SHERIDAN, Wyo. - Venus M. Ghikas, age 81, of Sheridan, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in St. Vincent Healthcare, Billings.

She was born Dec. 31, 1922, in Sheridan, to James and Marie (Evangeline) Matthews. She grew up and graduated high school in Sheridan. She graduated from Business College and went to work for the General Accounting Office in Washington, D.C.

Venus married George Ghikas (whom she met at his father's restaurant where she lunched in Washington) on Nov. 7, 1943, in Sheridan. They lived in Sheridan, where they owned and operated the Palace Cafe until 1987, when she retired.

She enjoyed collecting angels, Mickey Mouse memorabilia, dolls and stuffed animals.

Venus was always faithful to visit her friends in the hospital and nursing home.

She was a 50-year member and Worthy Matron of Order of the Eastern Star Naomi Chapter #2, Grand Electra of the Grand Lodge of Wyoming. She was a member of Daughters of the Nile Sahida Temple #86, Nile Patrol, Sheridan Women's Club, Sheridan County Homemakers, American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Peter and sister Margaret.

Venus is survived by her husband George; daughter Marie Herman and husband Larry of Laurel, Mont.; grandson Dr. George Carter; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Trisagion Memorial Service will be 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16, from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, from St. Peter's Episcopal Church, with Father Gabriel Nicholas and The Rev. Kevin Jones officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, Masonic Section.

Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1 S. Tschirgi St., Sheridan, or the Shrine Crippled Children Travel Fund, Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801.