Celestine 'Sally' Harris, 80
Celestine J. 'Sally' Harris, 80, longtime Pueblo resident until moving to Eads in 1994, passed away December 14, 1998.
She is survived by her husband, Cecil C. Harris of Eads; four sons, Donald Pfeifer of Pueblo, Robert L. Harris and Cecil E. (Judy) Harris, both of Eads and James A. (Sheryle) Harris of Fowler; brother, Edward A. Pfeifer, and sister Henrietta (Howard) Lunder, Pueblo; seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Rosary recitation was held Thursday, December 17 at T.G. McCarthy Rose Chapel. Funeral Mass was said Friday, December 18, at St. Patrick Church with interment at Roselawn Cemetery all in Pueblo.
The family may be contacted by phone at (719) 564-1479. A memorial service is planned for a later date in Eads.
Helen 'Shorty' George, 89
Helen George born February 11, 1909, at River Bend to John B. and Catherine McIllhenny Bennet. Helen was a pioneer on the prairie, but was also a pioneer in the manner in which she lived her life. Helen was married to Vergil George. Helen was a true ranch woman. She had her own brand, and her own cattle. She was a strong minded woman who knew what she wanted. Even though she weighed only 80 pounds soaking wet and was only five feet tall, she was a giant in her own way. Helen worked many hours right alongside everyone on the ranch. Helen loved people and had a way with them. She had a way of cheering you up, she was a very fun person to be around. Even though Helen's health was not always the best; she was always able to be kind and caring. It was during times like these that her true gentle character was most obvious. Helen was a very generous person, and would give or do anything to be of help. Helen liked to make life easier for others. Helen had a faith in God, and didn't care for the trappings of religion. She respected other people's beliefs, and asked that you respected hers. Helen enjoyed the catholic priest, and always enjoyed the card parties that the catholic church would have. Helen was a good card player, and played to win. She was a part of a card club for those over 60 for over 20 years. Helen enjoyed crocheting and quilting. Helen had a love of life, but was not afraid of death, realizing it was a part of the natural order of things.
The quality that was at the core of "Shorty's" soul was her love for family, friends and animals. Helen was a friend to any animal that would cross her path. She took in hundreds of strays, and offered them a loving home. Her kind and compassionate personality apparent to everyone.
Helen George passed away November 30, 1998, at Keefe Memorial Hospital in Cheyenne Wells at the age of 89. She is preceded in death by her husband Vergil and her parents. She leaves to mourn her death her loving nieces and nephews and many good friends. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 2, 1998, at the United Methodist Church in Kit Carson. Pastor Michael Ingersol officiated the services.
Serving as casket bearers were her friends Ted Benner, Jerry Mayhan, Vern White, Darrel Schallenberger, Teddy Ray Smelker and Victor L. Weed. Serving as honorary casket bearers were her friends Red Morland, Eddie Schreivogel, Curtis Schrimp, Park Wood and Willard Nordick. Marilyn Bullock provided the prelude and postlude music, as well as accompanying Kim Schallenberger and Monty Peterson as they sang 'In the Garden' and 'Mockingbird Hill.'
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kit Carson Parrish Care Center or the Division of Wildlife Rehab Project in care of Brown Funeral Home, P.O. Box 121, Kit Carson, CO 80825.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Mildred Eileen Wilkerson, 78
Mildred Eileen Wilkerson was born November 17, 1919, in Deerfield, Kansas to Ray and Velma (Williams) Swisher. She departed this life November 11, 1998, at Namaste Care Center in Colorado Springs. Mildred was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Her joy in life was preparing dinners for her family and friends. There was always room for one more at their table. Her hobbies were work, dancing and enjoying music.
In 1985, Mildred moved from the ranch to Kit Carson, where she resided until 1990. Ill health forced her to spend her remaining years at Namaste Care Center.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 45 years, Troy; four grandsons and one granddaughter. She is survived by son, Les (Carol Ann) of Kit Carson; daughter, Carol (Art) of Casper, Wyoming, Bonita (Allen) of Kit Carson, Gingie (Clinton) of Colorado Springs, and Monta (Dick) of Jonesboro, Georgia; eleven grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; one sister and one brother.
Funeral service were held Saturday, November 14, 1998, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Kit Carson, with Reverend Michael Ingersoll officiating. Musical selection 'How Great Thou Art,' and 'Mansion Over the Hilltop,' were sung by Monty Peterson and Kim Schallenberger, accompanied by organist Marilyn Bullock. "Laura's Theme" was played at the conclusion of the service. Casket bearers were Lance Wilkerson, Tracy Peterson, Troy Johnson, Bart Ohrman, Darron Ohrman, Eric Shade and Todd Trujillo. Honorary escorts were Mildred's family and friends. Interment was at the Kit Carson Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Love Funeral Home.
William V. Mast
William V. 'Bill' Mast, 63, of Plainview, Texas, formerly of Kit Carson and Eads, died November 9, 1998, at his home in Plainview. He was born in Eads May 15, 1935.
Survivors include his wife, Vada Mast, of Plainview; children Verline Harris of Carrollton, Texas, and Sherri Sullivan of Ottwaw, Kansas; sisters, Lorna Holter of Brush and Shirley Pfingston of Salida; brother, Gordon 'Bud' Mast of Eads; mother, Kathryn Mast, of Fort Morgan, and six grandchildren.
Funeral services were held November 12, 1998, at the United Methodist Church in Kit Carson with Pastor Michael Ingersol officiating. Burial was in the Kit Carson Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kingwood Apartment Ministries, c/o Kingwood Church of Christ, 2901 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
John Gene Forsyth, 70
John Gene Forsyth, 70, passed away suddenly Thursday, October 22, 1998, in Nampa, Idaho, at Mercy Hospital.
Gene was born February 11, 1928, on the family homestead near Haswell to Arthur John 'Jack' Forsyth and Emma Greever Forsyth. He was the youngest of five children and only son born into his family. He grew up on the family farm, learning carpentry skills from his father, which later became his profession.
Gene attended grade school at the local country school in Galatea. Riding the school bus was always an interesting part of life for farm children in Kiowa County. Gene attended high school in Haswell, graduating in 1946. During and after high school, Gene began his carpenter and building career, working with his father on local construction projects until 1950.
Gene was united in marriage with Doris Reed December 22, 1950, held at the home of her parents, Prentice 'P.L.' and Mary Reed in Haswell. He was immediately drafted into the Army in January, 1951, during the Korean War and attended basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas. In July, 1950, he was sent to Germany where he served two years in the 94th 'Hell on Wheels' Battalion.
Gene returned to Haswell after his military service in 1953 and joined Prentice in the Haswell Lumber Company where they provided building materials, hardware, farm supplies and custom built homes throughout the area. In 1973, the business was moved to Eads and operated until 1978. Gene was active locally in Eads in the Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, American Legion and Kiowa County Fair breakfast and barbecue committee. Gene continued to work in Eads as a carpenter and contractor until his retirement in October, 1990, at which time he and his wife, Doris, moved to Nampa.
Gene is survived by his wife, Doris of Nampa; three sons, John Douglas Forsyth of Poulsbo, Washington, Michael Scott Forsyth of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Prentice Mark Forsyth of London, England and one sister, Edith Strange of Amarillo, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents and three sisters; Margaret Forsyth, Helen Ewing and Ruth Duvall.
Funeral services for John Gene Forsyth were held Monday, October 26, 1998, at the Flahiff Funeral Home in Caldwell, Idaho, and Thursday, October 29, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Eads with Rev. Don Brown and Rev. Chuck Kinsley officiating. Philomene Liesen and Betty Crow provided the music on the piano and organ, with Sylvia Weeks and Mary Eikner serving as vocalists. Musical selections were 'In the Sweet Bye and Bye,' and 'Amazing Grace.' Serving as casket bearers were Don Phillips, Larry Michael, Marty Barnett, Jim Rich, Larry I. Gifford and Montie Price . Honorary casket bearers were Jimmy Bendorf, Ray Crow, Lloyd Philpy, Merle Frazee, Don Briggs, George Wagner, Kevin Hartman and Marvin Richardson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eads Lions Club or the Kiowa County Public Library.
Funeral services were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Helen Margaret Smith, 75
Helen Margaret "Margie" Smith was born January 3, 1923, in Castleton, Kansas, to Louis Joseph and Lois Emma Smith Gerard. She departed this life October 8, 1998, at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas.
Helen moved to Coolidge, Kansas, in 1935 and was a graduate of Coolidge High School. She married Forrest "Bud" Smith March 1, 1941, in Kingman, Kansas. They farmed north of Coolidge until their retirement, and moved to Syracuse, Kansas, in June of 1998.
Helen was a homemaker, a 50 year charter member of the Pollyanna Club of Hamilton County, a former member of PTO, and was a 4-H leader for 35 years.
Survivors include her husband; two sons, John (Lori) Smith of Olympia, Washington and Forrest L. "Bud" Smith, Jr., of Coolidge; nine daughters, Mary Jane (Richard) Malmgren of Des Moines, Wahington, Sally McLaughlin of Kansas City, Kansas, Jean (B.C.) Frye of Tampa, Florida, Carol Hatcher of Kansas City, Rose (Rocky) Cook of Garden City, Patty (Bob) LeCompte of Tucson, Arizona, Kathy (Leon) Michel of Hartshorn, Missouri, Cynthia Smith of Syracuse, and Karen (Barry) McLaughlin of Belton, Missouri; one brother, Donald (Mary) Gerard of Syracuse; three sisters, Frances (Ernie) Wright of Syracuse, Betty Reiger of Newton, Kansas, and Rosamond Youngers of Ephrata, Washington; 25 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sherry McLaughlin, in 1986.
Funeral services were held Monday, October 12, 1998, at the Coolidge Gymnasium with Pastor Mike Lewis and Bruce Sneed officiating. Burial followed at Coolidge Cemetery.
Funeral services were under the direction of Greene Funeral Home.
Francis Ray Goodwin, 79
Francis Ray Goodwin, known by most as Slim, was born to Van and Minta Thompson Goodwin September 15, 1918, at his grandparent Thompson's home north of Flagler. He was the second of six sons. They were all raised by the values their parents taught them, to be honest and trustworthy men.
Slim started his school years at Flagler and, after moving south of town, he attended school at 2nd Central through the 10th grade. He didn't care much for school, and when the opportunity came to go to work at the Rush Creek Ranch, he was happy to take it. At the age of 17, he began a life as a cowboy, and did everything asked of him, which included breaking horses, building fence, and caking cattle. The roundup time was his favorite job of all. He could ride a horse with the greatest of ease and knew how to handle cattle well. While there, he camped in a little trailer south of Eads in what was known as the "Lake Country." Not many would have enjoyed the quiet, lonely life he lived there, as the only time he saw anyone else was when someone would bring water to fill his cistern or something to eat. But he loved this way of life. His only transportation was horseback, and he would leave early in the morning with the horse bucking and return late at night, many miles later.
When they started calling men up for the Service, he tried several times to enlist, but they truned him down because of the sight in one of his eyes. He was called in later on limited service and was inducted July 30, 1942. He was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base and his first job after boot camp was washing pots and pans. Along with his good friend Pete Pedersen, he continued to work this job for six months. They always made the comment that one thing about it they could never be put on KP because they were already there. After that, he was a cook, first at Lowry and later at Fort Logan, where he cooked for the hospital officers. After completion of his state side duty, he was transferred to Salt Lake city and then to California to be shipped overseas June 1, 1945. He landed in Burma, India, July 9, 1945, where he cooked for the pilots that were flying to China. He returned to the States February 4, 1946, when he had enough points to come home.
While stationed at Lowry, he returned to Flagler to ride in a rodeo they were having. He got bucked off and broke his wrist, so re remained home on leave to recuperate. While there, he met his wife to be, Zoe Jones, who was just completing high school in Flagler. They were engaged in September and were married March 6, 1944. He was supposed to be "Permanent Party" at that time, so they moved to Englewood, where they could live off base. When he got his orders to be shipped overseas, he had 10 days to move Zoe back to Flagler, as she was expecting their first child. Sandra Rae was born June 21, 1945, while Slim was en route on his 40 day trip to India. She was a month old before he found out she was born. He saw her for the first time when he arrived back home eight months later.
After his duty in the Service was completed, he got his job back at Eads Livestock Ranch and Zoe worked as a cook for the cow hands. They returned to the Flagler area, where they worked for George Baxter and later purchased his ranch. This came to be the home that they loved so much, where they raised their family. They had their second daughter, Penny Evon, May 14, 1949, and a son, Scott Joe, January 19, 1955. They enjoyed their lives on the ranch and considered this the best time of their lives, through the good and bad years. They survived the awful dirt storms of the 1950's and some pretty severe snow storms. During one severe snow storm, the girls spent six weeks in town with their Goodwin grandparents because the roads were impassable.
Slim's health started failing in 1974, and in 1976, they purchased a house in Seibert, where he made his home until the time of his death. His son, Scott, remained on the ranch, and Slim continued to drive out every day and remained active with the cattle operation for several years. Up until the time of his death, he still liked to take drives out to the ranch as it was always, "out home."
After making his home in Seibert, Slim got the opportunity to drive a bus for the school, and drove it for 10 years. He really enjoyed the kids he carried on the bus. He always wanted to drive a big four wheel drive tractor, and he hot the opportunity while helping Gregg Loutzenhiser during the summer. He did this for nearly five years. He enjoyed the time he spent with their family, and he and Leonard Smith became good friends while doing things together. They always commented that it took the two of them to make one good man. While in Seibert, Slim was the caretaker for the Seibert Cemetery for a number of years and took pride in caring for it.
Slim welcomed two sons-in-law, Bill Cowgill and Carroll Will, and one daughter-in-law, Ilene Graham, into the family and they were always considered "his kids," too. He enjoyed his family very much and was especially proud of his six grandkids, Mark and Tina Will, Misty and Kimberly Cowgill, and Melissa and Kevin Goodwin. He was always interested in what they were doing and loved their visits and phone calls.
After 50 years of marriage, a reception was held in Slim and Zoe's honor, and this was a very special day in their lives. They enjoyed so much seeing and visiting with their friends and family and all the cards and phone calls they received.
After the lung disease that plagued his body for years got worse, he enjoyed working with a scroll saw, cutting out pictures and projects. When his health worsened, it limited him on what he could do, but he still enjoyed driving over the country side, seeing the cattle and crops along the way. With the love and assistance of a caring and loving wife, he was able to remain at home where he wanted to be.
Slim will be remembered as a man that never had a bad word to say about anyone. He always said that if you didn't have something good to say, it didn't need to be said. He was a man of patience, even at a time when every breath was a struggle, you never heard him complain. He would always say, "it will be alright," and now it is. He slipped into his final rest August 22, 1998, at the Hugo Hospital with his Family beside him.
Slim was preceded in death by his parents, Van and Minta Goodwin; three brothers, Dale, Lowell (Babe), and Lawrence (Larry).
He leaves behind Zoe, his wife of 54 years, his children, Sandra and Carroll Will, Bill and Penny Cowgill, and Scott and Ilene Goodwin; and six grandchildren. He also leave behind two brothers, Russ and Jamie Goodwin, and Bill and Ruby Goodwin, and two sisters-in-law, Veva Morris and Pearl Gleickman, along with a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.
Roberta Burns, 89
Roberta May Hollister Burns was born in Scott County, Kansas, July 30, 1910. Roberta married Jesse Allen Burns July 27, 1929. She is survived by her son, Kenneth (Joan) Burns of Colorado Springs; daughter, Florris Oswald of Eads; sister, Irma Meyers of Florida; six grandchildren, Cathy (Warren) Miller of McPherson, Kansas, Candy (Steve) Furnish of Colorado Springs, Donald (Bonnie) Oswald of Haswell, Linda Oswald of Great Bend, Kansas, Deborah (Glen) Davis of Haswell, Julie (Mark) Kelley of Arapahoe; 11 great grandchildren; four step grandchildren; six step great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other family members.
Roberta was a longtime Kiowa County resident. During her 89 years, Roberta also resided in many other communities throughout eastern Colorado and western Kansas, including Lamar and Hasty, where she and Jesse ran a farm and swap shop, a body shop in Colorado Springs, a welding shop and filling station in Westcliff, and ranches in Eads, Cheraw and Ordway.
Roberta Burns was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Ella Barger Hollister; one brother, Albert Hollister; and her loving husband, Jesse Burns. Roberta was blessed by being able to spend her remaining years in the care of her loving children in Eads, and then a brief few days in Weisbrod Nursing Home, where she was received by her Lord and Savior December 26, 1999.
Funeral services were held December 31, 1999, at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Eads with Carey Tsunemori and Derek Thomas officiating. The musical selections 'Only One Life' and 'Where All Peaceful' were sung by Kevin and Karen Hartman, Charles Igou and Derek Thomas. Charlotte Woelk provided the prelude and postlude music for the service. Serving as casket bearers were Donald Oswald, Glen Davis, Mark Kelley, Warren Miller, Scott Harper and Steve Furnish. Honorary casket bearers were Forrest Burns, Charles Igou, Kevin Hartman, Louis Box, L.D. Nelson, Brandon Miller and David Kelley. Final committal services were held at the Eads Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Robert Edward Anderson, 91
Robert Edward Anderson, 91, of Otis, passed away June 14, 1999 at the Porter Care Hospice in Littleton.
Robert was born on January 27, 1908 in Lebanon, Nebraska to Frank and Anna (Rice) Anderson. He was the middle child and only son in a family of five children. His sisters were: Hortense, Anna, Ethel, and June. When he was a small child his family traveled by covered wagon to Lisco, Nebraska where he grew up on a farm.
For many of his early years he considered himself to be a 'cowboy' and his experiences included being bucked off horses and being drug behind a hay rake.
After receiving a bachelors degree from Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska, Robert began a lifelong career in education. For the majority of his life he was the Superintendent of Schools in small towns in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. He retired from the Otis Schools in 1971.
While he was Superintendent in Goodview, Nebraska, Robert fell in love with Mildred Louise Hecox, a teacher at his school. They were married on August 10, 1936, at the Banner Methodist Church south of Gothenburg, Nebraska. Two children were born to this union: Rita Jean and Nancy Jo.
Robert loved to play checkers and tennis, camp in the mountains, hunt deer, elk, and pheasant, and fly fish. He participated in many fishing contests within his family between the 'fly' fishermen and the 'worm' fishermen. His grandchildren looked forward to these contests.
Following retirement, Robert's most enjoyable moments included yearly camping trips with his daughters, their husbands, and his grandchildren. Robert and Mildred traveled within and outside the United States and spent many winters in Green Valley, Arizona. One highlight was a hot-air balloon ride when he was 80 years old.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his four sisters: Hortense Law, Anna Rowland, Ethel Allen, and June Moyers.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred Louise Anderson; two daughters, Rita Jean Basham and Nancy Jo Crow; five grandchildren, Mark Earl Basham, Stephen Edward Basham, Matthew John Basham, Dennis Blaine Crow, Wendy Lee Crow; one foster grandchild, Robert Alexander Blanchard; and one great granddaughter, Cassidy Aurelia Basham.
Funeral services were conducted June 17, 1999, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Otis with Rev. Robert Miller officiating. Carol Feather, organist, accompanied Jennifer, Jesse, and Justin Feather as they sang 'Amazing Grace' and 'In the Garden.' Casket bearers were John, Mark, Matthew and Stephen Basham, Robert Blanchard, Dennis, Norman and Wendy Crow. Grave side services and interment were held June 19, 1999, at 10:00 a.m. at the Peckham Cemetery south of Gothenburg, Nebraska, with Pastor Bill Bicket officiating.
Memorial donations in Robert's name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Otis, or to the Otis Lions Club.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Yeamens & Gordon Memorial Chapel.
