BIG HORN - Graveside services for Big Horn resident Reta W. Irwin, 97, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, April 18, in Mount Hope Cemetery in Big Horn by the Rev. Raymond Clark.

She died April 14, 2003, at Sheridan Manor.

Born Feb. 12, 1906, in McCook, Neb., she was the daughter of Fred M. and Roselena (Smith) Baker. At age 6, she moved with her family to the Sheridan area and was raised and educated in Sheridan.

After her formal education, she owned and operated the Wilson Dairy, east of Big Horn on Kruse Creek, for about 10 years until 1945.

In 1946, she married Clifford "Cliff" Irwin.

They lived on Kruse Creek until 1956.  She was a housekeeper and nanny for the Wallop family in Big Horn and Sheridan until her retirement in 1982.

She enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with her family, and taking care of family members.

Survivors include her son, Riley Wilson of Harrison, Mont.; daughter, Madonna Beeson of Big Horn; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and three sisters.

Champion-Ferries Funeral Home of Sheridan is in charge of arrangements.