March 20, 1934–Jan. 22, 2018

Elizabeth “Jane” Mooney, of Newcastle, Wyo., died Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, in Sundance, Wyo., of natural causes.

She was born to John Ralph Hudson and Bertha Edith Bryant Hudson on March 20, 1934, in Charleston, W. Va. She grew up there in a small house with a large family on the bank of Davis Creek.

Her brother, Ralph, introduced her to Edgar Lee Freeman, an army buddy of his, and they were soon married. They lived in West Virginia for a short time, but soon moved to Keeline, Wyo., then to Casper, and finally to Newcastle, in 1969. They had four children. They were married until Lee was killed in an accident, in 1983.

Later, she married Leon Mahoney, and after he passed she married Bill Mooney of Charleston, W. Va. He has also passed.

Jane worked as a cook at the Weston County Memorial Hospital and the Weston County Manor for many years. In fact, cooking was a passion of hers. She could enjoy reading cook books, and had a very large collection at one time. Her chicken and dumplings would make your mouth water just thinking about them.

Jane was also a very good artist. Her friends used to come to her to have pictures painted of them. The pictures were done in the styles of the pictures found in Old West saloons. Her artistic side moved to embroidery.

Jane is survived by her three sons, Clayton Freeman of Denver, Colo., Mike Freeman of Upton, Wyo., and Raymond Freeman of Greensboro, N.C.; as well as seven grandchildren (Zachary Rawhouser, Joshua Rawhouser, Eric Freeman, Trina Freeman, Brandon Oliver, Jesse Freeman, and Kimberly Freeman); and many great-grandchildren.

Jane was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jennifer Freeman, and daughter, Bertha Althea Rawhouser.

Jane will be buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle. It will be a graveside service.

Jan. 27, 1947–Jan. 11, 2018

Timothy Glen Velten, 70, passed away at 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 11, 2018, at Weston County Health Services in Newcastle, Wyo.

Tim was born Jan. 27, 1947, in Jacksonville, Ill., the son of Nicholas Martin and Muriel Catherine (Brannan) Velten. He grew up in Virginia, Ill., and after graduation he worked various jobs before finding his way to Newcastle. Once there, he found employment in the oilfield, a profession he truly enjoyed.

He met the love of his life, Susie Lindley, in the winter of 1983. They were married on May 26, 1996, in Newcastle. Tim took on the role of being a father figure to Susie’s two children. He was a good father and taught them a lot about life.

Tim passed away after a long battle with two different forms of cancer. He was first diagnosed with lung cancer, and after a brave fight he was in remission for five years, which was definitely a miracle. He fought with such a positive attitude, and that inspired his wife to stay strong when she felt weak.

He was then diagnosed with liver cancer, and he fought that with the same strength, but it just got too hard for his body. Tim never complained as the cancer took over. He faced the cancer the way he faced all the challenges in his life, with a positive attitude and a little humor. He was an inspiration to all of his family and friends.

Tim loved hunting, camping, and riding his Harley in his younger years. But what he loved most was being with his family and friends, and enjoying the wild side!

He leaves behind his wife, Susie; children, Allison, Tracey, and Roger; brothers, Michael Velten, Big Bears, Calif., Terry (Jody) Velten, Arlington, Kan., Reginald Velten, Fair Oaks, Calif., and Kevin (Cindy) Velten, Jackson Center, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Muriel Velten, and his brother, Nickey Lee Velten.

Friends and family may sign his online guestbook and leave written condolences for the family at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.

Sept. 5, 1927–Jan. 17, 2018

Ruth Loraine Wilson passed away on Jan. 17, 2018, surrounded by family, at her home in Hood River, Ore. She was 90 years of age.

Ruth was born on Sept. 5, 1927, in Newcastle, Wyo., to Burton Arthur and Rebecca Josephine Rickenbach.  She had one sister, Alta Jean Morse. Over the years, Ruth lived in Newcastle, Golconda, Nev., Elko, Nev., Mountain Home, Idaho, and Hells Canyon, Idaho, before settling in Hood River in 1964. She attended grammar school in Newcastle, Golconda, and Elko, then graduated high school in Elko. In 1945, Ruth married Peter John Lesbo, who passed away in a plane crash in 1955. She married John Hobart Wilson in 1956. He passed away at home in 2008.

She was a dedicated housewife and mother of seven children. In 1970, she started the very first health food store in downtown Hood River. In 1980, Hobart and Ruth invested in “Alice’s Restaurant” located on the Port in Hood River. Two years later, Ruth assumed the daily general management of the restaurant. Ruth later opened a gift shop below the restaurant and was the manager of both until the businesses were sold.

Ruth was very active at home with the family ranch. She assisted with the care of various livestock, including their herd of Angus cattle. She also helped wherever needed, including driving a tractor or truck, working during the hay harvest, and preparing meals for work crews, neighbors, friends and family. Ruth was also very active as a member of the Parkdale Baptist Church for 40-plus years. She served as a member and also as part of the outreach team. Ruth was also a very devoted Sunday school teacher. Facilitating Bible studies gave her many hours of pleasure when preparing for and also teaching weekly lessons. Ruth LOVED Jesus and talked to anyone she could about her faith. In later years, this was one of her very favorite things to do.

She was a very dedicated wife and mother, an accomplishment she was very proud of. As a mother, she both loved her children and also commanded respect. She was one of the fiercest protectors when it came to her children! Ruth also traveled near and far to support her children in extra-curricular activities and sports.

Ruth is survived by her seven children: Linda Lesbo Gomez, Tonei Lesbo Whitecotton, Mike Lesbo, Pat Lesbo, Clarence Wilson, James Wilson, and Peter John Lesbo; 30 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren (with more on the way); six nephews; seven nieces; many grand-nephews and grand-nieces; friends too numerous to list; and her two dogs, Dolly and Fozzy.

The family would like to send out a special thank you to Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Hospice of the Gorge, and Dr. Anthony Gay for all of their great care, and Susan Morse Doroski (niece) and Mike Lesbo (son), who unselfishly put their lives on hold and traveled from afar to lovingly care for Ruth in her greatest hour of need.

A service is planned for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Parkdale Baptist Church (6310 Dee Hwy. # A, Mt Hood, OR 97041).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR  97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

March 25, 1955–Jan. 28, 2018

John Bumgarner, 62, of Upton, died suddenly on Jan. 28, 2018. He was born March 25, 1955, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Services will be held Feb. 10 at 1 p.m., at First United Methodist Church in Newcastle.

A full obituary will follow.

August 22, 1921-January 29, 2018

James Piana passed away at Fort Mead on January 29. Services will be held on Saturday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

A full obituary will be published in the News Letter Journal at a later date.

September 17, 1945-January 26, 2018

Marvin G. “Marv” Proctor, 72, died January 26, 2018 in Newcastle, WY.  He was born Sept. 17, 1945 in Rapid City, SD, to Robert E. and Freda M (Otterbein) Proctor, and lived with his family near Hulett, WY until starting school.

His father Robert was a highway construction foreman and superintendent, so the family moved quite often to various locations in Wyoming, western South Dakota, and Montana.  Marvin attended several schools before his graduation from Sturgis, SD High School in 1963, and later from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD in 1974.

In 1971, he married Chauncine Green; they had two children, Mark and Shannon, and later divorced.  He then married “the one” Debra A. Heinen on July 22, 1987, and gained another daughter, Jennifer.  (He always claimed he was so lazy, he married women who already had kids).

Marv had a multi-faceted employment career in sales, radio broadcasting, Nursing Assistant at Fort Meade, SD VA Hospital, WY probation and parole, truck driving, heavy equipment operator, and retired after selling a small business.  However, his last position was one he truly loved, being a part-time school bus driver for the Newcastle school system.  He was proud of all the kids, K-12, who called him “Marv” or “Papa”.  He often bored people with stories of their exploits and accomplishments.

He always liked being around people, and made friends easily.  He loved his family very much, and always considered strangers “friends he hadn’t met yet”.  He kept in touch with high-school classmates, and attended every class reunion.

Marv was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Freda; his son, Mark and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He is survived by his wife, Debb; two children, Shannon Proctor, and Jennifer (Don) Steveson; five grandchildren Reece, Jessie, Ryan, Lauren, and Alaina; five great-grandchildren and adopted daughter, Michelle Sweet and her children, Kaylee and Morgan; and sister, Mary Alice Proctor and Michael and Elizabeth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Newcastle. A Rosary will be said at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the church. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance, WY. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com

February 26, 1940 – January 25, 2018

Gary Doyle Rich was born February 26, 1940 in Bakersfield, CA the second son of Elmer and Pauline Rich. Gary passed away peacefully at his home January 25, 2018.

In March 1950, the family moved to Newcastle, WY. Along the way, while they stopped to put chains on the tires, Gary got out in the snow. When he got back in the car, he told Mother “we are all going to freeze to death!”

Gary attended school in Newcastle and graduated in 1957.

Gary worked at Craig Chevrolet for years cleaning cars before he was old enough to drive. He also worked for Neil’s Texaco in Newcastle. He attended Casper College.

In May of 1962, Gary married Joann Lampert and and moved to California. To this union Monica & Monte were born. The couple later divorced but remained friends.

Gary worked as a mechanic at the Pontiac & Toyota dealerships and later started his own business.

They moved back to Newcastle in 1984, where Gary opened Rich’s Automotive. He was well known for his talent of keeping cars running. Gary worked until 2014, at which time he retired, but was still well known for his “mechanic advice” to everyone that knew him.

Dr. Chuck Franklin tells the story about being on a mission strip in Venezuela when their bus quit on them. They couldn’t get it to run, but he has a satellite phone so he made a phone call to Gary and Gary told him what to do. They fixed the bus and were on their way.

Thankful for having shared his life are daughter Monica (Terrie), son Monte (Rhonda) all from CO, grandchildren Tylure, Jared, & Ashley, 3 brothers, Gomer (Ann) Douglas, Terry (Barrett), Dick (Bonnie), 3 sisters Marilyn, Carolyn (Jim) and Brenda (Al), sister-in-law Martha Rich all of Newcastle, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and an aunt Ruby Rich.

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, brother Ronnie, sister Glenda, aunts and uncles, cousins and nephew.

Throughout his life, he was a devoted son, brother, dad, uncle, grandpa, papa, friend and mechanic to all who knew him.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Weston County Senior Services on Saturday February 3, at 1 p.m. The family invites you to join them for refreshments following the service.

July 12, 1936-January 25, 2018

Merril (Pete) A. Tanner, 81, of Newcastle Wyoming,  passed away on January 25, 2018 at the Weston County Manor in Newcastle after a long struggle with lung disease.

Services were held at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newcastle on January 28 at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery.

Pete was born on July 12, 1936 in a box car in Kendrick, Wyoming. He attended grade school in Osage and graduated high school in Newcastle. He joined the Navy in 1954 where he traveled the seas on the U.S.S. Marian visiting many interesting ports and participated in Operation Wigwam – an Atomic Test. After discharge from the Navy he returned to Newcastle where he lived the rest of his life. In 1959 he married Rosetta Marrow and they had two children, Billie Dale and Carmel Gail. Pete and Rosetta later divorced. He married Janice in 1979 and they enjoyed 38 wonderful years together.

Pete worked at Butte Pipeline for 30 years when he retired in 1993. He and Jan enjoyed their retirement boating, camping, and just having fun. During his life he built his own home, enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, hunting, fishing and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife Janice, son Bill Tanner and daughter Carmel Brantz, step-son Danny Hill, step-daughter Sandra Marquiss, brother Russell Tanner, two sisters Jean Tanner and Bonnie Sisneros, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Pete was preceded in death by his father Willard Tanner and mother Roma Tanner and brother Jack Tanner.

A memorial will be established for Weston County Manor.

Oct. 2, 1921 – Jan. 19, 2018

With deep and heavy sadness, we report that Reo Clinton Trail, age 96, passed away peacefully with his loving son at his side on Friday, January 19, 2018. Originally from Wyoming, after living and traveling all over the world as a military officer, he had been a resident of Colorado Springs for the last 47 years.

Reo was born on October 2, 1921 to Charlie Trail and Dottie (Gordon) Trail in Upton, Wyoming. As a young child, Reo fell in love with flight, and watched every plane that flew overhead with awe and fascination. Reo volunteered during WWII, and became a Private in the U.S. Army Air Corp. In 1942, he received his Silver Wings and C-47 Aircraft Pilot Certificate, and was assigned as a 64th Troop Carrier in Europe and North Africa, dropping paratroopers and supplies behind enemy lines. Among many others, Reo flew General Eisenhower, General Patton, and General Eaker, who said he had never flown with a pilot in whom he had more confidence. Throughout his long and decorated career, Reo completed certification to fly the B-17, B-24, B-25, B-47, C-47, and C-54.

After charming her with poetry, a convertible, and his movie-star good looks, Reo married Martha Lou Bothwell in Caldwell, Kansas on September 8, 1949. She expertly assumed the challenges of being a military spouse, and was an asset to his long and successful military career.

Reo received a degree in history from the George Washington University in Washington, DC in 1951.

In 1970, Reo and his family settled in Colorado Springs, where he retired as a Colonel. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Antique Car Club.

Reo loved to fly, restore antique automobiles, and read a wide variety of books, but especially history books and Westerns. He could fix almost anything, sweet talk almost anyone, and befriend any child or animal. He was a natty dresser, wonderful story-teller, and a great dancer. He hated Chevrolets, snakes, sheep, and light beer. He loved a good joke, coffee, donuts, Chivas Regal, margaritas, Fords, and great music. But most of all, he loved his family, his friends, and the great outdoors.

He is survived by his wife; sister, Wilma Trail Japp; children: William (Elsa), Julia (Jeffrey), and Cathleen (Andy), eight grandchildren: Shawn, Kimberly, Christina, Jason, Aidan, Grace, Kellan, and Ian; and two great-grandchildren, Natalie, and Taliah.

We will miss his sense of humor, curiosity, kindness, and the twinkle in his blue eyes. The family would especially like to thank the staff at Sunrise Senior Living Center for their love and tenderness to him in his final years.

A funeral service was held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs. Inurnment was held at 1:00 p.m. on the same day at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum. A reception will be held following the ceremonies.

In lieu of flowers, please check the air pressure in your tires, give a child a donut, wink at a stranger, and love your life. He would have wanted that.

Online Condolences: ShrineOfRemembrance.com.

Feb. 13, 1956-Jan. 26, 2018

Mark P. Watson, 61, passed away January 26, 2018 at his home.

Services are pending.

March 25, 1955–Jan. 28, 2018

John Bumgarner, 62, of Upton and Anchorage, Alaska, died suddenly on Jan. 28, 2018. He was born March 25, 1955, in Anchorage.

John was raised in Alaska and graduated from Service High School in 1973. Throughout most of his adult life John worked at Noble Mechanical, an Anchorage sheet metal business owned by his parents, William and Georgina Bumgarner. After William’s retirement in 1992, John operated the business with his brother, Warren. He was a lifetime member of the Alaska Southcentral/Southeastern Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 23.

John was married to Catherine Johnson in Anchorage, and together they had one daughter, Tracy, in April 1977. After they divorced, John married Laurie (Gochanour, Ratliff) Fleming in 1981, becoming step-father to her daughter, Wendy Marie Ratliff.

He was a skilled sheet metal worker and pilot. Together, he and Laurie — with the help of dear family and friends — built a cabin in Alaska, accessible by airplane or snowmachine. It was one of his favorite places to be.

In 2010, John and Laurie bought ranch land in Upton, Wyo., where they built their dream retirement home and began learning the business of cattle ranching from their many kind neighbors and friends along Sundown Trail. They spent the next several years between Wyoming and Alaska, where John was a tremendous help to his father-in-law, Boyd Gochanour and his wife Mary Ann.

John’s family and friends said, “John was one of the most generous people you will ever meet. He would do anything at all to help his family, his neighbors and his friends, and was a devoted husband to Laurie. He also had a warm, witty sense of humor and was sure to make everyone laugh. John was always great with kids; he kept them giggling, and was a father figure to the children of family friends. He will be missed beyond words.”

Survivors include his wife, Laurie Bumgarner of Upton and Anchorage; daughters, Tracy Thompson and Wendy (Robert) Haverfield, both of Anchorage; brother, Warren (Cyndi) Bumgarner of Big Lake, Alaska; sisters, Linda (John) Schwamm of Arizona and Lori (Mark) Haynes of Anchorage; father-in-law, Boyd (Mary Ann) Gochanour of Big Lake; mother-in-law, Donna Gochanour of Newcastle; brothers-in-law, Kevin Gochanour of Newcastle, and Randall (Dou) Gochanour of Wasilla, Alaska; sister-in-law, Amy (Dan) Runestad of Custer, S.D.; aunt, Ruth (John) Swank of Oregon; uncles, Robert (Jane) Sullivan and Lyle (Kay) Sullivan, both of Californa, and Kenny Lancaster of Soldotna, Alaska; grandchildren, Kandus (Garren) Lee, Jashawa Lamb, Kaeyln Barlow, Christopher Thompson and Kara Thompson, all of Anchorage; great-grandchildren, Presley Oxholm and Keilani Lee, both of Anchorage; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William Carl and Georgina L. (Sullivan) Bumgarner; his birth parents, James and Joanie (Lancaster) Bumgarner; his half-sister, Jamee Bumgarner; uncle, Jack Bumgarner; aunts, Iris Bumgarner and Helen Fay; and grandparents, Noble and Alice Bumgarner, and George and Vera Sullivan.

Funeral Services will be held Feb. 10 at 1 p.m., at First United Methodist Church in Newcastle, with a reception at the church following. A Celebration of Life will also be held at a later date in Alaska. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s in John’s memory.

Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, S.D., was in charge of the arrangements.

July 27, 1916—February 2, 2018

LaVonne L. “Grandma Bonnie” Fried, 101, of Newcastle, Wyo., passed away Feb. 2, 2018, with  family at her side.  She was born July 27, 1916, in Devil’s Lake, N.D., the daughter of Henry and Pearl White. Bonnie was raised in Devil’s Lake where she met the love of her life, “her “Jim.” The couple was married in 1940, remaining married for 61 years until Jim’s death in 2001. Bonnie then lived on the Fried homestead at Fried, N.D., 10 miles north of Jamestown, where she and Jim had three children. After leaving the farm, Bonnie raised her family, supported Jim in his work endeavors, and later began selling women’s clothing. Bonnie and Jim and their family then lived in various cities throughout North Dakota and Minnesota before moving to Billings, Mont. While living in Billings, Bonnie worked at the Eastern Montana College Bookstore, and earned an associate’s degree in business. Before leaving Billings, Bonnie and Jim worked together at MetraPark Arena. Bonnie and Jim then moved to Sheridan, Wyo., where Bonnie returned to the retail clothing business. In later years, Jim and Bonnie moved to Newcastle, where they resided until their deaths.

Bonnie joined the Fargo, N.D., Grand Chapter of Eastern Star. While living in Fargo, Bonnie served as the Worthy Mother of Rainbow Girls, where her daughters were members. Bonnie was very proud to become an Honorary Member of Eastern Star Mecca Chapter #5 after having remained with the Fargo Chapter for 50 years. Bonnie was always proud of having graduated from Devil’s Lake High School, having attended her 50th and 70th Class Reunions. Bonnie also belonged to “Red Hats” in Newcastle, where she especially loved wearing one of her many red hats.

Bonnie enjoyed spending time with her family. She liked traveling with Jim, reading the newspaper front-to-back, loved to sew, play cards, and paint. Her favorite pastime, though, was dancing! Bonnie thoroughly enjoyed occasions which involved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and  more recently her great-great grandson.

Survivors include her son, Jim (Mary) of Helena, Mont.; daughters, Carole (William) of Billings, and Barbara Murphy (Joe) of Newcastle. Also surviving Bonnie are her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandson: Tom Murphy (Tracy) and their children, Hannah, Mallory, and Teien; Carrie Murphy, her son Kolby, daughter Madison (Sean) and their son Jeremiah; Brandy (Keith) and their children Zachary and McKenzie; and Tauna (Kiel) and their children Joshua and Caleb.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, Henry and Pearl White; her sisters, Eldora, Joe, and Nora; her brother, Vernon; nephews, Fritz, Charles, Mark and Steve; and her great-granddaughter, Chava Norah.

Funeral services were held in Newcastle at Worden’s Funeral Home, followed by burial in the Mausoleum at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Billings.

The family suggests donations to Weston County Health Services Foundation Friends, 1124 Washington Blvd., Newcastle, WY 82701.

Aug. 22, 1921—Jan. 29, 2018

James A. Piana passed away Jan. 29, 2018, at Ft. Meade Hospice Center in Sturgis, SD. Jim was born Aug. 22, 1921, at his childhood home, 421 West Main in Newcastle,  to Italian immigrants, Agostino and Irene Piana. Jim was raised in Newcastle attending public schools.  Jim was a member of the 115th Calvary, Wyoming, and because of the national mobilization of all troops for World War II, he was unable to attend his high school graduation in 1939.

While at Ft. Lewis, Wash., his commanding officers realized his exceptional leadership potential and sent him to the 2nd Officers Candidate School. Jim graduated as a second lieutenant  in Class #2, Ft Hood, Texas, in 1941, and was initially assigned as the regimental motor officer. Once in combat, Jim served many months behind enemy lines as a recon officer for units under the command of Generals Jim Gavin and George S. Patton. These units included: the 605 Tank Destroyer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, 771 Tank Battalion, and for British troops under Field Marshall Montgomery.

After VE Day, Jim was separated from active service as a captain in May of 1946, at Camp Carson, Colo., where he was being treated for wounds suffered during the war.

Upon returning home, Jim was instrumental in owning and operating many businesses in Weston County, including the Western Bar in Upton, Culligan Soft Water Service, KASL Radio, Weston County Abstract & Title, and later A-1 Agency. In 1954, Jim married Joan Martin of Hot Springs, S.D. To that union, three children were born: Paul, Jean and Patti.

Jim was involved in many civic organizations over the years. He was a long-time supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, and was council president and received the BSA’s Silver Beaver Award for exceptional character and distinguished service after being a 30-year plus member of the executive board. Jim was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Newcastle, and was the longest serving member of Knights of Columbus. He was also the longest serving member of Newcastle Lions, and a life member of the VFW and was the eldest volunteer fireman of the Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department. He was a past president of the Newcastle Area Chamber of Commerce, one of the founding members of the Newcastle Country Club and the Sunset Arena Prayer Meetings.

Jim is survived by his son, Paul (Deb) of Newcastle, and daughters Jean Piana of Riverton, Wyo., and Patti Smith (Mike) of Newcastle. Also surviving Jim are six grandchildren, Karn Piana of Santa Fe, N.M., James Piana of Golden, Colo., Carrie Farnsworth (Paul), Casey Smith, and Amanda Smith, all of Newcastle, and Lindsey Jacox (Donny) Eagle, Colo.; 10 great-grandchildren, Ashton Alarid, Caley Alarid, Canyon Farnsworth, Alexia Lopez, Ariel Lopez and Amora Villamil, and his newest great-grandchild, baby Patti Smith, all of Newcastle, and Mikey, Luke and Cody Jacox of Eagle.

He is preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents, and his brother, Paul Piana.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Newcastle, with Father Tim Martinson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the VA Ft. Meade Hospice Center.

May 17, 1934—Jan. 28, 2018

Funeral services for Kay C. Stabnow will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, at Family Life Church with Pastor Marty Crump officiating; interment to follow at Newcastle Cemetery.

Mrs. Kay C. Stabnow, formerly Mrs. Kay C. Patterson, age 83, went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 28, 2018, in Jackson, Tenn. She had been living with her daughter, Valery Freese, in Milan, Tenn., these past five years while bravely battling with dementia.

Kay was born May 17, 1934, in Red Elm, S.D., to Ole and Ella Quam. She was the oldest of three siblings, all of whom have preceded her in death. Kay married James H. Patterson in Newcastle on Aug. 4, 1951. They were married 35 years until his death in 1986. In 1989, she married again to Merle Stabnow. They were married until his death in 1997. During her years in Gillette, Kay was a valued employee of Decker’s Food Center where she was both the Bakery and Deli manager for many years. She was a dedicated and tireless worker with an incredible work ethic. She enjoyed spending her retirement years commuting between Wyoming in the summer and Arizona in the winter, where she would host many Gillette friends on her property in Quartzite. She was a loving, outgoing person, and even in retirement she could be found working in the Pie Wagon serving the other retirees her delicious pies, or waiting tables at Sweet Darlene’s. She was an avid RV traveler, snowmobiler, skier, card player, cook, baker, famous fighter of dirt, hostess to anyone who needed a bed and visitor to the shut-in. She was someone who truly never met a stranger, and never failed to invite a guest in for dinner.

Kay is survived by her two children, Kirby J. Patterson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Valery L. Freese of Milan. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren and her two step-sons, Leland Stabnow of Gillette, and Monty Stabnow of Blackhawk, S.D. In lieu of flowers it would be her wish that you simply invite someone to your home for a meal and share the love of the Lord.

Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

Feb. 13, 1956—Jan. 26, 2018

Mark Phillip Watson, 61, died Jan. 26, 2018, at his residence in Osage, Wyo. He was born Feb. 13, 1956, in Rapid City, S.D., to Phillip S. and Doris J (Marty) Watson and lived in Keystone, S.D., until his parents moved to Osage when he was 13 years old. His parents ran Watson’s Market for many years.

Mark attended grade school at Osage Kitty Moats School, then graduated from Upton High School in 1975.

In 1979, he married Tammy Sewell, and later divorced. He then married Kim Grover on Feb. 14, 1988, in Belle Fourche, S.D., and gained a son, Travis Singleton.

Right after high school he worked for the Clay Spur Bentonite Plant, then migrated to the oil field. He was employed by Exeter, Townsend Company and Updike Brothers. After those adventures he embarked on his truck driving career. He was employed by Terry Johnson Trucking for many years before going to drive for Aulick Leasing based out of Scottsbluff, Neb. He treasured all his trucking pals and the adventures they had.

His family said, “He enjoyed woodworking and being very creative, and absolutely loved to tease his brother Timmy and his chicken ranch. These two carried on forever and it was very entertaining. We will miss the banter. He was a big supporter of and groundskeeper of the Kitty Moats Complex. He helped build and take care of the structure, and one of his greatest hopes was that it would be a success, and it has been.”

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Doris Watson; his stepfather, Jack Zimmerman; his brother, Robert Watson; and his sister, LaVonne James. He is survived by his wife, Kim; one son, Travis and Deetta Singleton; five grandchildren, Brooklyn, Tanner, Jerry Lee, Tristain and Shyenne; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Steve and Shinobu Watson, Douglas and Leeann Cox-Watson, and Leslie and Vicki Zimmerman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held at Kitty Moats Complex, 551 Metz St. in Osage on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. Refreshments will follow the services.

Arrangements are under the care of Black Hills Funeral Home of Sturgis, S.D., www.blackhillsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Kitty Moats Complex. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 6, Moorcroft, WY 82721.

July 5, 1944–Jan. 24, 2018

Harvey Joe Coker was born July 5, 1944, in Belle Fourche, S.D., the third child of six, and second son to Robert and Louise Coker. Pete, as he was known by all, spent his childhood hiking, hunting, fishing and anything else he could do outdoors in Hulett, Wyo. It wasn’t uncommon for him to run the 10 miles to Devil’s Tower just to have something to do. He graduated from Hulett High School in 1962.

In 1962, Pete joined the Marine Corps, something he had dreamed of doing since he was 13. The Corps was a part of him forever, Once a Marine, always a Marine. He served until 1967 when he was honorably discharged and received the Purple Heart from his tour in Vietnam.

In 1964, Pete married Lynda Marie Ellett, the lady he was married to and devoted to his entire adult life! Together, they had three children: Michael Glen, now in Parkland, Wash., with his fiancée Sonya, Mark Alen, now in Federal Way, Wash., with his wife Melissa, and Michelle Marie (Shelli), now in Scappoose, Ore., with her husband Dennis. He had 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Pete worked for the Wyoming Highway Department for 30 years, helping build the highways we all drive on. Upon retirement, he and Lynda moved to North Central Arkansas on their 15 acres. Few days weren’t spent enjoying walks on their property. After a short rest, he went to work for Silver Dollar City in a variety of roles for six years. He loved his time doing jobs he had never done in his life and meeting people from all over the world. If you knew Pete, you had to know a setting right out of the frontier was a perfect way for him to end his working career.

Pete was a husband first and always, an amazing father and example to his kids, a Marine, and a very strong presence both in Newcastle, Wyo., and later in Yellville, Ark., where he moved after retirement. He was a baseball coach to many, a Scout leader, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and a man willing to help anyone in need.

Pete passed on Jan. 24, 2018, surrounded by his wife and children. A humble man from a humble beginning, few people that met him will ever forget him.

Services will be March 31st at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Newcastle.

July 30, 1947–Jan. 29, 2018

Lynda Marie Ellett was born July 30, 1947, in Sturgis, S.D., the youngest of two daughters to Harold and Edna Ellett. Lynda spent her childhood and beginning of her adult life in Sturgis. She was active in school, ran the hurdles and was on the debate team. She later graduated from beauty school.

In 1964, Lynda went on a blind date and met the man for whom she would spend the rest of her life. Married on New Year’s Eve 1964, rare was the time that she wasn’t with her husband, Harvey Joe “Pete” Coker. Together, they had three children: Michael Glen ,now in Parkland, Wash., with his fiancée Sonya, Mark Alen, now in Federal Way, Wash., with his wife Melissa, and Michelle Marie (Shelli), now in Scappoose, Ore., with her husband Dennis. She had 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild upon her passing.

Lynda worked for the Rapid City Journal for 24 years as the distributor for Newcastle, Wyo. Upon retirement, she and Pete moved to North Central Arkansas on their 15 acres. She went to work for Silver Dollar City in a variety of roles, working there for eight years. Working in a theme park, Lynda visited with people from all over the world. If you knew her, a job allowing her to visit and learn was a dream job for her.

Lynda was a wife first and always, a loving mother and example to her kids, a Marine wife (toughest job in the Corps), and a very strong presence both in Newcastle, and later in Yellville, Ark., where she moved after retirement.  She was a Scout leader, a softball coach, and a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Most knew Lynda for her crafts. If there was something she couldn’t do, she would learn. She made wedding and birthday cakes, cut hair, quilted, sewed, knitted, crocheted, baked, cooked, canned, made and painted ceramics, gardened, and so much more.

Lynda passed on Jan. 29, 2018, surrounded by her children. She was a loving lady, quick with a smile and always with a helping hand.

Services will be March 31st at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Newcastle.

Sept. 14, 1959–Feb. 4, 2018

Danny R. Dixon, 58, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 4, 2018, in Converse County, Wyo. He was born Sept. 14, 1959, in Newcastle, Wyo., to Max R. and Joy (Bray) Dixon.

He lived on the family ranch in Weston County. After graduating from Newcastle High School in 1977, he pursued a welding degree through Casper College. During high school, Danny was an active member of the FFA Chapter, and he continued to support the local chapter even later in life. Danny was also a member of the Quarter Horse Association.

Danny’s love for ranching was strong, and he not only worked on the family ranch, but also as a ranch hand for surrounding ranchers. He also worked in road construction, manufacturing, operated heavy equipment for Black Hawk Crane, and Peabody. His last position was hauling crude oil for Taylor Trucking Company.

Danny was a very generous person, who always thought of others before himself.  He loved family get-togethers, and having the opportunity to visit with everyone.  Danny loved playing cards, watching movies, and attending auctions. He also loved the outdoors, especially fishing. His true passion however, was working on his two ranches and also working with horses.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, Max Dixon; paternal grandparents, Clara (Wantz) Dixon and Art and Bernice Dixon; and maternal grandparents, Ileen Bray and Bert Bray.

He is survived by his mother, Joy Dixon; sister, Susie (Michael) Baty of Wasilla, Alaska; Stan (Tina) Dixon of Newcastle; Debbie Dixon of Newcastle; Randy (Mary) Dixon of Newcastle; one niece, Amity (Dixon) Davis; and seven nephews, Les Dixon, Ezra Baty, Elisha Baty, Jared Baty, Brandon Dixon, Michael Dixon, and Ryan Dixon; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life was held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 10, at the Weston County Event Center located at the Fairgrounds. Honorary pallbearers included all of his family and friends.

The family suggests memorials to the Newcastle High School FFA Chapter, 116 Casper Avenue, Newcastle, Wyo.

Dec. 22, 1948–Dec. 11, 2017

Services for Jimmy “Jim” McVay will be held Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Weston County Event Center, located at the Weston County Fairgrounds.

A full obituary ran in the Dec. 21, 2017, issue of the News Letter Journal.

Sept. 21, 1946–Feb. 10, 2018

Roswita Margot Meyer, 71, of Newcastle, Wyo., passed away Feb. 10, 2018, after her battle with cancer, at her home that she shared with her husband. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

She was born Sept. 21, 1946, in Bamberg, Germany, to Gustav and Edeltraud Stephen. At 8 months old, her mother passed away from pneumonia. She lived at Castle Schnaittach in market Schnaittach, Germany, which was a youth welfare center till she was 2 ½ years old. Then she lived with her wonderful loving foster parents, Otto and Maria Glockner, but still attended school at Castle Schnaittach where she learned to sew and cook.

In 1976 she married the love of her life, SFC. David L. Meyer from Faulkton, S.D., in Nürnberg, Germany, where they started a family. She first moved to the United States in 1979 to Colorado, then moved to Texas in 1982, then back to Germany in 1983. In 1989, they were stationed back to Colorado were they spent 19 years before moving to Wyoming where they both retired. One of her favorite phases was, “Where ever David goes, I go.”

Roswita enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. She worked as a seamstress for more than 50 years. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking. She loved spending time with her family and making quilts or knitting blankets for them. She also enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling. Roswita was a very kind and gentle soul; she had a loving and generous heart, and was always putting her family first.

Roswita leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her devoted husband of 42 years, SFC. David L. Meyer of Newcastle; her son, Andreas D. Meyer of Bremerton, Wash.; daughter, Bettina H. Meyer of Calhan, Colo.; granddaughter, Sophia E. Howling of Colorado Springs, Colo.; grandson, David J. Meyer of Bremerton, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Lisa Meyer of Bremerton, Wash.; son-in-law, Randy Anderson of Calhan; step-grandkids, Kaytelan Garrett and Jonathan Spargur of Bremerton; sister, Ursula Neuner of Germany; nieces, Renate Asimus, Edeltraud Grunwald, and Hildegard Neuner of Germany. All of these people she loved and touched deeply.

A memorial service will be held at Worden Funeral Directors, 111 S. Railway Avenue, Newcastle, on Friday, Feb. 16. Viewing will start at noon, and services will start at 1 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Weston County Senior Services Center, 627 Pine Street in Newcastle.