandson, Timothy Allen Keith.
Those left behind – Dona and Robert Cox-Richardson, Carol and Tom Gordon, Mary and William Musnicki, Linda and Ty Duff, John and Jill Richardson and James Richardson; grandchildren, Brett and Donna Keith, Brianna and Ed Richardson, Shaun and Cristina Gordon, Weston and Cathryn Musnicki, Waylon Musnicki, Wyatt and Beatriz Musnicki, Walker Musnicki, Wheeler Musnicki, Cameron Duff, Aaron Duff, Christopher and Rebecca Richardson; 16 great grandchildren, Sawyer Richardson, Gavin Richardson, Ian Richardson, Aidan Gordon, Ethan Gordon, Tyler Gordon, Mateo Gordon, Judeah Keith, Avery Keith, Wright Musnicki, Gillian Musnicki, Warren Musnicki, Wilson Musnicki, Calvin Richardson and Ruby jo Richardson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doc was an avid gardener and was dedicated to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved and knew him.
Jan. 26, 1936 - Jan. 19, 2017
Marvin Dwain Bunch, 80, passed away on January 19, 2017 at his home in Spearfish, SD. He was born on January 26, 1936 in Lead, SD to Lewis Raymond and Vera Louise (Williamson) Bunch.
Marvin graduated from Lead High School in 1953. His career started as a machinist at Homestake Gold Mine in Lead. He joined the U.S. Army National Guard in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1060. On September 20, 1959 he married the love of his life Carol (Brookbank) Bunch. He started a family with the birth of his sons Dwain in 1960 and Lance in 1964.
While working at Homestake, Marvin continued his education at Black Hills State University and received his Bachelor Degree in Mathematics in 1970 and a Masters Degree in Education in 1984.
In 1970, after graduating college, he started a lifelong career in teaching. He primarily taught machining, metals, and mathematics. He started at the Franit Falls School of Technology, then the North Dakota School of Science, and finally at Black Hills State University until his retirement in 2006.
Marvin was passionate about his many hobbies including motorcycles, model engines, and cars. Some he just worked on and others he completely assembled from baskets of parts. He kept in touch with most of his high school friends throughout his life, and was an active member of the Masonic Temple and the Model Engine Collectors Association.
The people who were lucky to have shared his life include his wife Carol; sons, Dwain Bunch of Box Elder, SD, and Lance Bunch of Evergreen, Co; his grandchildren, Kayla (Bunch) Henderson of Lead, SD, Raymond bunch of Box Elder, SD, and Wyatt Bunch and Natalie Bunch of Evergreen, CO; his brother, Daryl Bunch of Albequerque, NM; and his sister, Gloria (Bunch) Boppe of Spearfish, SD. He was a large part of our lives and we will miss him greatly. Marvin was proceded in death by his parents, Lewis (Ray) Bunch and Vera Louise (Williamson) Bunch of Lead, SD.
Jan. 24, 1950 - Feb. 8, 2017
Aberdeen, SD-Funeral service for John Harvey Donbraska, Jr., 67, of Aberdeen will be 10:00 am, Thursday, February 16, 2017 at New Life Fellowship in Aberdeen. Pastor Mark Zimmerman will officiate.
John died February 8, 2017 at Minneapolis VA Health Care System.
John Harvey Donbraska, Jr., son of John Harvey, Sr. and Mildred Martha (Dearborn) Donbraska, was born January 24, 1950 at Huron, SD. As young child his family moved to the Black Hill Ordnance Depot at Igloo, SD. Growing up in a military family he and his family traveled and relocated a lot.
John graduated from Rapid City High School in 1969 and in that same year he joined the United States Navy. John was a Vietnam veteran and received an honorable discharge in 1972. He was a member of the United States Navy Reserves from 1972-1975. Following his military service John worked for the Wyoming Highway Department for a few years and then in the coal mines from 1979 to 1996. He had his blaster certification, allowing him to work explosives. In 1996 John moved to Mobridge to take care of his mother. Following her death he moved to Aberdeen and went to work at Twin City Fan, where he remained until 2010 when he retired due to his health.
John married Debra Allott on August 26, 2003 in Aberdeen.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife; brother Vernon Donbraska of Geneseo, KS; one nephew Joe Donbraska of Chamberlain, SD and two nieces Kelly Donbraska of Scotts Bluff, NE and Wendy (Billy) Glassburn of Ogallala, NE.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws.
John loved Jesus and was very comfortable in his salvation.
Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen has been entrusted with arrangements.
Born Mar. 7, 1926 Salem, SD
Died Feb. 13, 2017 Bettendorf, IA
Dorothy M. Garvis, 90, of Moline, the oldest child of John and Muriel Rayman, passed away February 13, 2017 at Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, IA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Friday, February 17, at Sacred Heart Church, Moline. Visitation will be 4 - 6 pm Thursday at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111 1st St A, Moline, with a Christian Wake service at 3:30 pm. Burial will be at National Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials can be made to Clarissa Cook Hospice House.
Dorothy graduated from Salem High School, Salem, SD and attended the University of South Dakota. She was a teacher for many years in that state. She married her college sweetheart Victor in 1947. He passed away on April 11, 2015. Dorothy and Victor made a permanent move to Moline in 1961. She taught at Seton Elementary in Moline for over 20 years and was very active at Sacred Heart Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and many ministry activities including the Altar and Rosary Society. She loved playing classics of the 40's and 50's on the piano. She was also well-known for wearing dress hats with style and grace.
Dorothy's greatest love in life was being married to her best friend for over 67 years, and raising four loving children. She has been blessed with 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Both she and Victor shared their love of education, touching the lives of hundreds of students, and always encouraging others to pursue their education.
Survivors include her children, Mike (Pamela) Garvis, Moline, John (Elizabeth) Garvis, Chicago and Georgina (David) Svec, St. Joseph, MI; daughter-in-law Sandra Garvis, Iowa City; grandchildren, Tris, Abby, Tim (Kara) and Gina Garvis, Madeline, Lydia and Isabelle Svec, and Iris and Robert Postma; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce Kolbeck; sister -in-law, Karen Rayman and brother-in-law, Jim Garvis. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel, brother, John, and sister, Marjorie.
The family would like to thank all of the staff and volunteers at Clarissa Cook Hospice House for their generous and devoted care of our mother during the final months of her life.
July 4, 1929 - Feb. 18, 2017
Dean Arnold Sturdivant, 87, of Centralia, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at Providence Hospital in Centralia, WA.
He was born to Frank Fielding Sturdivant and Erma Belle Fales on July 4, 1929, in Edgemont, South Dakota. In 1949, he graduated from Igloo High School in Igloo, South Dakota, where he was a star athlete in both track and as a running back in football. On May 28th of 1949, he married the love of his life, Anna Lucille Sheets Lynn.
Dean grew up on a ranch, and was proficient in all aspects of ranching. He first supported his new family as a bareback bronc rider in rodeos all across the mountain west, and later, went out into the oilfields to work as a driller. From the oilfields he went on to work on big construction projects like dams, bridges, and highways. In 1963, he moved his family to Centralia to be closer to his next assignment- the Mossyrock Dam. He retired from his last career, after twenty years as a 'powder monkey,' better known by the term 'explosives engineer.'
Dean was a member of the Masons and the NRA, and was a lifetime member of the International Laborers Union. He was an avid card player, enjoying many a game of bridge, poker, and his favorite, cribbage. He had a wonderful voice; he loved to yodel and often sang as part of a choir or as a soloist. He was also an able 'water witch,' helping many folks in Wyoming and Washington locate hidden water sources.
He and Lucille chose to spend their retirement years as goat ranchers in the small town of Orin, Wyoming, but returned to Centralia in 2015 to be closer to their family.
Dean is preceded in death by a son, Dean A. Sturdivant, Jr; daughter, DeeAnn Sturdivant; and a grandson, Jaison Dean Sturdivant.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lucille Sturdivant of Centralia; daughter Linda (Kelly) Grubbs of Lacey; and sons, Richard C. Sturdivant of Centralia, and Robert L. (Julie) Sturdivant of Boistfort; 13 grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren; sisters Wyoma Honadel of Wyoming, Iva Belle Honadel of Wyoming, Dorothy (Alfred) Honadel of South Dakota, and Bonnie (Ralph) Crowley of Colorado; as well as a brother Larry Sturdivant of Colorado.
Visitation may be made between the hours of 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2017, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel in Centralia. A funeral for Dean Sturdivant is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 4, 2017, also at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, with interment immediately following at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis, followed by a reception in the Sticklin Hospitality Room.
1942 - Mar. 8, 2017
Ed Olmstead, 74, of Lennox, SD, died suddenly, Mar. 8, 2017, at his rural Lennox home, from natural causes.
Ralph Edwin Olmstead was born in 1942 and grew up in Igloo, SD and graduated from Provo High in 1960. In 1963 he married Linda Hamaker. They lived in Edgmont, Lennox, Ely, NV, and Hot Springs before returning to Lennox.
Ed was a member of Lennox Commercial Club, Jaycees, Lions, Mountain View Lodge, NAJA Shrine, Fall River Shrine Patrol, Lennox Sports Boosters and II Reformed Church. He was a coach and sports official for many years. Ed worked at Valley Exchange Insurance, Lennox, Silver King Gold Mine, Ely, NV and retired from the SD Housing Authority, Hot Springs.
Survivors: wife, Linda, Lennox, children: Denise Oltmanns, Edgemont, Timothy (Jada) Olmstead, Sioux Falls, and Tamra (Joseph) Harrington, Lennox; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings: Norman, Martin, SD, Vernon, Edgemont, SD, Dennis, Sherman, TX and Darlene Geboe and sister-in-law, Doris Olmstead, Bellingham, WA.
Memorial services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 11, 2017 at Second Reformed Church, Lennox. Visitation with the family present will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Dindot-Klusmann Funeral Home, Lennox. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested.
Aug. 7, 1946 - Mar. 8, 2017
Daniel Joseph "Dan" Johnson, 70, of Oxford, died Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.
A celebration of life is at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1 in the Lions Club Building, 116 N. Sumner, in Oxford. We will be sharing stories and celebrating a man who lived life to the fullest. Refreshments will be served. Please share your favorite story about Dan; we know there are lots of them.
Please consider a donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation in lieu of flowers.
Dan was born on Aug. 7, 1946, in Igloo, S.D., to Jesse and Anna (Davis) Johnson. The Johnson family lived in several places before settling in Oxford in 1957. There Dan lived the rest of his years. His early life was spent helping on the family farm and creating memories with friends.
Dan enlisted in the Army in 1965 and served in the 173rd Airborne during the Vietnam War, where he made lifelong friends.
After returning to the United States, he met and married his lifelong companion, Mary (Nutter) Johnson, on Dec. 31, 1972.
After working as a roughneck and cable installer, Dan got a job at Boeing, where he worked for 23 years. He invented several tools that Boeing patented and still uses today. He was able to travel all over the world, spending three years living in Italy.
Dan had a wit that is hard to match and was one of the most kind-hearted people. He enjoyed grilling for large family gatherings and spending time with his grandkids. He spent a lot of time in his wood shop, turning pens and making puzzles that he sold in a shop in Oxford. Dan was loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Johnson; his mother, Anna (Davis) Johnson; and his three brothers, Kenneth, Art and Bill Johnson.
He leaves his wife of 44 years, Mary (Nutter) Johnson; his daughter, Elizabeth (Johnson) Cockram; his daughter, Anna (Johnson) Mercer; four grandchildren, Sadie, Caleb, Alastair and Norah; his sister, Sally Lawson; his sister, Jeannie Kay Johnson-Keiter; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Nov. 10, 1946 - Mar. 27, 2017
Dorothy Marie Hunt, 70, went with God, March 27, 2017, in Belle Fourche. Dorothy was born Nov. 10, 1946, in Igloo to Merlyn and Margaret (Doyle) Williams. The family moved to Philip and then to Midland. This is where she attended all 12 years of school.
Dorothy started working waiting tables and doing dishes at the age of nine. After her schooling, she moved to Pierre and worked at the Holiday Inn.
She married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, Gary Hunt on Jan. 20, 1968. They moved to Murdo and she continued to work in restaurants. When they moved to Kadoka, she worked at H and H restaurant and babysat to be home with her children. Their final move was in 1979 to Spearfish, where in time she and Gary purchased the Bicentennial Trailer Park. She then operated and managed the park, raised her children, and babysat her grandchildren until retirement.
Dorothy's children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of Dorothy's life. The legacy of Dorothy's kind spirit, humor, and zest for life will live through them. She cherished getting together with family, going for walks usually to McDonald's to meet her friends, being part of "Bosom Buddies" Relay for Life Team, serving the Lord and took part in Toast Masters, Stonecroft Christian Women's, and Stonecroft Bible Study. Some other things Dorothy was known for were baking, dancing, helping others, and walking barefoot while planting flowers and gardens.
Survivors include husband, Gary; sons, Shad (Danielle), and Eric; grandchildren, Jazmyn, Jaden, and Riley, all from Spearfish; sisters, Marilyn Nettleton (David), of Davenport, Iowa, Beverly Kaufman (Willie), of Frankfort, S.D.; sister-in-law, Kathie Williams, Kadoka; numerous nieces and nephews; and Dorothy's special friend since kindergarten, Jessie Mae Alvina Dolly Foster.
She was preceded in death by her father, Merlyn; brothers, Charlie and Myron; sister, Marjorie Rose; her in-laws, Everett and Violet Hunt; brother-in-law, Clint Hunt; sister-in-law, Faye Deal; and niece, Annette Nettleton. May they rest in peace.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish. The family is planning to place a memorial bench on her walking path and donating to the Bosom Buddies Relay for Life Team.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.
Dec. 27, 1929 - April 27, 2017
LaVonne Joan Cavanagh, age 87 of Forsyth, Illinois, formerly of Mt. Carroll, Illinois passed away Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Fair Havens Christian Home in Decatur, Illinois. A visitation will be held from 11;00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2017 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. A graveside service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetry, with Father Moises Apostol officiating. LaVonne has asked that memorials be made to the Humane Society or the ASPCA.
LaVonne was born December 27, 1929 in Garretson, South Dakota the daughter of Einer and Dagny (Jordhal) Nelsen. She attended high school in Provo, South Dakota and graduated with the Class of 1947. LaVonne married the love of her life William "Bill" Cavanagh on January 26, 1949 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Bill Passed away August 27, 2014. Lavonne worked for Prudential Insurance in Boston, Massachusetts as an Executive Secretary for many years.
LaVonne and her husband Bill enjoyed traveling to Europe, and expecially loved the time they spent in Rome. She loved cats, listening to music, game shows and doing Word Searches. LaVonne was a tiny package of dynamite - she zipped around like a tornado, somtimes humming a favorite song while she worked. She loved to tell stories about her job, her travels, or her pets. With her Bostonian accent and big laugh when she was tickled, she could brighten your day. She was known by her nieces and nephews as "Auntie Vonne". LaVonne always had her signature sign off, on a card or letter, "Loads of Love".
LaVonne will be lovingly remembered by her three siblings, David (Adele) Bauer of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Diane (Dan) Pape of Vancouver, Washington, Debbie (Tim) Coziahr of Decater, Illinois; many nieces and nephews; special cousin, Margery Dubbelde; special Friends, Shawna, Paul, Evan, Linda and Ralph; all her friends in Mt. Carroll, and all her friends in Decatur and at Hickory Point Christian Village. Special thanks to Shawa, who took care of LaVonne, Bill in Mt. Carroll; an special thanks to her "doll", Michele, who took care of her in Decatur, and could always make her giggle. LaVonne was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; Father Einer; Stepfather, Duane Bauer and her mother, Dagny Bauer.
Jan. 7, 1945 - May 22, 2017
Charles Lester Britton, age 72, of Buffalo Gap, SD, passed away May 22, 2017, at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House in Rapid City, SD. The family would like to thank everyone at the Hospice House for their wonderful love and exceptional care.
Charles Lester (also known by many other nicknames) was born on January 7, 1945, to John Charles and Marion Britton at Sister's Hospital in Hot Springs, SD. He spent his childhood in Igloo, SD, until joining the United States Navy in 1962. Charles was a Vietnam Combat Veteran, serving two tours in Vietnam, one abroad ship and one aboard an attack craft in Maycon Delta. During this time, we know he was awarded an Achievement Medal for Combat Service and a Meritorious Unit Commendation, although there may have been others that he declined to mention.
After being discharged from the Navy, he lived and worked mostly in South Dakota and Wyoming. While in Buffalo Gap he worked at the Hot Springs VA as a ground keeper and nurses aid. He married Robin Merrill in 1971, and adopted her son, Sam. In 1972, he moved to Rapid City shortly after the flood and set up trailer parks for those whose homes were destroyed.
In 1982, he married Peggy Harrison and became a father to her five sons; Gary, Frank, Sam, Robert, and Joe. They returned to Buffalo Gap where they raised Arabian Horses. Charles returned to the Hot Springs VA as a housekeeper and pest control officer.
In 1993, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and shortly after, met his wife, Jill. She had two daughters, Sumer and Jenny, that he also loved as his own. He and Jill lived for the Lord, raising their family together, and attending Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church in Hot Springs, for the next 22 years.
Charles was a man of prayer, known for his joyful spirit, kindness and generosity toward everyone and his strength and integrity. He was a friend to everyone he met and a father to many. He enjoyed FOX news, digging in the dirt with heavy equipment and playing bass in his bluegrass band, Beaver Creek. Charles served faithfully in many capacities in his church and looked forward to helping in the kitchen at Camp Hallawasa every summer. He served with two mission trips to Costa Rica and enjoyed fishing trips to Canada. Charles is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Robert, Jesse, Edward, Margaret, JoAnn and Mary (Dodd) Britton.
Charles is survived by his wife, Jill Britton of Buffalo Gap; siblings, John (Richard) of Hot Springs; Karen (Britton) McCleery of Hot Springs; children, Sam (Tammy) Britton of Casper, WY; Frank Rang of Rapid City; Gary (Jennifer) Curran of Cottondale, FL; Sam Costa of St. James, MN; Robert (Wendy) Powers of Mesquite, NV; Joe Blaine of Torrington, WY; Sumer (Justin) Wollerman of Casper, WY; Jennifer (Chris) Yellow Thunder of Hot Springs; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church in Hot Springs with Pastor Mark Crossman officiating.
Committal services were held 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2017, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Memorials may be sent to Camp Hallawasa, 2286 Minnewasta, Rapid City, SD 57702.
Jan. 27, 1943 - June 7, 2017
Pat Miller age 74 of Lance Creek, WY passed away Wednesday, June 7th 2017 at the Niobrara Community Hospital in Lusk.
Funeral Service were held Monday, June 12th 2017, 3:00 PM at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Auditorium in Lusk. Interment was at the Lusk Cemetery.
Patrick Ace Miller was born to Aubrey Raymond and Velda Bernice (Penn) Miller on January 27, 1943 in the Lusk Hospital attended by Dr. Walter Reckling and Nurse Edith Culver. He went home to a ranch east of Mosierviller in Lance Creek. They stayed there and he went to school in Lance Creek until 3rd grade. His parents sold the Lance Creek ranch and he then went to Lusk Grade School for one year then back to Lance Creek for 4th through 8th grade. He went all 4 years to Niobrara County High School graduating in 1961. After graduating he rodeoed and went to Jim Shoulders Rodeo School the following years. He also worked in the oil fields. In 1972 he started a successful oilfield business, Miller Enterprises INC. at Lance Creek.
On February 21 1964 he married Beverly Jo Grant. She was still in college, so they moved to Chadron then Moorcroft when she was out of school. They moved to Igloo, South Dakota where Tiffany joined the family and Bev started her teaching career. Pat worked at Black Hills Army Depot for 2 years and from there he went to Glenrock where Bev continued teaching. Pat then started school at Casper College on a rodeo scholarship. After 2 years at Casper College he graduated with an Associates of Science.
They moved to Laramie that fall and he went two more years on a rodeo scholarship. Pat graduated in 1971 with a degree in Animal Science. After completing school they decided to move back to the ranch in Lance Creek. They had purchased the ranch from his mother. During the time on the ranch both Justen and Jason were born.
Pat was very proud that all three of their kids received bachelor degrees, as well as receiving rodeo scholarships. Rodeo was very good to Pat and Bev throughout the years. Jason was a World Champion Steer Wrestler and Justen won many honors in rodeo, like the Regional Champion Bronc Rider. Five of his grandchildren also went to college on rodeo scholarships and placed in college rodeo many times. Granddaughter Jordan was a 2 time National Champion Goat Tier and a one-time reserve.
Pat and Bev have donated much to the sport of rodeo with hopes that many other children might be as blessed as their family was by rodeo.
Pat is survived by his wife, Bev of 53 years, his daughter Tiffany & John Thurston, son Justen & Tricia Miller, and son Jason Miller all of Lance Creek, Seven grandchildren, Jordan Ann, Ace, Colby and Brady Thurston, Megan, Colton, and Blake Miller, and 2 great grandchildren, One sister, Sharon & Jerry Kanode of Moorcroft, Wyoming, Numerous nieces and nephews, and his many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings Wyoma, Clell, George, Ora Lee and Orese.
Pier Funeral Home in Lusk is in charge of funeral arrangements
Aug. 22, 1954 - June 8, 2017
Mike Hueston Pixley, 62 of Sundance, WY, passed away peacefully in his home with his companion of 12 years, Debbie Hirchert Pixley, by his side on Thursday June 8, 2017.
Mike was born August 22, 1954 in Sturgis, SD, the son of Hugh and Laila Pixley.
He spent most of his life in the Black Hills area where he helped run family businesses including the Ox Yoke Dude Ranch in Nemo, SD and the Hisega Lodge. At a very young age he was known for his hard work ethic and the ability to run the family businesses by himself.
He married Arlene Frazier on July 29, 1972. They graduated high school together at Rapid City Central in 1973. They made their home in Igloo, SD, running the Dakota Rabbit Ranch and The Sagebrush Inn, alongside Mike's parents. A daughter, Stacey, was born in 1975 just before moving to Sheridan, WY to start another family business, Pixley Transportation Inc. Their family was complete with the arrival of their son, Jay in 1981. Mike then moved his family to Gillette, WY in 1991 to expand the successful Pixley Transportation business. In 1993 Mike bought a ranch known as the 4P Cattle Company in Upton, WY. His passion was raising high quality black angus cattle and registered Quarter Horses for over 12 years. Mike's last residence was in Sundance, WY, where he continued several entrepreneurial adventures with his son, Jay, and Debbie.
While living in Sheridan, Mike was a member of the Elks Lodge. Mike enjoyed his horses and competed in Wyo-Tana chariot races for years, winning many buckles and Calcutta jackpots. As an active member of the Draft Horse and Mule Association, he enjoyed trail rides, wagon trains and pack trips into the Big Horns and going to hunting camp in the fall. He rode and trained roping and reining horses. He also enjoyed roping with his children and supporting them in JR./HS rodeos. Mike also greatly enjoyed riding his motorcycle and being outdoors working hard and playing hard too. He dearly loved his 5 grandchildren and enjoyed watching them compete in Rodeos and sporting events.
Mike is survived by his brother's; Merle Evans, Milo Evans, Marty Pixley, and Mark Pixley, and children; Stacey (Pixley-Blakeman) Neuharth (Cory), and Jay Pixley (Resann) and grandchildren; Jett Blakeman, Oakley Blakeman, Tenley Neuharth, Austin Pixley, and Asa Pixley. Mike was proceeded in death by his parents, Hugh and Laila Pixley, brother Monte Evans and numerous aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be from 1:30-2:00 PM on Friday, June 16, 2017 at Fidler-Roberts and Isburg Funeral Chapel in Sundance. Graveside service and will take place at 2:30 PM at Green Mountain Cemetery in Sundance.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts and Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance.
Oct. 28, 1945 - June 19, 2017
Ms. Mary Frances Palmer, 71, of Hopewell, unexpectedly gained her angel wings and entered the gates of Heaven on Monday, June 19, 2017. Born in Kearney, Nebraska, she was the daughter of the late Albert Leon Yunko and Frances Christiansen Yunko. She is survived by her daughter, Kristine Palmer Jackson; son-in-law, David Ray Jackson III; grandchild, Lily Grace Jackson; brothers, Charles G. Yunko and wife, Eve, and Albert Yunko; nephews, Scott Yunko (Jamie), Casey Yunko; niece, Leslie Finn (Ted); numerous extended family and friends. Ms. Palmer dedicated 35 years of her life working as a civilian employee for the United States Army at Fort Lee, VA, before retiring in 2001. She received numerous medals and honors for outstanding performance. Ms. Palmer enjoyed reading and spoiling her granddaughter, Lily. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who always put her family's needs before her own. She was loved dearly and will be missed by many. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.
May 8, 1935 - July 6, 2017
Iva Belle (Stearns) Honadel died July 6, 2017 at the Evanston, WY hospital.
She was born 8 Mar 1935 at the Edgemont, SD hospital to Chas (Charles W. and Erma Belle (Fales) Sturdivant, Stearns. Iva Belle joined a sister, Wyoma and brother, Dean Sturdivant. The Stearns family moved into their own home, on the farm, at Provo, SD, in May 1935. Another sister, Dorothy joined the family in Feb, 1936.
The Stearns home was a 24x24 ft tar paper shack, with no insulation, no water or electricity. At that time, water was hauled 1/4 mile, in cream cans, on a stone boat or in a wagon pulled by horses, from the hand-pumped railroad cistern. In 1942, the kerosene lamps were put in storage, electricity was finally available, when BHOD (Black Hills Ordinance Depot) was started and a new power plant built at Provo.
Iva Belle started 1st grade with her younger sister, Dorothy, in 1942. With the influx of people coming to work at the Army Depot, there were many students, so school was only 1/2 days. The Stearns girls went to 1st grade from 1 to 6 p.m. and their brother attended from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The 2nd year, Provo School facilities were acquired with school being held, in CCC Army barracks, and other buildings at the Army Depot, after a 2 mile bus ride. In 1944, a new school building was built, to house all grades.
During her growing up years, Iva Belle worked on the farm with other family members, as was expected at that time period. Working in the hayfield on long hot days, walking 8 miles to Edgemont moving the sheep to town, many household chores, cooking and cleaning at home after her parents' divorce.
Iva Belle and Dorothy graduated from Provo High School in 1954. Both attended Black Hill State Teachers College, in Sept 1954.
Iva Belle married Richard Honadel at Hot Springs, SD on Nov 27, 1954. She was the 2nd of 3 sisters to marry a Honadel brother Iva Belle and Richard adopted Sarah Eileen in Dec 1961 while living in Laramie, WY, and Mark Charles in CA in 1966.
Richard's work took them many places. Iva Belle attended teachers college in OK, and taught school in Guyman, Ok and Fountain City, WI. In 1981, they settled in Evanston, WY, where Iva Belle drove school bus for many years and janitorial work in the Evanston School. Also, she was an EMT in Evanston, and on the Citizen's Patrol group.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah, 3 grandchildren and numerous gr. grandchildren. She is survived by sisters - Wyoma Honadel, Newcastle, WY; Dorothy (Alfred) Honadel, Spearfish, SD; and half-sister, Dorothy Johnson, Salt Lake City, UT. sister-in-law Lucille Sturdivant, Centralia, WA; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Richard; son, Mark, a great granddaughter, and brother Dean Sturdivant of Centralia, WA, nieces Carol Jean (Honadel) Smith and Irene (Coates) Ferdig, sisters-in-laws Betty Scott and Alice (Coates) Dahl and brother-in-laws Howard, Harold and Glen Honadel.
Burial will take place in the Evanston City Cemetery in Evanston, Wyoming.
Feb. 4, 1939 - July 9, 2017
Kalispell - Evelyn A. Mooney went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 9, 2017.
She was born February 4, 1939 in Kahoka, Missouri to Woodrow and Belva Hipsher. She was the second of six children.
Evelyn lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota and graduated from Provo High School in 1957. She then attended Chadron State Teachers College, where she received her teaching degree.
She moved to Great Falls to be close to family and met and married John Mooney, Dec 19, 1964. They were loyal companions and she took care of him until his death in 1996.
Evelyn taught in Great Falls for 34 years and loved every minute helping children.
She was very social, loving to be around people. She was active in AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma, Red Hatters, various church activities and bible studies.
Evelyn moved to Kalispell, Montana in 2007 to help take care of her grandchildren which were the highlights of her life. She loved to be called GG, aka, Gorgeous Grandma.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Belva Hipsher and her husband, John Mooney.
Survived by her daughter, Karen Hartle (husband Jeremy), her four grandchildren; MaKenna, Mattiline, John, and Emily Hartle of Kalispell and her siblings; Betty (Nobby) Johnson of Great Falls, John (Lee) Hipsher of Boise, Idaho, James (Sara) of Portland, Oregon, Woody (Pat) of Louisville, Colorado and Mary (Fred) of McMinnville, Oregon.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 18th at 10 AM, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Great Falls, Montana.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home of Kalispell, Montana is caring for the Family.
Published in Great Falls Tribune on July 16, 2017
July 2, 1941 - Dec. 26, 2017
Woodie R. Thayer, 76, of Bloomington passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at the St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.
He was born July 2, 1941 in Utah the son of Elmer and Alyce (Freeman) Thayer. He married Roseanna (Bland) James on July 2, 1977 in Ely, Nevada they were happily married 40 years. Woodie was a 20 year U.S. Navy veteran serving in the Vietnam War and retiring in 1980, he also with his wife were co-owners of Hairstyle by Rose and he taught cosmetology at the Hair Arts Academy in Bloomington, he was also a tow truck driver with his son at Auto Mobile Service in Bloomington.
Woodie was a member of the V.F.W. Post #604, American Legion Post# 18, and Bloomington AMVETS Post # 2000 all of Bloomington, he enjoyed playing pool, roller skating, bowling, music and dancing, but his true love was his wife Rose he loved spoiling and spending time with her, he also loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Woodie is survived by his wife; Rose Thayer of Bloomington two sons; Roy James and Matt James both of Bloomington, six grandchildren; Shania James, Olivia James, Brittanie James, Bryce Dehner, Hunter James and Emilie Brown, two brothers; Roger and Billy Thayer.
His parents, three brothers Tom, Pat and Mike Thayer and one sister Jerri Thayer preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the Allen Funeral Home 4155 S. Old State Rd 37 Bloomington. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm Friday December 29, 2017 and Saturday from 9:00am to service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flower the family has ask the memorial contribution to be made to Honor and Remember Indiana "For Military Fallen Hero's" P.O. Box 21 Eaton, Indiana 47338. You are invited to share a memory and leave an online condolence to the family at www.allencares.com.
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