SHERIDAN - Memorial graveside services will be conducted at a later date for Sheridan resident Betty Jean Brantz, 78, who died Jan. 8, 2003, at Westview Health Care Center.  Cremation has taken place.

She was born Jan. 8, 1925, in Clearmont, the daughter of Jamie "Pete" and Eleanor (Bishop) Redman; and moved to Sheridan at age 4.  Raised and educated in Sheridan, she graduated from high school in 1943.

During World War II, she worked at an arsenal in Utah; then returned to Sheridan and worked as a waitress in various restaurants.

On July 14, 1946, she married Paul Brantz in Sheridan.  They moved to Cheyenne, then returned to Sheridan and became co-owners of various motels and restaurants in Wheatland, Thermopolis, Sheridan and Casper.  The couple semi-retired in 1985.

She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir and the Sheridanaires.  A religious person, she loved collecting angels, taking care of her family and making new friends.  She enjoyed playing bingo and cards and decorating for the holidays.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years of Sheridan; three sons, Steven and his wife of Sheridan, Paul E. "Buck" Brantz of Casper and Jim Miner of Washington state; two daughters, Kay Benbo of Sheridan and Linda Miller and her husband of Casper; brother, James Redman of Denver; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, a grandson, a great-grandson and a sister.

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