Grace E. Kuta, 75, of Sheridan died Friday, May 3, 2002, at her residence.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Kane Funeral Home with the Very Rev. Eugene Sullivan officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

Mrs. Kuta was born Dec. 15, 1926, in Acme to John and Hazel (Oelsehlager) Mates. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her stepfather, Joe Pawlus, became her true father. She attended beauty school after high school, graduating in 1942. She worked throughout her life as a beautician.

She married John Crawford Sept. 14, 1945, in Hardin, Mont. They later divorced, and she married Earl Kuta Aug. 10, 1965, in Sheridan. He preceded her in death.

She enjoyed gardening, canning, playing the game Aggravation and attending Mass with friends. She was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Holy Name Catholic Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Margo Dexter of Sheridan; a son, John Crawford of Ranchester; three sisters, Mary Ann Haner of Kansas, Jenny Gaddis of Colorado and Betty Lacey of Sheridan; two brothers, John Mates of Big Horn and Frank Mates of California; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Holy Name Catholic Church in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

The Sheridan Press - May, 2002.