DAVIS FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Office / Funeral Assistant
Catherine B. "Katy" Ratliff, 102, of Riverton, Wyoming passed away Tuesday evening, January 23, 2024 at Sage West Hospital in Riverton. A Vigil service with Rosary will be held, 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Riverton. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 29, 2024 also at the Church. A reception will immediately follow the funeral mass at the St. Margaret's Gymnasium for all to celebrate the life of Katy.
Catherine B. Barquin was born April 8, 1921, to James and Amelia Barquin. Catherine attended school in Riverton, graduating from Riverton High School in 1939. She later attended nurses training in Casper, Wyoming in 1939, she became a licensed cosmetologist and attended many courses at Central Wyoming College.
Catherine married Scott I. Ratliff in September of 1940. They had two children, Scott J. Ratliff and Janis K. Bradley.
Catherine was an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. She lived on a ranch north of Pavilion where she and her husband Scott were sheep and cattle ranchers and coal miners. Catherine and Scott then moved to Riverton in 1961. They owned and operated the El Rancho Motel and Barquin's Bar.
Katy was a member of the Wyoming Lung Association for 25 years, a member of the Wyoming Motel Association for eight years, and advisory board member of the American National Bank in Riverton for six years. She was the last surviving charter member that began in 1949 (75yrs) of the DOES organization in Riverton, and a Silver Haired Legislator member. Catherine was a member of the Riverton Golf Couse for 46 years and was a four-time women's club champion. President of the Ladies Golf Club. She started the First National Bank Four Ladies one best ball tournament that is still the number one ladies' tournament in Riverton.
Grammy Katy enjoyed painting, playing Golf, Bridge, Mah Jong, Sudoku, fishing and walking. As well as watching her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren in all their sports and activities. She also really enjoyed the many activities and spending time with her many friends.
Catherine is survived by her children, Scott J. Ratliff, Janis K. Bradley, and Rich Murray; nieces, Vicki Farmer, Jolene (Vernon) Scheer, Georgia (Les) Hamerstrom; nephew, Darwin (Kari) Griebel; grandchildren, Jeff (Ronda) Bradley, Mike (Cynnie) Bradley, Kristy (Matt) Salisbury), Shawna (Randy) Edgeington, Shanell (Scott) Stanley, Staci Mantegazza; great grandchildren, Alexiss (Jeremy) Francom, Zach (Jennifer) Stanley, KaCee (Remigton) Bailey, Jeffrey (Shelby) Bradley, Tre' (Kaylynn) Bradley, Randy Scott (Kris) Edgington, Brandon (Rhiana) Edgeington, Kade (Hannah) Salisbury, Savanah Salisbury, Dayne Bradley, Cydney Bradley, Olivia Bradley; great great-grandchildren, Quoy, Kahli, Broady Bradley, Dax, Ryker, Bo and Duke Edgeington, Francis and Donovan Stanley, Trevor, Tinley and Thea Edgeington, Kyndal Bradley, Sergio and Mclees Mantegazza. Remington, Ryan and Ava Bailey, Claire, Jett, Juliette Francom.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, James and Amelia Barquin; husband, Scott I. Ratliff; sisters, Rose (Noel) Smittle, Ethel (George) Griebel, Josephine (Jule) Farlow, June Barquin; brother, Jimmy (Margarete) Barquin; daughter-in-law, Sheri Ratliff; nieces, Judy Smittle Fanning, Pam Barquin Hammer; grandson, Paolo Mantegazza; and nephews, Eddie Farlow, Jim Barquin III, Jack Ratliff and Gene Ratliff.
Danny Kierstead, 66, of Riverton, Wyoming, passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings, Montana. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Davis Funeral Home, with a celebration of life immediately following at the Reach Clubhouse, 622 N. 8 th West Street; all are welcome and encouraged to join us in celebrating his life.
Danny L. Kierstead was born March 5, 1957, in Bussac, France while his parents, Leo Jolley and Lorna Jean (Webb) were stationed at US Army Base Garrison, Bussac, France.
Danny and his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah when he was young. Danny grew up in Salt Lake City and attended South High School. At 20 years old while driving through Riverton, Wyoming traveling to Florida, Danny stopped to visit his brother and was introduced to his future wife, Linda Ann Anderson. Danny decided to stay and the couple married on March 24th, 1979 at Sunset Park in Riverton. Together, Danny and Linda made Riverton their lifelong home raising their beloved daughter, Anna.
In Danny's younger days, he was very adventurous and fearless. You could catch him skiing, hiking, roller-skating, boating, skydiving, or climbing Devil's Tower. He wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
He worked on the rigs and the mines until there was a downturn. He came home to become a local mechanic at Bob's Hilltop Auto until his retirement. In retirement, Danny took on the role of property manager, owning and overseeing multiple properties in Riverton.
You could always catch Danny cruising his bicycle around the neighborhood, or relaxing with his wife Linda and their friends in the garage. We are thankful for the nightly hangouts with friends that became the heartbeat of Danny's life. Gathered by the fire, these evenings were a testament to the bonds of friendship that defined his life. Whether engrossed in conversation, indulging in favorite shows, celebrating one of life's big moments, or being up to playful shenanigans, the garage was a place of laughter and shared experiences. He enjoyed restoring and rebuilding cars and trucks, another activity centered around the garage. Danny filled our lives with the radiant glow of friendship, turning ordinary nights into extraordinary memories. These were all memories made with very special friends, who didn't just stay friends, but became his family.
Danny enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Hailey. She brought an unmatched joy to her grandpa that no one else could. He found immense pride and comfort in his daughter, Anna, who became his source of joy and solace, especially during challenging times. He loved being a dad, almost as much as he loved being a grandpa. Danny enjoyed chatting with his son-in-law, Kyle, exchanging stories about the latest car shows and the idea of working on the Cadillac together. Danny and his wife Linda were inseparable, truly carrying on a life of laughter, love, and unconditional support for each other. Together they showed an example of what love and marriage should be.
Danny is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda; daughter, Anna and fiancé, Kyle Barlow, and their daughter, Hailey; two brothers, Ron and wife Kristy Kierstead and Bob and Sharlene Kierstead; brother-in-law, Cec McCray, and multiple nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Lorna Kierstead; brother, Steve Kierstead; and his sisters, Marlien Taylor and Charlien McCray.
Job Titles:
- Office Assistant
- Secretary
Services for Eileen M. Smith will be at 2 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Sunnyside Church of the Nazarene in Kinnear, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Help for Health and Hospice 1240 College View Drive, Riverton, Wyoming 82501.
Surrounded by her family, Eileen M. Smith, passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior on March 4, 2024. At the young age of 91, Eileen was strong in spirit and unwavering in her independence, which left her with peace and fulfillment in her final journey. Feisty, loyal, and generous, Eileen was full of life. She was always up for an adventure and without fail, had a car full of snacks.
Eileen was born in Red Lodge, Montana on October 5, 1932. For 25 years, she worked as a school secretary for Red Lodge Public Schools. Upon retirement, she moved to Pavillion, Wyoming to be closer to her sister, Diane, and brother, Rick. She continued working for Wind River schools well into her 80s.
Family was paramount to Eileen, she treasured the 30 years spent helping her family at the Wyoming Quarter Horse Sale in Thermopolis, Wyoming, an event that would reunite the entire family twice a year. Additionally, she was an active member of the CWC Rodeo booster club. She loved rodeo, baking, and following her grandchildren around to their many sporting events. Although her tenacity and spunk will be dearly missed, the family finds great comfort knowing she has made it home, to be with Jesus.
She is survived in death by her six siblings: Barbara Reid of Cody, Wyoming, Bill and Carole Smith of Thermopolis, Wyoming, Chuck Smith of Billings, Montana, Diane Fike of Lander, Wyoming, Jim and Mimi Smith of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Rick and Lynn Smith of Douglas, Ar izona. She is also survived by her two children, son Jack and Becky Wipplinger of Roberts, Montana, daughter Kathy and Marty Pullen of Palm View, Texas, and Steve Bierma of North Platte, Nebraska. Grandchildren: Lindsay and Zach Curran (son- Cody) of Riverton, Wyoming, Grandson- Skyler Wipplinger (sons- Grey and Hawk) of Roberts, Montana, grandson-Lat and Erin Wipplinger (daughters- Kierra Jean and Brooke) of Yakama, Washington. Grandson-Chase and Jessica Bierma (daughters- Rowley, Logan and son, Wipp), grandson Jed and Kyleigh Wipplinger (son- Kason) of North Platte, Nebraska, granddaughter Nikki and Wes Plummer (son-Easton) of Gibbon, Nebraska, granddaughter Lene and Bennett Enseleit, Missoula, Montana.
John Abner Hughes, 93, was flown to heaven on the wings of an eagle. His loving wife, Vicki, was by his side.
He was born December 27, 1930, in Rifle, Colorado to Jesse L and Ruth W (Hauck-Phelps) Hughes. In 1942, the Hughes family settled in Riverton where John attended school (on occasion) but preferred to go fishing instead.
John was a proud patriot and a highly decorated member of the United States Army, 25th Infantry Division and 35th regiment from August 1948 through August 1952. John served in the Korean Conflict from 1950-1951. When he returned to the United States, he served as a military police officer at Camp Hanford, Washington until his discharge.
Throughout his life and with thousands of miles traveled, John wore different hats. He was proficient in everything he chose to do. He was a carpenter, millwright, welder, salesman, pilot, contractor, and business owner. In 1956, John served as a police officer for the town of Thermopolis and in 1966-1967 for the town of Riverton under Mel Matthews.
Laurie Gardner, 62, of Missouri Valley, Wyoming passed away at her home on Sunday, January 28, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Missouri Valley Fire Hall.
Laurie Ann Von Krosigk was born on April 6, 1961 in Riverton, Wyoming to Dean and Charleen (Banta) Von Krosigk. She attended schools in Riverton until her sophomore year when she went to Shoshoni High School. She graduated with the class of 1979.
On November 10, 1979 she married Bret Gardner in Riverton, Wyoming. Together they had two children, Melissa and Chad. They celebrated their 44 th anniversary this last November.
Laurie spent her life in Fremont County as a rancher. She loved horses and was an avid horsewoman. She belonged to many organizations, Missouri Women's Club since 1980, was a past president of Cattle Women Association, an officer with Cowboy State Stockhorses, organizer of Thermopolis Sorting Series, member of Lander Old Timers Rodeo Association, Back Country Horsemen of America, and 40 Something Cowgirls. Laurie loved being involved and helping others learn and especially children as was apparent with her involvement in 4-H, she was a leader and on the Royalty Committee.
Family was Laurie's number one priority. She loved being around her children and two grandchildren, Raven and Ramsden. She taught horse clinics and was in competition for horse sorting, which she loved. Being in the mountains made her right at home, camping with the family, and doing any and all activities with her family was a favorite. She enjoyed her garden, lawn, flowers, cooking, canning, and visiting with friends.
She is survived by her husband, Bret Gardner; daughter, Melissa Vukich and husband, Jeremy; son, Chad Gardner and Charene Herrera; grandchildren, Raven Vukich and Ramsden Vukich; mother, Charleen Von Krosigk; brothers, Wendell Von Krosigk and wife, Sandy, Clint Von Krosigk and wife, Jennifer, and Sam Von Krosigk and wife, Kristi; mother-in-law, Claudine Gardner; brothers-in-law, Greg Gardner and wife, Barbara, and Kelly Gardner and wife, Kimber; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dean Von Krosigk; father-in-law, Dave Gardner; and grandparents, Sam Von Krosigk, Iva Ballard, Clare and Mable Banta.
Memorials may be made to Laurie Gardner Memorial Fund in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501. This fund will be for youth horse activities.
Leland "Lee" Backer, 68, of Riverton, Wyoming passed away at his home on Thursday, January 25,2024. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
Leland Richard Backer was born on November 16, 1955 in Santa Monica, California to Richard Gust and Sharon Lee (Painter) Backer. He grew up in Reseda, California.
After enjoying 99 years of a full and blessed life, Mary Louise Axthelm passed away on January 31, 2024 at the family home in Riverton, Wyoming. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 5, 2024 at Davis Funeral Home in Riverton, Wyoming.
Mary Louise was born July 6, 1924 in Kearney, Nebraska to Loys and Lena Thompson and was raised and graduated from high school in Lexington, Nebraska. She married Norris Axthelm on February 2, 1947. The couple settled in Riverton, Wyoming in 1951 where there was an opportunity to establish a dental practice.
Mary Louise leaves a legacy of faith, family and community involvement. She was a faithful follower of Christ and was very active in her church as the treasurer, youth choir director, was in charge of their annual rummage sale, and was a member of the bell and voice choirs. Those who knew Mary Louise knew that her family was the center of her life and she was proud of being a homemaker. Everything she did revolved around her family and extended family, including five children, eleven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. She loved her community for over 60 years and enjoyed serving others through 4-H leadership in sewing and cooking for many years. She also loved her barbershop quartet and performed at community events.
A part of the greatest generation, Mary Louise was influenced by the Great Depression and World War II. She was known for being frugal and thrifty and passed on those attributes to her children. She was known for her positive attitude and enjoyment of even the smallest things in her life.
Mary Louise will be missed by her surviving sister, Betty Sweeney, children Sheila (Robin) Hill, Tom (Vicki) Axthelm, Gary (Nancy) Axthelm, Pam (Wes) Roberts, and Mike (Mary) Axthelm, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norris and a grandson.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Funeral Service Practitioner since 1985
Sheri Lea Spencer was born March 2, 1966 in Groom, Texas to Robert Clint and Carol Lea (Haney) Spencer. She grew up in Powell, Wyoming and graduated from Powell High School.
She married Fred D. Weber while in Powell and the couple had three boys and one daughter. They later divorced.
Later Sheri settled in Shoshoni, Wyoming where she raised her family for many years; she moved to Riverton where she lived out the remainder of her life.
While living in Shoshoni she worked at the Fastlane for fourteen years. After she moved to Riverton she worked as an Administrative Assistant for Aethon Energy until she retired.
Sheri loved crafting with her grandkids, making holidays special for her family, and had the "knack of sentimental thoughtfulness." Her life revolved 100% around her kids and grandkids.
She is survived by her mother, Carol Lea Teitsch; son, Dane Weber and wife, Linde, their children, Trenton and Taryn; son, Brandon Weber and wife, Alison, their children, Lilly and Corbin; son, Jordan Weber and wife, Abbey, their children, Daegen, Eastann, and Heavenn; and Heather's children, Chastyn and Raycen; brother, Robert Spencer; lifelong friend, Darin Bessler, Teresa Howard, and Collins Family; and many friends during her darkest days were the staff that became family at Rocky Mountain Oncology.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Clint Spencer; daughter, Heather Weber; and good friend, Nellie Moore.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Funeral Service Practitioner since 1997