Roy Holland, age 90 of Spearfish, South Dakota, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Services were held Monday, April 25, 2016, at the Mount Pisgah Cemetery Chapel in Gillette, Wyoming. There will be no visitation.

Funeral arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.

Roy Davey Holland was born April 24, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Walter and Alice (Peck) Holland. Roy grew up in Boothbay Harbor, Maine and also Paul Spur, Arizona. He was homeschooled by his brother’s wife for a time and then graduated from the Thatcher School in Ojai, California. At the age of 17, Roy joined the U.S. Navy where he learned to maintain radios. He spent much of his time stationed in Texas and also on the Aleutian Islands and has shared many memories of his time in the service. Roy met the love of his life, Mary Jacqueline “Jackie” Smith, at a livestock show in Arizona. Roy was showing a bull and Jackie was watching the show with her livestock judging team. The two were married on April 18, 1949, in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Holland Family raised nationally renowned registered Hereford cattle on Rancho Sacatal in Dos Cabezas, Arizona. In 1968 Roy took the position of County 4-H Extension Agent in Cochise County. He, Jackie and their children lived at the ranch until moving to the Chino Valley, Arizona, farm in 1971. After moving to the farm, Roy became the county 4-H extension agent in Yavapai County, Arizona. In 1978 Roy and Jackie moved to Gillette where Roy worked as the Campbell County Ag Extension Agent. He retired in 1988 and following he and Jackie traveled the country volunteering at Christian Camps, Colleges, and Churches for the next 15 years. They have lived in Spearfish for the past 10 years.

Most recently Roy and Jackie have occupied a home in Spearfish. They have given time to Meals on Wheels, spent many hours with Jackie’s brother Palmer and the many family members and friends that stopped by on their way through.

Roy, Dad, Padre and Grandpa, will be remembered as a man who remained married for a remarkable 67 years, a generous sharer of his time and talents, an encourager and a profound man of God.

Roy is survived by his wife, Jackie of Spearfish; sons, David (Sandra) Holland of Moorcroft, Wyoming and Grant (Rebecca) Holland of Round Rock, Texas; daughters, Robin Lorenzen of Gillette, Lisa (Richard) Mesnard of Scottsdale, Arizona, Tracy Holland of Mesa, Arizona; 10 grandchildren: Christine, Charity, Chastity, Amity, Christian, Trinity, Sterling, Austin, Devonna and Zack; and 16 great grandchildren: Trenton, Alexia, Seth, David, Carter, Titus, Willow, Echo, Chaisie, Piers, Faith, Cherish, Rietta, Kester, Lanora, Taisley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Lee Holland; brother, Ed Holland; and sister, Virginia.

Friends may leave written condolences and view Roy’s video tribute at: www.funeralhomeofthenorthernhills.com

Celebration of Life for John Whalen, Sr. who passed away on March 22, 2016, will be held at 3 p.m. on May 6, 2016, at Farrall Hall in Aladdin, Wyoming. Take Cook Lake turnoff on Highway 111.

Gary Lee Eschedor, 76 of Sundance, Wyoming, passed away on Saturday April 23, 2016, at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center at Ft. Meade, South Dakota.

Gary was born on October 9, 1939 in Toledo, Ohio, to Charlotte Eschedor Kallquest and step-son of Albert Kallquest, Sr. He served in the USAF from 1957-1962. He retired from Greif Brothers Corporation in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Rapid Stop Conoco in Sundance.

Gary enjoyed hunting, reclaiming old cars, studying military history especially, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI and WWII. He was also an avid gardener and loved to play pinochle and cribbage.

Gary is survived by his wife, Janice Eschedor; children, David Eschedor, Kristine Eschedor, Joel (Toni) Eschedor and Schauntell Green; grandchildren, Tanayah Clark, Xavier Eschedor, Abigail Eschedor, William Green, Theodore Green and Mollybeth Green; siblings, Mary Ann Rippeth and Robert Kallquest. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Albert Kallquest, Jr and Rita Kallquest.

Visitation will be from 12-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel in Sundance with a prayer service following at 7 p.m. with a private family burial to take place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.

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

Thomas Milton Waugh was born February 14, 1948, in the Old West town of Deadwood, South Dakota, to Louis and Clarice Waugh. From an early age he was enamored by the West and its history. More than 30 years ago he began painting. He had no formal education in the arts, but a lifetime of experience as an Indian Trader. He had many adventurous careers: a lawman, saloon owner, outlaw, railroader, sheep rancher, art collector, historian and writer. One of his political cartoons was discussed in the New York Times. His artwork was featured in galleries all across the West from New Mexico to Montana.

Tom was a wonderful father and husband, a beloved character and friend. For nine years he was married to a member of the Oglala Sioux tribe, Linda “Squeak” Herman. From this union two children were born: Michael and Brenda. After they divorced, Tom met Twylia Thomas who became his wife of 38 years. Around this time the family moved to a cabin constructed by Tom, Ron and Louis Waugh (with a little help from everyone) near Hulett, Wyoming. At the homestead in Wyoming, two children blessed this union: Jeremiah and Sunny. This became Tom’s permanent home to plan and have many adventures. He raised his family and lived his life in that little cabin in the woods. After the children had been raised, Tom and Twylia lived true artists’ lives. They traveled and Tom painted year round; feast and famine, living by their wits and answering to no one. He lived his life on his terms and made everyone he chose to share it with feel lucky.

Tom Waugh moved on to his next adventures on April 24, 2016, at his beloved log cabin. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Waugh and his brother Ron Waugh. Tom is survived by his mother Clarice Waugh, wife Twylia, children Mike (Barbara) Waugh, Brenda (Jim) Reimer, Jeremiah (Keagin) Waugh and Sunny (James) MacFadden; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild with two more great grandchildren soon to arrive. He also has one brother, Bill (Peggy) Waugh of Rapid City, South Dakota; numerous nieces and nephews and many members of extended family.

Inurnment will take place at the family cemetery on Strawberry Hill Road at a later time.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance.

John was born in Evergreen, Colorado, to John Ellis Betts, Sr. and Linnea Othelia (Berggen) Betts on July 5, 1939. He was the second child of four. His parents owned and operated a pharmacy/grocery store in Evergreen before moving to Denver in the 1940s. John was active in ROTC at East High School in Denver, Colorado. and upon graduating joined the Army. He was stationed in Germany where an automobile accident left him with one arm. In John’s early years, he was active in the Masonic orders. He was a DeMolay as a young man. He is Past Master of Masonic Lodge #6 (1970) and was also a member of El Jebel Shriners, Eastern Star and Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar.

John started his career at the Colorado Department of Transportation in the Engineering Department during the construction of the Eisenhower Tunnel. After leaving CDOT, he started his own surveying company, JB Engineering & Surveying, and also sold real estate before he began his travels. Country roads brought him to Spearfish, South Dakota, in early 1984 where he met and later married the love of his life, Char. They were married in 1992 in an outdoor wedding at Sand Creek, Wyoming. John helped Char doing the computer at the Spearfish Senior Center where Char was the director. In 1996, they bought and developed the Whispering Pines subdivision in Pine Haven, Wyoming. John also designed and built their home while being the building inspector during construction. John held many jobs on committees before Alzheimer’s took its toll. John helped start the Pine Haven Fire Auxiliary, Keyhole Fishing Association, Kids Fishing Derby and Devils Tower Flock Wild Turkey Federation. John was on the Pine Haven Town Council, Chamber Board of Directors, and Fire Department. John was a life-time DAV member and helped start the Spearfish Chapter in 1988.

John taught himself to do websites and developed several impressive websites, including Lead High School Class of 1962 for his wife. His talent included pamphlets for the town, beautiful posters and calendars including the devastating fires of 2001. John loved photography, which brought him to the Black Hills. He had award winning pictures through the years, especially the wildlife in Pine Haven.

John was a gentle loving man always willing to help where he could. John did more with one arm than most of us do with two. His passing is definitely our loss but the Lord’s gain and will truly be missed. John loved the USA and was a true patriot.

John Ellis Betts, Jr., 76, Pine Haven passed away at the Sturgis VA Hospital on April 8, 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Char (Lakson Dower) Betts, Pine Haven; sisters, Joan Lamson, Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina and twins Joyce Weyers and Jeanette (Warren) Neudorff, Colorado; daughter, Christine Betts, Denver; son, Matthew (Petra) Budde, Lusby, Maryland; son-in-law, Bob Hudson; stepchildren, Cherie (Brian) McGrath, Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Doug (Kris) Dower, Spearfish, South Dakota, Cindee (Darrell) Wisnoski, Pine Haven; grandchildren, Robert, Brooke and Jakoby Hudson, Thorton, Colorado, Anne Marie and Joseph Budde, Lusby, Carissa (Gene) Cuesta, Belle Fourche, Cassie (Reuben) Estrada, Belle Fourche, JT McGrath, Anza, California, David and Derick Dower, Spearfish and Brooke and Emilee Wisnoski, Pine Haven; great-grandchildren, Ethan Estrada, Belle Fourche and Zylah Cuesta, Belle Fourche; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Betts Sr. and Linnea (Berggren) Betts; his daughter, Elizabeth Lynn Betts Hudson; and stepson, David Dower.

Memorial services were Friday, April 15, 2016, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Inurnment followed at the Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Disabled American Veterans or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.

Ross Frederick “Fred” Case passed away on April, 27, 2016, at the age of 81. He was born on July 2, 1934, to Ross Mitchell Case and Velma Ernest Case in Sundance, Wyoming. Fred married Doris Dirks on June 21, 1953. He worked for the Sundance Times Newspaper, then the Belle Fourche Bee Newspaper when he and Doris resided in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. The couple, with their two children Gilda Ann and Charlie, moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, in 1963. Fred went to work for the Mills Printing Company, and later Ed’s Printing. Fred and Doris bought Ed’s Printing which then became the Sheridan Printing Company. Fred was an avid fisherman and had several close fishing buddies throughout the years. He was a past president and a more than 50 year member of Masonic Lodge #43, a life member and past director of the Kalif Shrine, a member of the York Rite, the Red Cross Constantine Saint Deny Conclave, the Elk’s Lodge #520, and the First United Methodist Church.

Fred is survived by his wife, Doris; sister, Covenne Tridle of Dallas, Texas; two children, Gilda (Dan) Clancy, Charles (Irene) Case; four grandchildren, Ryk (Cece) Norskog, Jackie (Jeremy) Hudoba, Charles Case, Jr. and Chandler Case; and four great-grandchildren, Leif Norskog, Ross Norskog, Dalton Hudoba and Holly Hudoba. Fred was preceded in death by his father, mother and two sisters, Creeta and Fontella.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to the Kalif Shrine Children’s Travel Fund, P.O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016, 1 p.m. at the Kalif Shrine, 145 West Loucks, Sheridan, Wyoming. Graveside services will be Saturday, June 25, 2016, 1 p.m. at the Alva Cemetery, Alva, Wyoming.

Benjamin R Jones, 92 of Spearfish, South Dakota, passed away very peacefully on December 28, 2015, with his wife and daughter, Judy at his side.

Ben was born on April 6, 1923, to George C. Jones and Ella Mae Jones at Rocky Point, Wyoming. He attended country school at Rocky Point, until they moved to Gillette, Wyoming and he attended high school there. During high school he worked at JC Penny’s and odd jobs around town.

He was inducted into the Army on February 18, 1943. He attended refrigeration school in Bloomington, Illinois and later attended welding school at Crook, Nebraska. He was shipped overseas to Oran, Africa and then to Italy with the 785 Engineer Petroleum Company. At the end of the European War he was sent to the Pacific Theater at Marshall Islands and the Philippines Islands. He was discharged on January 7, 1946, at Ft. Logan, Colorado. He returned to Gillette and later opened his own business at Upton. He operated Jones Electric and Plumbing for 60 years.

He met Lois Evelyn Gray and married on December 22, 1946. They had four children, Judy Marie, Joy Lorraine, Tammie Kay and Russell Jay. He is survived by all of them except Russell who passed away from a car accident on January 22, 1980, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, many relatives and lots of friends. He is also preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers.

In 1948 a VFW Club was organized and he was a charter member. In 1949, he joined the Fire Department and was Fire Chief in 1972, and was also a registered EMT for Upton. In 1983, he was named “Man of the Year” and was a public judge for several years.

Lois and Ben spent 20 years of winters in Mesa, Arizona. He sold Jones Electric & Pluming in 2006 and they moved to Spearfish to retire. Ben spearheaded the VFW Monument at Upton and the Spearfish Veterans Monument. He was a active member of the Honor Guard, American Legion, Rapid City Elks, Senior Citizens and the Methodist Church in Upton, Wyoming.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Upton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established to benefit the Spearfish Veterans Monument and the Upton Ambulance Fund.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com

Benjamin Lewis Symonds, 67, Hulett, Wyoming, died Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Crook County Medical Hospital, Sundance, Wyoming, following a brave battle with leukemia.

Ben was born September 9, 1948, at Sturgis, South Dakota, to Marvin “Bud” and Ilene (Knutson) Symonds. He attended school at Newell, South Dakota. Ben worked for many ranchers and farmers and worked on construction of the water tower east of Newell. In the ’70s, he went to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where he bought two trucks and hauled mud for the oil fields. In the ’80s, when the oil fields slowed down, Ben returned to work on ranches in South Dakota. In 1984, Ben went to work at Johnson Sawmill in Hulett until he was laid off in 1985. In 1986, he worked for ten months as police officer of Hulett.

In 1985, Ben met and married Susan (Suzie) Cheshier. To this union was born Walter Marvin, Kyle Lewis and Shelly Ilene. He also raised Suzie’s son, Troy James, as his own.

Ben worked at Hulett Post & Pole and Bearlodge Sawmill from 1987 through 1994, when he was electrocuted and was off work for four years. He then returned to work at Bearlodge until 2007 when he went to work at Devils Tower Forrest Products and remained there until May of 2015 when he was diagnosed with leukemia and had to stop working.

Ben is survived by his wife Suzie; sons, Troy (girlfriend Jill Sherrard), Sundance, Walter (girlfriend Bobbie Kidder), Kyle and daughter, Shelly (Roger) Rathbun all of Hulett; grandchildren, Hailee Rain, Tegan James, Dixy Rae and Rowdy Lee Benjamin; mother, Ilene Symonds, Newell; two sisters, Nancy Tennis, Newell and Dawn Symonds, Belle Fourche, South Dakota; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Marvin, uncle, Marvin Knutson and Pete Tokely, Jr.

Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at the Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel, Spearfish, South Dakota. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 2016, at the Greater Hulett Community Center, Hulett, followed by burial at Pine Slope Cemetery, Belle Fourche. A memorial has been established.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Services, Spearfish.

Larry Slavin, 68, of Sundance, Wyoming, passed away at his residence on May 14, 2016. Larry was born April 11, 1948, to Charles and Elsie (Rogers) Slavin in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He joined the United States Marines and proudly served his country from 1967-1971 during the Vietnam War. Larry attained the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged. Larry started coming to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the 1970s, returning several times throughout the years. He fell in love with the Black Hills and dreamed about retiring here. In 2002, his dream came true and he moved to Sundance. Now he will spend eternity in the beautiful Black Hills he loved so well. Larry had a passion for watching NASCAR races. He was an avid gun collector and strong supporter of the Second Amendment. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. Larry also enjoyed his collection of cars, pickups and modified roadster style vehicles. He occupied his free time working on and restoring old vehicles. Larry was able to share his dream of retiring in the Black Hills with his life-partner Diane. He will be greatly missed in many ways. Larry is survived by his mother Elsie and her husband Rod of Anoka, Minnesota; life-partner Diane and many beloved friends and relatives on both his father and mothers side. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles. Graveside services will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota, on May 20, 2016, at 12:30 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.

Raymond Alf Shepherd, 85, passed away May 13, 2016, after a 29-year battle with cancer at his home a few yards from the family home where he and his twin brother, Roy, were born January 23, 1931, to Alf and Piney (Pollock) Shepherd near Oshoto, Wyoming.

He attended the Pollock school through the eighth grade. He said all the rest of his education he got from the school of hard knocks.

Along with their older brother, Mike, Raymond and Roy trapped skunks and muskrats in the winter to make a little money. Before school, two boys walked the trap line while the third one took his turn milking the cow. After that, they walked to school.

The summer Raymond was 13, he went to Colony, Wyoming, to work for his future brother-in-law, Bob Tope. He received a dollar a day to wrangle horses, drive the rake team or do other jobs as needed. He was able to earn enough to buy his school clothes that fall.

Alf Shepherd was one of the best blade sheep shearers in the area and taught all the boys to shear and how to keep their shears sharp. They received twenty cents for each sheep. Many years later the price went up to forty cents per sheep.

Raymond worked on several ranches after he finished school until Alf died in 1952. At that time, he came back home to help Piney on the ranch. He also did extra jobs to help the income. He carried the Lone Pine mail route to Duck Creek two days a week (28 miles with 28 gates). At times in the winter, he went as far as possible with a jeep. The next day he hauled his horse to the other end of the road and rode in with the mail. Mail carriers hauled a lot of packages and groceries in and hauled eggs and five and ten gallons of cream out.

Raymond worked on the county roads checking gravel, worked as a carpenter’s helper, sheared sheep and worked on I-90 near Moorcroft, Wyoming. He also pumped oil wells for 38 years.

Raymond broke a lot of saddle horses and work teams. He used horses after most people used tractors.

Raymond voted for Eisenhower his first election and never missed voting his entire life. When he gave his word, it was as good as a contract.

On June 3, 1955, he married Jeanne Donaldson. They added to the ranch, working side by side most of the time for sixty-one years. In August, 1983, they adopted their daughter, Michel. She became her dad’s fishing and hunting partner.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Jeanne; daughter Michel (Malachi) Ormsby; sister, Mildred Tope; nephews, Robert and Jay Tope and John Shepherd plus many more nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Fred, Mike and Roy and nephew, Larry Tope.

Memorials can be made to the Moore Hill Cemetery or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the Greater Hulett Community Center in Hulett. Burial with take place at Moore Hill Cemetery with a luncheon following the burial at the Community Center.

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

Edward Lee Murdock went to be with his Lord and Savior April 15, 2016, at the age of 82 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Edward was born in Los Angeles County, California, on June 5, 1933. He graduated from Perris Union High School in Perris, California, in 1951 and joined the Air Force in 1952 where he flew on 50 bomber missions over North Korea. He received the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Edward attended Arizona State University where he met his wife, Ellen, on a blind date arranged by his landlady and Ellen’s mother.

Edward received his BA at Chapman College in Orange, California, and his MA in Special Education from Northern Arizona University. He used his degree in teaching special education students at Bagdad, Arizona, in both the elementary and the high school. He was also Director of Special Education for the Bagdad School District.

His musical talents have been blessing others since he was a young boy, playing the clarinet, oboe, and tenor saxophone during his school years. His saxophone and “crooning” voice in dance band caused many a young girl to “swoon”. Edward was a member of many choirs throughout the years. He performed as the tenor soloist in music productions including “The Messiah”, “The Gypsy Baron” and “South Pacific”. He found great joy in music and loved sharing his talents with others.

Edward is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ellen; son Lyle (Shellee) Murdock; daughter Laura (Dion) Kelly; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers George and Ralph Murdock and parents Ralph Murdock and Ethel Drake.

Graveside services will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, SD.

Kathryn (Katie) Kudlock, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, age 73 departed this earth for her heavenly journey on April 28, 2016. Katie died at her home surrounded by her family following a short but serious battle with lung cancer. A memorial service will be hosted by her family on Saturday May 28, 2016, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Weston County Senior Center in Newcastle, Wyoming, with a luncheon to follow. Please bring your special memories to share as a time will be provided to “roast” Katie.
A full obituary will be printed next week.

Annalise Latimer passed away on May 22, 2016, at the Crook County Memorial Hospital in Sundance, Wyoming.

Annalise was born on September 21, 1924, at Steinheim, Westfalen, Germany, the daughter of Heinrich and Anna (Beineke) Faber. Annalise was a self-declared tomboy during her youth, playing soccer, climbing trees, fishing, seeking out adventures and keeping up with the boys in general. Her mother often despaired because she had rough and scuffed shoes, along with rough and scuffed hands and knees, and sought those adventures while wearing a dress – no pants back then.

She completed high school at the age of 14 and went on to four years of trade school and an apprenticeship. She was drafted into the Air Force at the age of 18. These years of her life were very difficult. During this time of World War II, food was very scarce. Supper – many times the only meal of the day – was often one boiled potato. She endured raids and survived her home being bombed and completely destroyed by air strikes.

In 1952, this tomboy turned natural-beauty caught the eye of a handsome young American soldier. He would visit her at the Post Exchange where she worked in Wiesbaden, buying a comb here, a pair of shoelaces there, or a tiny tube of toothpaste, until he finally got the nerve to ask her out. They connected instantly and deeply and were engaged two weeks after their first date. Annalise said she KNEW he was the one! She married Jack Latimer on October 8, 1955 (his anniversary, Jack used to joke – it was the legal, civil service) in Wiesbaden, Germany and again on December 25, 1955, for their church wedding (her anniversary, he would also joke) at Steinheim, Germany. This true love, marriage, friendship and partnership was a once-in-a-lifetime. They celebrated 60 years of marriage this past October.

Shortly after their wedding, they moved stateside to the Washington, D.C., area. They would make several more moves to various Army posts and also went back to Germany two more times during the course of their military lives. In 1969 they settled in Lawton, Oklahoma, when Jack retired from the Army. Annalise, who had chosen to be a stay-at-home-mom and wife, ventured out “for just a little while” and started working at the Haggar Slack Company in Lawton in 1971. She retired as a line supervisor from Haggar’s in 1987, when she and Jack finalized plans to move to Sundance. They made this move in December 1987.

She loved spending time with her family, especially her two grandchildren. They were a huge part of the reason for the move to Wyoming! She was an avid gardener, canning and freezing many tasty treats, which she lovingly shared with family and friends. It was always exciting when she gave you a gift of some of her homemade jams and jellies! Her baked treats were fabulous, too. Most of them were traditional German cakes and cookies, and were rich and decadent. Omi (German for Grandma), as her grandchildren and many others called her, helped instill so many family traditions, especially those around the Christmas and Easter holidays. Many hours were spent drinking coffee, sharing meals, good conversation and laughs at their dining room table.

Omi delighted in taking care of her “son” Kenny, with some of that coffee and goodies! She loved it when he would come see them and sit and visit. They would so enjoy teasing each other – smiles from ear to ear and eyes just twinkling on both of their faces. Omi would frequently tell others that she could not have asked for a better son-in-law and that he was the son they never had.

Annalise was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Moorcroft, Wyoming. She truly enjoyed and cherished those friendships.

Blessed to have shared in her life, Omi is survived by her daughter, Denise (Kenny) Rathbun; grandchildren, Elaina Marie (Jason) Mathiesen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Chesney Paul Rathbun of Idaho Falls, Idaho and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Latimer; her parents; two infant daughters; three sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 26, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel in Sundance. Burial will take place at the Miller Creek Cemetery following the service. A memorial has been established to benefit the Crook County Senior Services.

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

Kathryn (Katie) Kudlock, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, age 73 departed this earth for her heavenly journey on April 28, 2016. Katie died at her home surrounded by her family following a short but serious battle with lung cancer. A memorial service will be hosted by her family on Saturday May 28, 2016, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Weston County Senior Center in Newcastle, Wyoming, with a luncheon to follow. Please bring your special memories to share as a time will be provided to “roast” Katie.

Katie was born in 1943 during WWII, in Spearfish, South Dakota, to Henry and Amie Rice Cundy. Her maternal and paternal grandparents were early settlers in the area in the 1880s. Katie was the ninth child and third daughter born to Henry and Amie. At the time of her birth, she joined two sisters and six brothers, with five of the brothers born consecutively before her arrival. She was later joined by another sister and three more brothers for a family total of 13 children.

Katie’s family moved to the Sundance, Wyoming, area in the early summer of 1949. She started school there that fall and graduated 12 years later in 1961. She was an excellent student who enjoyed leaning and was a caring, fun friend to all. Katie was an active leader and participant in schools activities and received many awards, especially in Speech. She participated in debate, and extemporaneous speaking and “Student Congress”. She was especially proud of her “Outstanding Congress Woman” award, she won in a regional tournament. They always had excellent competition from larger schools. Katie always contributed her success to being an avid reader and her values she learned growing up in a large family. Laughingly, she would say “Growing up with 8 brothers, one learns early to speak up, negotiate, accept different personalities, share, care, support others, work together and be industrious.

In August 1959, Katie and some girl friends were attending a Saturday night dance in Upton at the Evergreen Dance Hall when she met the fellow who became her lifetime soul mate. She wed Phillip Kudlock, a farm-ranch raised young man from Four Corners, Wyoming, on May 20, 1961g in Sundance. The young couple was blessed with the birth of a son Dale, daughters Judy and Teresa between 1962 and 1967. The family farmed and ranched in the Four Corners area of Weston County where Katie learned some new skills, for example milking the milk cow, operating farm equipment, cattle handling, feeding and calving and surviving Wyoming winters.

In the summer of 1970, Katie started college at Black Hills State University graduating with a Bachelors Degree in secondary education in August 1973. Katie’s career as a teacher began first substitute teaching, then part time as an English Teacher. In the fall of 1975 she became the Newcastle High School librarian where she touched the lives of many students. She was very proud of her accomplishments. She brought technology to School District #1 by computerizing all of the libraries and introducing internet usage into the school district. In 1997 after 23 years of services she retired.

She was not to be done helping others; as she reentered the workforce in 1999 working for the State of Wyoming Department of Work for Services as an employment specialist. Katie received a Customer Service Award from the agency for going “Above and Beyond” helping people find work and training. She was instrumental in getting job training,” finding the money” for people to learn new job skills that would forever enrich their lives. She retired from this position in 2009, ending a span of 50 plus years of service work to benefit others.

Katie’s family values continued to be very important as she continued to care for others. She spent time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, gardening, building flower beds and bird houses. She was always a loving wife caring for Phil, “entering into his world” of Alzheimer and educating others about the disease. She would say “I am the luckiest woman in the world to be married to such a wonderful caring man.”

Katie is survived by husband Phil, of a almost 55 years; three children, son Dale (Andrea) Kudlock of Cheyenne, Wyoming, daughter Judy (Bob) Martens of Newcastle, daughter Teresa (Kenny) Fordyce of Moorcroft, Wyoming; grandchildren, Christia (Martens) Ault, Eric (Kassandra) Martens, Heather (Luke) Martens, Brittany Martens(Eric) Lee, Clay (Lisa) Fordyce, Randi Fordyce, Riley Fordyce (Nick) Edelman, Aubrey Kudlock (Jared) Frazier, Devon Kudlock (A.J.) Baldwin, Logan Blake, Courtney Blake; great grandchildren, Marcus, Cameron, Amarah, Analah, Elizabeth, Juliona, Charlotte, Callum, Teddy, Tyrin, Kamyden, Adley, Jaydyn, Grayson. Katie is also survived by four Cundy brothers, Walter (Betty), Leslie, Art (Alice) and Henry and one sister Marilyn; 14 nephews; 13 nieces and two long-time friends, Linda and Kenny Bunner and their daughter Michelle Palmer of Casper, Wyoming.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Cundy in 1973, Amie 2009 at the age of 102; brothers, Harold and wife Margie, Bob, Lyle, Cecil and Warren; sisters, Ellen Roadifer, Patricia Hill and sister-in-law Donna Cundy.

Katie was always learning and teaching. She understood how an early learning experience could positively set a child up for success in all future learning. We honor Katie’s wishes for her memorial funds to be given to Weston County Children’s Center to provide scholarships for families who cannot afford to send their young children to preschool. An account has been set up at Pinnacle Bank with all proceeds to go for preschool tuition. Wouldn’t it be great if we could send at least two children to preschool for a year? This would mean we would need to raise $2400.

Christena Sue (Lowndes) Canfield, 60, passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side, at Rapid City Regional Hospital on June 11, 2016. Christe was born August 8, 1955 in Greeley, Colorado, to Richard Melvin Miller and Vivian Edna Burgess. In 1960 Edward Moyses Lowndes came in to Christe’s life as her new father, when he married her mother Vivian.

Christe grew up in the Meadow Acres outside of Casper where during her childhood she was in 4-H and rodeo. She won her fair share of money in barrels, poles, breakaway roping and goat tying. Christe attended Dean Morgan Junior High and graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1973.

On December 6, 1980, Christe married Gary Canfield, in Casper, Wyoming. To this marriage Gary and Christe had three children, Lacey, Trapper and Jake. Gary and Christe lived in Sundance, Wyoming, on the family ranch where she loved her yard, large garden and animals. Christe worked at Tri-County Electric for many years.

Christe followed her dreams, and in her mothers foot steps, by graduating with her Associates Degree in Nursing from Casper College in 1991. After graduation Christe began her nursing career in Obstetrics assisting in delivery of babies, across the nation. She worked as a travel nurse for most of her career, traveling from California to Minnesota, before becoming ill. She had a special love for those expecting moms and newborns.

Christe is survived by her three children, daughter, Lacey (Dan) Johnson of Buffalo Wyoming, son Trapper Canfield of Upton, Wyoming and son Jake Canfield of Sundance; sister, Cindy Lara of Casper; brothers, Rick (Mary) Lowndes of Casper, Edward Lowndes II of Casper and David Lowndes of Casper and sister Darlene (Joe) Baker of Rock Springs, Wyoming; the light of her life her eight grandkids, Cage, Rebecca, Hadley, Skyler, Raile, Bridger, Micah and Kaianne; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian and Edward Lowndes and Richard Melvin Miller.

Christe was known by everyone as the person that did for others before herself and as the “peace keeper”. She had friends all over that loved her dearly. Three very special friends that will never forget her and her smile; Judy Morrison, Ada Vondra and Melissa Batters. She will be missed every day by so many.

Services will be held at Bustards Funeral Home in Casper on Friday, June 17, 2016, at 2: p.m. with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. the same day.

From June 10, 1940 to June 7, 2016 William “Bill” M. Kraft lived simply, worked hard, laughed often, found his greatest blessings through his family, his greatest satisfaction in providing for his family, and his greatest joy in a harmless prank (given or received). Bill lived two days shy of 76 years and he wouldn’t have traded a single minute of life in a small community surrounded by friends and family for any amount of earthly riches or fame.

How you referred to Bill may tell a bit about your relationship with him, and if you knew Bill for any period of time, he most likely had a nickname for you. If you knew Bill well, you very well could have been the recipient of one of his pranks.

Born in Peirce County, North Dakota in the family farm home, Bill was the thirteenth baby born to William and Magdalena (Fettig) Kraft. Two baby girls would follow Bill’s birth leaving him the youngest of seven boys and a brother to eight sisters. If your connection to Bill has North Dakota roots, you most likely called him Billy or Uncle Billy.

In 1961, Bill joined two of his brothers who were working in construction in northeastern Wyoming. While working on a road crew helping build I-90, Bill met Dianna Hagerman. On March 3, 1962 Bill and Dianna were married at the Catholic church in Upton, Wyoming.

Bill and Dianna’s first years of marriage were spent making homes where ever Bill’s employment took them; Upton, Hauber Mine, Newcastle, Moorcroft, and Gillette. In 1976, Bill and Dianna moved back to Moorcroft to raise their family on five acres at Buckmiller Addition. A home on open space and land to tend to made Bill happy. Then in 1987 Bill and Dianna sold their place and purchased a house in town where Bill enjoyed spending time fixing up the home and maintaining the large corner lot.

With four children attending Moorcroft schools and as the spouse of a Moorcroft school employee, Bill spent a great deal of time at school events and making connections with adults and kids in that environment. If your connection to Bill was through the school or his kids, you may have called him Mr. Kraft, Dianna’s husband, Shellie, Lisa, Mike, or Mandy’s dad.

An official retirement in 2000 from Amax as shovel operator/pit oiler at the Belle Ayre mine did not keep Bill from returning to the coal mines. In his post-retirement Bill worked for Nelson Brothers Blasting and FlowTech Fueling, two jobs that gave him the opportunity to once again enjoy the camaraderie of co-workers in the mining industry. If your connection to Bill has oil rig or coal mine roots, you may have come to know him as Krafty.

Bill’s post-retirement history also included working for both the city of Moorcroft and the city of Gillette. As a city employee he was able to continue working outside and help keep the community he cared for looking good, something he worked hard at and took pride in.

An idle life had no appeal to Bill, so when the time came for a truer retirement, he increased the time he spent caring for his yard and tending to family acreage north of Upton. Being at the property with his wife Dianna, his family, his friends, or alone brought hours of enjoyment. Daily activities like four-wheeling, fence repairing, equipment maintaining, haying, and wild-life watching kept Bill busy and happy. Bill also enjoyed helping others, visiting over a cup of coffee around the family dining room table, being a stage hand for the Upton Community Hand Bell Choir, Sunday services at the Gillette Christian Center, and celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions at the Buffalo Jump in Beulah with Dick and Judy Ludemann.

Although completely content being at home, Bill was always excited to travel to new cities and states to spend time with family. Over the years Bill and Dianna made trips to Arizona, Wisconsin, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, North Dakota, and Colorado. In 2014 a grandchild’s college graduation took them overseas to Scotland. Throughout the past several months two major events that Bill enjoyed talking about were his first ever sky-diving experience and the upcoming birth of a namesake grandbaby.

After a long stay in the hospital due to complications from a surgery on May 3, 2016, Bill’s request to return home was granted on May 26th. For almost two weeks Bill’s days at home were filled with visits from family and friends. An abundance of love, laughter, and blessings filled the Kraft home where memories were shared, stories were told, good-byes were exchanged, and then on Tuesday morning, June 7, 2016 Bill went peacefully to be with his Savior.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dianna (Hagerman); daughter, Michelle “Shellie” Christian, her husband Brent, their daughters, Brittany Christian and Ashlynn Koivisto and her husband Karrson; Bill’s son, Michael Kraft, his wife Susy and their son Drew; Bill’s daughter, Amanda “Mandy” Dukovan, her husband, Nick and their soon to be born baby, Brock William Dukovan. In 2009, Bill and Dianna’s daughter, Lisa Marie Kraft passed away.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Magdalena (Fettig) Kraft; siblings, Helen Kraft, Edmund Kraft, Pete Kraft, Agnes Fossen, Teresa Weltz, Leo Kraft, Eva Goldade, and Albert Kraft. Bill’s surviving siblings and their spouses include, Walter and Eunice Kraft, Leonard and Regina Kraft, Maggie and Archie Huber, Bernice and Albert Kelly, and sisters, Rose Krenzel and Betty Selzler.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Bill’s name to either; Campbell County Health Hospice at PO Box 3011 Gillette, WY 82717; or The Upton Bell Choir C/O J. Ludemann PO Box 286 Upton, WY 82730; or Woman’s Resource Center of Northeast Wyoming on line http://wypregnancyhelp.com.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com

Nels L. “Bud” Simpson, 89, passed away at the Crook County Long Term Care Facility in Sundance, Wyoming, June 23, 2016. He was born on August 1, 1926, to Nels “Lesley” and Mary (Toth) Simpson on the family ranch near Four Corners, Wyoming.

Bud was drafted into the Army during his senior year in high school, and was assigned to various bases in Kansas and Oklahoma. There he spent time breaking horses and mules for the cavalry, which was still in use at that time. Bud later served in the Philippines and Japan.

On March 15, 1963, Bud married Sandra Viergutz and two children, Astrid and Hans, were born to this union.

Bud was a third generation farmer and rancher on the “home place.” He loved the land, his livestock and pets. He was able to enjoy the country life until he was 85, at which time he relocated to the nursing home in Sundance.

Bud was preceded in death by an infant brother, his parents, wife and sister, Anna Peterson. He is survived by his children, Astrid (Chris) Teter and Hans (Tina) Simpson; grandchildren, Signe and Justice; nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and one aunt, Elizabeth Cummings of Newcastle, Wyoming.

In keeping with Bud’s wishes, there will be no services. Cremation has taken place.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.

Russell Allen Burns of Aladdin, Wyoming, passed away at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on June 20, 2016. He was born on January 29, 1958 in Tacoma, Washington.

He worked as a computer engineer for Cisco Systems in Michigan before moving to Wyoming, where he loved working with horses.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter, Cassandra (Adam) Hermanson of Warren, Minnesota; mother, Barbara Burns of South Lyon, Michigan; one sister, two brothers, five nieces and five nephews.

Jeremiah “Jeremy” Douglas Bush was born on Jan. 31, 1975, in Casper, Wyoming, to Jerry and Linda Bush. He died of accidental drowning while swimming at Alcova Lake on June 19, 2016.

Jeremiah attended Manor Heights Elementary and Centennial Junior High in Casper. He graduated from Sundance High School in Sundance, Wyoming, in 1993. He attended the South Dakota School of Mines for one year and Casper College where he earned an AS degree in Drafting. He worked as a concrete tester in Denver for a time, then attended CSU in Fort Collins,

Colorado, earning a BS degree in Computer Science.

Jeremiah’s profession was working as a land surveyor. He worked for Worthington Lenhart of Casper, Rio Tinto Mine near Gillette, Wyoming and Land Surveyors Inc. of Gillette. At the time of his death he was employed by Alsco as a maintenance man.

Jeremy’s hobbies included gardening, fishing, boating and kayaking. A special interest of his was adopting and rehabilitating homeless kitties.

He is survived by his parents Jerry and Linda (Shelsta) Bush of Beulah, Wyoming and two sisters, Allison Bush-Forsberg (Garrett) of Beulah and Erin Bush (Robert Janis) of Laramie, Wyoming. He had two nieces, Raena Bush and Wren Bush Janis and one nephew Mason Winberg. He leaves behind several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. He is also survived by his two cats, Mr. Little and Cat Girl, who have been adopted into a new home.

Jeremiah was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Alberta Bush of Hulett, Wyoming and Ray and Jean Shelsta of Casper.

A Memorial Service will be held July 9 at 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow at the Pergola at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. There will be a Celebration of Life on July 16 at 4 p.m. at the Red Corrals on Sand Creek, Beulah.

Memorial donations can be made to Casper Humane Society or to Meals on Wheels, Casper.

Funeral Service for Rita A. Pinney were held Saturday June 25, 2016 at the LDS Stake Center in Gillette, Wyoming. Dedication of the grave was Saturday June 25, 2016 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Oshoto, Wyoming.

Rita Adams Pinney 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Sunday June 19, 2016 at Pioneer Manor due to natural causes.

Rita Adams Pinney, the oldest of a set of twin girls, was born October 19, 1923 in Alpine, Wyoming, to William and Arlitta Adams.

She grew up with her nine siblings in Irwin, Idaho, in the Snake River Canyon.

Rita married George Beasley on June, 24, 1942 in Shelly, Idaho, to this union six children were born. The family lived in Idaho and Wyoming over the years. In 1977 she married Frank Pinney and the couple lived in Oshoto until his death in 1984.

Rita was a very hard worker and loved working jobs caring for people and animals. She was a caregiver to the elderly in her later years. Rita enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and caring for her pets especially her chickens.

She is survived by her children, Clinton Beasley of Riverton, Buford Blaine Beasley of Washington, Justin Beasley of Banner, Wyoming and Robin (Lonnie) Shepperson of Gillette; three sisters; two brothers which still reside in Idaho; 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; husband; four sisters; one brother; her son Preston ”Buddy” Beasley; daughter LaRae Richmond and one grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pioneer Manor Alzheimer’s Wing. Memorials and Condolences may be sent in Rita’s name to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the web at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com