Obituaries

Robert R. Skinner

Lander resident Robert (Bob) R. Skinner, age 77, passed away in the early morning hours of Dec. 16, 2006, at the Wyoming Medical Center after a lengthy illness. At his wishes, Bob has been cremated and there will be a memorial service held at a later date.

Robert Richard Skinner was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., on November 20, 1929, to Clem and Viola Skinner. His family moved to the Pinedale, Wyo., area in 1936 where his father started the Boxed K dude ranch at Soda Lake outside Pinedale. Clem later moved the outfitting business to Burnt Lake following World War II. Bob and his brothers grew up in the outfitting business helping their father.

Bob studied wildlife at the University of Wyoming before joining the Air Force between 1951 and 1955 where he was a survival instructor. He skied competitively for the University of Wyoming and the Air Force, and later was a ski instructor and ski racing coach for many years at Sun Valley, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming.

In 1956, Bob and his brother Monte bought their father out, and started Skinner Brothers Wilderness School and Outfitting. They were later joined by their younger brothers, and for 48 years the Skinner brothers shared their enthusiasm for the Wyoming wilderness and touched many lives.

In 1956, Bob married Doris Carnell. The couple lived in Pinedale during the summer camp and fall hunting seasons and moved to ski resorts in the winter. During that time they had three children. In 2005, Bob and his brothers were inducted into the Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame for their contribution to Wyoming skiing. Bob was also the Director of Mountaineering for the 1988 Wyoming Centennial Everest Expedition.

He is survived by his children; Orion Skinner of Parker, Colo., and Holly Skinner of Midvale, Wyo., grandchildren Rebecca, Alyssa, Robert, Hannah, Sarah and Jacob. Survivors also include his brothers, Monte Skinner and Courtney Skinner of Pinedale, Quentin Skinner of Laramie, Wyo., and Sherwood (Ole) Skinner of Sun Valley.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clement (Bud), his wife Doris and his son Todd.

Memorial donations may be made to the “Burnt Lake Foundation” which provides scholarships for youths to attend wilderness camps in the western U.S., in care of Hudson’s Funeral Home, 680 Mount Hope Drive, Lander, WY 82520.

George Wesley Matlock

On Monday, Jan. 8, 2007, George Wesley Matlock was called home to be with his Heavenly Father. He was born to Luther Alvin Matlock and Barbara Ellen (Clay) Matlock on July 4, 1945, in Skiatook, Okla.

He started his schooling in Oklahoma. In 1957 during his early years his parents moved to Big Piney. George finished school there in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Marines in 1965 and received his honorable discharge in 1967. After his return to Big Piney he drove truck for numerous trucking companies. Due to health problems he retired about 10 years ago. He was a great hunter-fisherman and loved the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

He is survived by his brother LeRoy (Linda) Matlock of Rock Springs; two sisters Alene (Jim) Goines of Boynton, Okla., and Alfreda (Jack) Jones of Three Forks, Mont.; lots of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He will be missed by everyone. We have always been a close family.

A graveside funeral service was held Friday morning, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. in the Plainview Cemetery, Big Piney. Jim Goines conducted the service.

Adella Mae Smith Hummer

Adella Mae Smith Hummer, beloved wife of Robert O. Hummer, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 8, 2007, at St. John’s Hospital in Jackson, Wyo. She was 88 years old.

Adella was born Sept. 15, 1918, in Little Bear, Wyo., the daughter of George and Ethel Johns. She completed her schooling in Rock Springs and graduated from Rock Springs High School. She enjoyed her career as a certified medical records technician. She was a lifelong member of the Eastern Star, a member of the Kendall Valley Girls, the Bronxs Ladies and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was also an active member of the Congregational Church.

Adella loved the outdoors she enjoyed hiking, picnics, hunting, and snow machining. One of her favorite places to be was at her cabin in the Upper Green. She also enjoyed playing the piano and organ. What she loved most of all was her family. She loved it when her family could get together and spend time with one another.

She is survived by her husband; children John “Smitty” Smith of Cora, Wyo., James (Betty) Smith of Las Vegas, Nev., daughter JoDell (Jack) Wilson of Green River, Wyo.; step-children Jean Battaglia of Sandy, Utah. and Robert Hummer Jr. of Pinedale, Wyo.; sister Barbara (Dr. Robert) Carlton of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, John Alfred Smith, daughter, Bonnie Jean Simpson, and stepdaughter, Joan Vestal.

A memorial funeral service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. at Covill Funeral Home in Pinedale. A reception will follow the service at the Sublette Center in Pinedale. In lieu of flowers donations in Adella’s name can be made to the Sublette Retirement Center P.O. Box 788, Pinedale, WY 82941.