Obituaries

Patricia Gajewski

Patricia Ann Gajewski, 51, was a woman who lived her life with enthusiasm, integrity, and love. Her death on Oct. 19, 2006, came as a heartbreaking shock to family and friends. Patty was just beginning to make real progress in her recovery from a terrible car accident in December 2005. Her persistence and determination during her rehabilitation were an inspiration to all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Patty gave unwavering love, commitment, and support to her family. She had a loving partnership with her husband, Ron, standing beside him through all the accomplishments and challenges of their married life. They would have celebrated their 28th anniversary in November. Her loving presence will be greatly missed by daughters Jennifer and Ashlee, the pride and joy of her life. Memories of Patty will be held dear by her mother and stepfather, Ann and Richard Winland, father D’Arle Watson, brothers Greg Watson (Kathee) and Bob Watson, parents-in-law Jean and Lee Wagner, sisters-in-law Kathy Gillen (Jim) and Mary Francis Buerhle (Bob), two step-sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Patty graduated from Revere High School in Bath, Ohio, and earned her BFA from the University of Akron. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, serving as president her senior year of college. She was an active alumnus and remained lifelong friends with her sorority sisters.

Patty was an artist, equestrian, jeweler, scuba diver, skier and avid lover of life. She and her family moved to Pinedale in 2001, where she was able to pursue many of her interests and hobbies.

While living in Pinedale she became a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. She was a valued employee of Faler’s General Store.

A memorial service to honor and remember the life of Patty Gajewski was held Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Pinedale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Kickin’ Cancer, P.O. Box 383, Daniel, Wyo., 83115.

Rose M. Barger

Louise (Goerhing) and Earl T. Kelly gave birth to their daughter Rose, and, much to their surprise, her twin sister, Ruth, on May 11, 1931, at their home near Riverview, where Rose spent her childhood years on the family farm. Later the family moved to the Morton area.

As a “Forty-Niner” at Morton High School, her senior quote summed up her life quite well: “Life is a stage and we’re all actors.” Her nickname was Fudge; pet peeve was big feet, pet pasttime dancing and her favorite saying was “don’t moon, goon.” She was a cheerleader for the Broncos.

After graduating from Morton High School in 1949, Rose attended beauty school in Casper. Upon completion of beauty school, Rose and her friend Betty Hubanka moved to Pinedale, where they purchased a beauty salon from Mae Wardell. In remembering the days, a close friend said; “They turned a lot of heads.” This was where she met the love of her life and husband of 53 years, James J. Barger. They were married Jan. 9, 1953, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Ethete. Two weeks after their marriage, Jim, who was serving in the United States Army, was shipped out to Frankfurt, Germany.

Three months later Rose arrived in Germany. They were together for six months. When Jim was discharged from the Army, they made their home in Boulder, where they managed and worked the family ranch for 37 years.

To this union were born four daughters: Terrie, Becky, Cindy and Connie. The family worked and played together. No challenge was ever left undone; she learned to upholster furniture and was a 4-H leader. Rose was a seamstress, making Jim’s work shirts, clothes for the girls and blankets for the horses. Rose helped move cattle on horseback, dragged the meadows in the springtime, milked the cows and worked in the hayfield.

Family fun in the summer was going to the barrel race club events and in the winter going to chariot races. She was a wonderful cook, preparing a full-course meal three times a day. She always had dessert for the noon and supper meals. One time in particular, when bringing a hot meal to the hayfield, she forgot the plates, so she compromised by using the lids off the hot dishes.

Rose enjoyed fancy dinners during the holidays. When living in Boulder, Rose and Jim, Murly and Dona Rae Morss and Hank and Melita Snow would take turns hosting a fancy dinner then play poker. The challenge of the evening was not winning at cards but trying to outdo each other with the menu.

Rose and Jim moved to Kinnear in 1991. Then they purchased the E.R. Schamber’s farm in 1998, where Rose lived until her death Friday, Oct. 20, 2006, at the Riverton Hospital. She was 75 year old.

Rose was a classy lady; she took pride in everything she did. She loved getting dolled up. She loved flowers and plants, as you could tell by looking at her yard and in her home. She definitely had a green thumb. Rose enjoyed wild birds and kept the feeders stocked.

One of her lifetime passions was fishing; she was very serious about the sport. Most often she would catch the biggest fish. Her favorite fishing was on the New Fork River or on a family camping trip to Sweeney Creek.

Her most valued treasures were the simple things in life, such as a meaningful verse or quote, a person’s drawing or picture, or just spending time with family and friends.

Rose loved to tease and was often the instigator in a prank, like the time she helped paint Dorothy Taylor’s little poodle dog’s toenails at Calverts’ branding.

Dad liked to give Mom that teasing look, which would get her to blushing and she would embarrass herself to tears without him even having to say one word.

Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their school activities and special events. Rose will always be remembered by her family and friends for having a kind, gentle spirit, unless you got her riled – then watch out. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She will be greatly missed by all of those whose life she touched.

Survivors include her husband, Jim; three daughters: Terrie Springman (Bob) of Big Piney, Becky Hicks (Mickey) of Pavillion, Connie Barger (Clayton Lunde) of LaBarge; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings Virginia Trimmer, Doris George, Ruth Dike, Thelma Holmes, Lua Kelly and Glenda VanPatten; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant daughter, Cindy.

Memorial services will be Friday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. at Davis Funeral Home in Riverton. Reverend Tommy Means will officiate.