Obituaries

Virginia Miller

Virginia Miller, 69, of Pinedale, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 20, 2006. Virginia was born in Chicago, Ill. on March 8, 1937 to Clyde and Audrey Ice. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Elementary Education and moved to Pinedale shortly after with her husband Richard where she taught third grade for over 20 years.

“Ginny” enjoyed playing cards and bingo, volunteer work, swimming and riding her bike and traveling in her motorhome with her husband Dick in earlier years. She mostly enjoyed taking care of her little doggies, who have been her constant companions for many years.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, her parents and three brothers.

Survivors are her brother Cecil Ice, son Daniel and wife Kara of Minden NV, son David and wife Paula of Garland, Texas, daughter Bonny Etchemendy and husband Mike of Victor, Idaho, and daughter Carol Rephlo and husband Daniel of Overland Park, Kan. Virginia also had nine grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Pinedale Community Church of Christ, 113 S. Maybell Ave., at 10 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 2.

Thomas Bird Lake

Thomas Bird Lake, 79, of Pinedale, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006 at the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. 

He was born on March 6, 1927 in Green River, the son of the late Roy K. Lake and Edna F. Bird.

Thomas attended schools in Cheyenne, Wyoming and was a graduate of Cheyenne High School, class of 1945.

He served in the Coast Guard during World War II.

Thomas was employed as a Locomotive Engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad for forty-five years until his retirement in 1988.

Survivors include one son Robert Kenneth Lake and wife Joane of Price, Utah; one daughter Terri S. Turnwall of Rock Springs; one sister Mary Lou Vanderpool and husband Paul of San Diego, Cal.; five grandchildren, Tom Lake and wife Kisty, Melanie Lake, Chris Turnwall, Toni Turnwall and Kelly Turnwall and two great-grandchildren, Payton Turnwall and Kyndall Turnwall.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Phyllis Kalivas.

Following cremation at the Vase White Mountain Crematory, memorial services will be conducted at a later date.

Andrew (Andy) Fech

Andrew (Andy) Fech, 70, of Rock Springs, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006 at the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. A lifelong resident of Rock Springs, Andy had been in ill health for the past month. 

He was born on March 20, 1936 in Rock Springs, the son of the late Michael and Susan Fech.

Andy attended school in Rock Springs and was a Rock Springs High School graduate with the class of 1954. He also graduated from Western Wyoming Community College and attended the University of Wyoming. 

He married Lynne McNeish Fech on March 19, 1961 in Rock Springs.

Andy was a United States Army Veteran, an Army Medic and also served with  the National Guard. He enlisted in February of 1954 and, following his tour of duty, was in the National Guard until Nov. 30, 1962. He was honorably discharged as a Sergent First Class. 

He owned and operated Andy’s Auto Body Repair for many years and A&L Bail Bonding from December 1999 until now. 

His interests included spending time with his family and friends, fishing, traveling and hanging out at Fremont Lake.

Survivors include his wife Lynne M. Fech; one daughter Lisa Hay; one grandson Parke Fech; one brother George Fech, all of Rock Springs; one sister-in-law Vi Fech of Cody; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son David Fech, one brother Mike Fech and his son-in-law Joe Hay.

Following cremation at the Vase White Mountain Crematory, memorial services were conducted on Nov. 29, at the First Congregational Church, 1275 Adams Avenue, Rock Springs. Reverend Harvey Joyner presided over the services.  Inurnment will be in the Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. 

The family respectfully suggests that donations in his memory be made to First Congregational Church, 1275 Adams Avenue, Rock Springs, Wyo. 82901.