SHERIDAN -- Funeral services for Kathleen I. Hardesty, 75, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006, at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Derryberry officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery.

Viewing will be from 1 to 6 p.m., on Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

She died Dec. 9, 2006, in Westview Health Care Center.

She was born Dec. 23, 1930, in Sheridan to Michael and Anna (Kryanna) Suel.

She grew up in the Sheridan area and graduated from Sheridan High School.

She married James Hardesty on May 5, 1952, in Sheridan.

They traveled on construction jobs for Peter Kiewit.

In 1966, they began ranching on Prairie Dog Creek. In 1969, they moved to the ranch on Dutch Creek. She ranched until she retired in 2002.

She was a founding member of the Sheridan County Equestrianettes and they participated in the Rose Parade in California.

She enjoyed chariot racing, gardening and bowling. She loved her horses, black cows and her German Shepherd dog.

Survivors include two sons, James of Wyarno and Michael of Livingston, Mont.; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2001 and a great-granddaughter.

Memorials may benefit the Elks Lodge No. 520, Box 624, Sheridan, 82801.

Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Casper Star-Tribune - December 12, 2006