Obituaries

Ralph Allen “Bud” Steele

Ralph Allen (Bud) Steele passed away on April 30, 2006, at his home in Marbleton surrounded by family and friends.

Bud was born on June 16, 1932, to “Mike” and “Queen” Steele in Rock Springs. Bud came home to join his two sisters, Margaret and Ellen Steele. He was raised between ranches in Pinedale, Boulder and the family sawmill at Meadow Lake.

Bud was a life-long cowboy, rancher, carpenter and jack-of-all-trades. He worked hard, played hard and lived life to the fullest.

He married Irene Joyce Bloom on Nov. 22, 1953; they had three children: Allene Kay Steele Dana, Terry Lee Steele Quinn and Mark Otto Steele. Bud had five grandchildren: Mark Allen Quinn, Heather Irene Dana Kavran, Mike Ross Dana, Leslie Ann Steele and Mathew Brady Steele, and one great-granddaughter, Morgan McKenzie Kavran. Everything Bud did involved his family and he always cared for them above all else.

Bud taught all of his children work ethics, honesty, integrity and how to find enjoyment in any kind of work. Bud always prided himself on a job well done. He loved kids, dogs, horses and a select few cows. He was always willing to help others in need and had countless friends.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margaret Stoll. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister Ellen Lozier and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Bud’s life was held Wednesday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at Covill Funeral Home in Pinedale. Wayne “Bear” Steele conducted the service.

Ruth Charlotte Jensen

Ruth Charlotte Jensen, 92, of Pinedale passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2006, at the Sublette Center in Pinedale. A resident of Pinedale for the past 69 years and former resident of Hyannis, Neb., Mrs. Jensen died following a lengthy illness.

She was born on Nov. 9, 1913, in Hyannis, Neb., the daughter of the late Fred and Mamie Perrett.

Mrs. Jensen attended school in Hyannis and graduated in 1932.

She married Raymond Wenz in 1932 and he preceded her in death; she later married Gladwon Jensen in Pinedale on Sept. 7, 1965, and he also preceded her in death.

Her interests included bowling, fishing, golf, hiking and snowshoeing.

She was a member of the Congregational Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

Survivors include two sons and their wives: Richard and Georgia Wenz of Big Piney and Ralph and Connie Wenz of Pinedale; two brothers: Jim Perrett and Bill Perrett both of South Dakota; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; one daughter, Wraylene Bancroft; and 12 brothers and sisters.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Ruth’s name to your favorite charities, or to the nursing home at Sublette Center.

Stella Ann Retel

Stella Ann Retel, 91, passed away Saturday, April 29, at Castle Rock Convalescent Center in Green River, where she had been a resident since June 2005.

Stella was born to Ursella and Andy Barnick in Leadville, Colo., and moved to Rock Springs at the age of four. She attended school and graduated from Rock Springs High School. She married Joe J. Retel in June of 1936 in Rock Springs.

Her passion was bowling. She was the Ladies City Champion in 1962, 1964 and 1965 and Wyoming State Champion in 1952, 1956 1960 and was Temple Queens Classic Champion, Dayton, Ohio, in 1957. She was also an avid bridge player. She spent the summers at their cabin on Tosi Creek in the Upper Green.

She is survived by Joe, her husband of 70 years; one son, Joe, and wife Flo of Pinedale; two grandchildren: Joni and John Retel; one great-granddaughter, Randi Arnoldi; one sister, Julia Granaas of Rock Springs; three nephews and one niece.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ferlic, and her parents.

Her request was cremation and no service.

The family suggests that memorials in her memory be made to the Lit’l Bit of Love Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, 135 Mesa Drive, Rock Springs, Wyo., 82901.

Rodney Leon Caddy

Rodney Leon Caddy, 39, of Green River passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2006, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. He was a long-time resident of Green River.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1967, in Brigham City, Utah, the son of Rodger and Glenda Caddy and Mike and Billye Silvester.

Mr. Caddy attended school in Green River and was a graduate of Green River High School with the class of 1985. He was a United States Marine veteran. Mr. Caddy was employed by Nabor’s Drilling as a pusher. His interests included spending time with his children, building a high-boy truck, stock-car racing, hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his parents, Rodger and Glenda Caddy of Green River and Mike and Billye Silvester of Redding, Calif.; two sons: Colt Levi Caddy and Cade Leon Caddy, both of Green River; two brothers: David Jorgensen of Cheyenne and Jack Curtis Ruiter of Layton, Utah; three sisters: Lisa Marie Vallez of Cheyenne, Paula McQuade of Issaquah, Wash., Julie Lynn Attenbury of Green River; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents.

Funeral services were conducted April 8 at the L.D.S. Firstand Third Ward Chapel in Green River. Military graveside services and interment was in Riverview Cemetery.

The family suggests donations in his memory be made to Rodney L. Caddy Memorial Fund c/o Wyo Chem Federal Credit Union, 520 Wilkes Drive, Green River, Wyo., 82935.