Obituary - Gary Lee McPhie

CASPER - Visitation and greeting of the family of Casper resident Gary Lee McPhie, 62, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Sept. 9, at Bustard's Funeral Home and Crematory. Another visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at Lindquist Funeral Home in Ogden, Utah. Interment will be in North Ogden Cemetery.

He died Sept. 6, 2005, in Casper. Born July 8, 1943, in Rock Springs, the son of Janet (Firmage) and Edward George McPhie; and was raised and educated in Rock Springs and Pinedale.

On Oct. 15, 1982, he married Norine Dickemore in Farr West, Utah. They moved to Casper in 1987. He was employed by Interstate Brand/Sweetheart Bakery. His interests included sports, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years; two daughters, Lorey and Kay of Ogden; son, Gary Jr., of Casper; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Learn more about Gary Lee McPhie on the Burgess Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/burgessfamilyhistory/families/mcphie/gary-lee-mcphie.

Obituary - Janet Hunter Baxter Firmage

Patient Sufferer Passed Beyond

Mrs. John Firmage died at her home in this city, on Tuesday, April 15th, age 57 years, after many months of patient suffering. About a year ago while visiting in Salt Lake, she suffered a stroke of paralysis, and in a short time another stroke which left her in a very weak condition. She had been confined to her bed for many weeks, and a short time before her death, gangrene started in one foot, which caused her death.

Deceased was one of the oldest residents of this town, having come here from Scotland in 1872, and having lived in the one house for thirty years. Left to mourn her loss is her husband, three daughters, Mrs. Jeanette Hunter of Bicknell, Indiana, Mrs. Thos. Richie of Ogden, and Mrs. John White of this city, and son, John Firmage, Adam Cooper, a half brother, and George and Alex Hunter of Diamondville, and George McBride of Salt Lake.

Funeral services were conducted from the Mormon church Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock, Bishop James Crookston officiating. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

--Rock Springs Rocket No. 22 April 18, 1913

Learn more about Janet on the Firmage Family History Website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/hunter/janet-hunter-1856.

Obituary - John Leonard Firmage

John Firmage, Sr. Passes

Mr. John Firmage, Sr., member of the Union Pacific Old Timers Association and 40-year Class of 1928, passed away at the Wyoming General Hospital on Thursday, April 6, 1944, where he had been a patient for over a year.

Mr. Firmage was born in Kirkealdy, Fifeshire, Scotland, and came to America at the age of 17 years. In 1886, at the age of 23 years, he arrived in Rock Springs and entered the employ of The Union Pacific Coal Company, working in No. 1 Mine until it was closed down in the year 1910. For a number of years he was boss driver at this mine when all hauling of coal underground was accomplished by the use of mules and horses. After the closing of this mine, Mr. Firmage was employed in similar capacity at No. 8 and No. 10 Mines, Rock Springs, rendering loyal and faithful service until his retirement in 1929. After retiring from the service of the company, Mr. Firmage moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Each year on the occasion of the Old Timers celebration he never failed to be present. Some years ago on the death of his wife, he returned to Rock Springs and has made his home here. Mr. Firmage has made many friends in The Union Pacific Coal Company who regret to hear of his passing.

The funeral was held at the L. D. S. church of Rock Springs, of which he was a member, on April 9th, First Councilor James J. Johnson officiating. Participating in the services were two nephews, Mr. John Firmage of Salt Lake City, and Mr. Andrew Firmage, of American Fork, Utah. Surviving are his son, Mr. John Firmage, Jr., of Rock Springs, who is ill at the veterans' hospital in Salt Lake City; three daughters, Mrs. R. C. Barrass and Mrs. Edward Hoye, of Rock Springs, and Mrs. James Buchanan, of San Francisco; to whom we extend our sympathy.

--Union Pacific Coal Company Employees’ Magazine, May 1944

Learn more about John on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/john-leonard-firmage-1863.

Obituary - Harold Cook

SAN DIEGO - Funeral services for Harold Cook were Friday at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego.

Cook, 87, former Rock Springs resident died Monday, February 1, in San Diego where he had lived since 1954.

He was born October 17, 1905 in Rock Springs where he grew up and attended schools.

He worked in the coal mines in Rock Springs and for General Dynamics after he moved to California. He retired in 1970.

Survivors include a sister, Doll Brown of Rock Springs; a son Edward E. Cook, Oakhurst, Calif.; two daughters, Fay Miller, Logan, Utah, and Lois Begovich, El Cajon, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Howard Cook, September 24, 1967.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, February 6, 1993

Learn more about Harold on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/cook/harold-cook.

Obituary - Peter Cook

Famed Morgan Canary Judge Dies at 82 After Long Illness

MORGAN – Peter Cook, 82, of Morgan, died yesterday at his home after an extended illness.

Mr. Cook had a national and international rating as a canary judge. He had judged canaries in every state and in Europe. He was believed to be the first U.S. judge invited to South America and also judged the first international show in Havana, Cuba.

He had raised canaries since 9 years of age and has had a “Canary College” where young birds were taught to sing. His birds were known around the world.

He was a retired Morgan City marshal and had also been a U.S. trapper.

He was a member of the LDS Church and an elder in the North Morgan Ward. He had been a member of the Morgan Ward until the ward was divided two months ago.

Wed in England

On Aug. 17, 1895, he married Anna Ellen Owen in Leigh, Lancashire, England. The couple later received endowments in the LDS Salt Lake Temple.

He was born June 17, 1872, in Lancashire, England, a son of John and Esther Eddon Cook. He came to the United States 52 years ago, residing in Milton, Morgan County and Rock Springs Wyo., before moving to Morgan.

Surviving are his widow, Morgan: one son, Cyril B. Cook, Klamath Falls, Ore.; one daughter: Mrs. Veda Hardy, Portland, Ore.; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two sisters: Mrs. Emma Jones, Minimo [Nanaimo], British Columbia, and Mrs. Hannah Atherington, New Castle, England.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the LDS Morgan Tabernacle, Bishop Earl Butters of the Morgan Ward officiating.

Friends may call at the family home tomorrow night and Wednesday until 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in North Morgan cemetery, directed by Lindquist and Sons Colonial Funeral Chapel, 3408 Washington Blvd.

Learn more about Peter on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/cook/peter-cook-1872.

Obituary - Edith Kay Cook Siepp

St. George, Utah – Edith (Edie) Kay Seipp, 74, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2019 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born January 26, 1945 in Rock Springs, Wyoming and was raised by Arthur Cook and Agnes Bell Stewart. She married her sweetheart Dale Leon Seipp on June 25, 1966 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The marriage was later solemnized in the Oakland, California Temple on January 7, 1967.

Edith was raised in Rock Springs, WY and graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1963. She attended Brigham Young University from 1963 to 1964. In 1964 she was back in Rock Springs when she met her sweetheart, Dale Seipp. They were married and moved to Stockton, CA where Dale was stationed in the army. They returned to Rock Springs in 1968 where their first son Michael was born. Shortly there after they moved to Logan Utah where Dale attended Utah State University. While in Logan, Edie gave birth to their second child Michelle. After Dale graduated from Utah State they moved to Denver Colorado. They spent 2 years in Denver with their young family. They returned to Rock Springs in 1974 and their third child Jeff was born in 1975. Edie and Dale lived in Springville, Utah for a short period before moving to St. George, Utah in 1981.

Edie loved her job at Dixie College (Dixie State University) where it put her in contact with so many kids and people that became member of her family. Students and athletes all knew she loved unconditionally. There was never a quiet Sunday at Miss Edie’s house. Always full of college students, friends and family.

She found a new calling which she excelled at beyond measure which was Grandma. Her grandkids and great grandkids brought so much joy into her life. No matter what activity they were participating in she was there, cheering on louder than anyone.

Edie loved her athletic events! From Dixie State to Utah State, to SUU to eventually her beloved Pine View High School where she watched all her grandkids excel in each different area of interest.

She is survived by her sweetheart Dale Leon Seipp living in St. George. Children Michael Todd Seipp (Melissa) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Michelle Renee Boyer (Kevin) of St. George, Utah, Jeff Seipp of St. George, Utah, Sean McCaw (Sabrina), Fred House (Sabrina). Her grandchildren KJ Boyer (Kayla), Kristen Seipp, Cody Boyer (Samantha), Tasha Seipp (Cam), Brandee Wood (Zac), William Seipp, Justin McCaw, Shahin McCaw, Jada McCaw, Cherise McCaw and Shiloh House . And her great grandchildren Paityn Kay Boyer, Barkley Ash Boyer and Taylor Leon Wood. She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Agnes Cook, and brother Eddie Cook.

Viewing services will be Thursday, April 25th at the Hughes Mortuary 1037 East 700 South, St. George, UT 84790 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, Aril 26th at the LDS Stake Center at 595 North 2450 East, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in the Tonaquint Cemetery.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Hughes Mortuary, 1037 East 700 S. St. George, Utah, (435) 674-5000.

Learn more about Edith on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/cook/edith-kay-cook.

Obituary - Arthur Cook

Arthur Cook Dies At 73

Arthur Cook, 73, of 1317 11th Street, Rock Springs, died at 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, February 15, at the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, where he had been a patient for the past eight days. Mr. Cook had been in ill health for the past year.

He was born on August 4, 1903 in Leigh, Lancashire County, England, the son of the late Edward and Ellen Unsworth Cook.

A resident of Rock Springs since 1904, Mr. Cook attended schools here. He was a retired coal miner for the Union Pacific Coal Company. Following his retirement, Mr. Cook was employed by the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County for nine years where he worked in the maintenance department.

He married the former Agnes Stewart on July 16, 1923 in Ogden, Utah. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the United Mine Workers of America and the International Order of Odd Fellows.

Survivors include his wife Agnes of Rock Springs; one son, Edward and one daughter, Mrs. Dale (Edith Kay) Seipp, both of Rock Springs; two brothers, Harold of San Diego, Calif. and Tom of Ogden, Utah; two sisters, Mrs., John (Florence) Firmage and Mrs. David (Ethel "Dollie") Brown, both of Rock Springs; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Mr. Cook was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 18, at the Church of Jesus Christ' of Latter Day Saints, with the Bishop Ray Overy conducting. Interment will be in the Rest Haven. Memorial Gardens, north of Rock Springs. Friends may call at the mortuary chapel, 154 Elk Street, all day Thursday and Thursday evening and Friday morning at the L.D.S. Church from 8 a.m. until time of funeral services.

Learn more about Arthur on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/cook/arthur-cook.

Obituary - Janet Margaret Firmage McPhie

Janet Margaret Firmage McPhie

CASPER — Janet Margaret Firmage McPhie, 82, died at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper following a six-month illness with cancer.

Mrs. McPhie was born Sept. 26, 1920, in Rock Springs, the daughter of John William Firmage and Florence Cook, longtime residents of Rock Springs. She attended schools in Rock Springs and graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1938.

She married Edward George McPhie on April 9, 1939, in Manila, Utah. They made their first home in Rock Springs and later moved to Reliance where Mr. McPhie worked in the coal mine. Because of an accident in the mine, it became necessary for him to find another source of work and they later moved to Pinedale. They lived in Pinedale where their two sons grew up and attended school.

Mrs. McPhie’s interests included cooking and taking care of her family. After Mr. McPhie suffered a heart attack, they moved to Boise, Idaho, to be close to his doctor. He died in Boise on Sept. 25, 1979, and she continued to make her home there. She was employed at the Boise State College and at Harmon’s Travel Agency. Because of declining health, she moved to Casper in 1997 to be near her son, Gary Lee and wife Noreen and made her home with her grandson, Gary Alan McPhie. Mrs. McPhie was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She is survived by her son, Gary Lee McPhie and wife Noreen of Casper; five grandchildren, Gary Alan of Casper, Kaylynn and Laurie Ann of Ogden, Utah, and Shawna K. and Timothy Edward of Albuquerque, N.M.; three great-grandchildren, Mikaela and Parker Todd Bingham and Matthew Child of Ogden; two sisters, Jean Van Valkenburg and husband Howard of Rock Springs and Ethel Bakka and husband August of Riverton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Edward George McPhie Jr. who died Sept. 5, 2002, and his wife Paula; one sister, Esther Stevens Woodyat; and one nephew, Gerald Appelhans.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Pinedale. Graveside services will be conducted by her brother-in-law Howard Van Valkenburg at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002.

--RocketMiner, Rock Springs, Wyoming, November 22, 2002.

Learn more about Janet on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/janet-margaret-firmage.

Obituary - Esther Firmage Stevens Woodyatt

Funeral services for Esther Firmage Stevens Woodyatt were conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 1996 at the Vase funeral Chapel, 154 Elk St., Rock Springs. Interment was in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Gerald Appelhans, Merlin Kendall, Ted Brown, Craig Robbins, Gary Pence and Daron Dewey.

Mrs. Woodyatt, 73, of 475 Yellow Creek Road, Evanston, died at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 1996 at the Rocky Mountain Health Care Center in Evanston. A long time resident of Evanston and former resident of Rock Springs, Mrs. Woodyatt died following a lengthily illness.

She was born July 19, 1922 in Rock Springs, the daughter of the late John and Florence Cook Firmage. Mrs. Woodyatt attended schools in Rocks Springs and was a graduate of the Rock Springs high school with the class of 1940.

She married Louis Stevens in Portland, Oregon on February 28, 1942 and he preceded her in death. Mrs. Woodyatt later married and divorced Alvin Portwood in Rock Springs. She then married Don Woodyatt in Evanston and later divorced.

Mrs. Woodyatt sang on KVRS Radio for many years. She was a member of the LDS Church.

Survivors include one son, John Firmage Stevens of Oregon; three sisters, Mrs. Howard (Jean) Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs, Mrs. August (Ethel) Bakka of Riverton and Janet McPhie of Boise, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Woodyatt was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Ester Lee Stevens.

Learn more about Ester on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/esther-firmage.

Obituary - Florence Cook Firmage

Funeral services for Florence Firmage, 79, were held Saturday, December 6, 1980 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on White Mountain Blvd. Bishop James Curry conducted the services and burial was in the Mountain View Section of the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Robert L. Van Valkenburg, Robert W. Van Valkenburg, Dale Seipp, Calvin Potter, Andy Legerski, and Cornell Nate. Honorary pallbearers were Lyman Fearn and Evan Graham.

Mrs. Firmage died at 3:30 A.M. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1980 at the Kimberly Manor Nursing Home. A resident of Rock Springs since 1904, Mrs. Firmage had been in ill health the past one year.

She was born in Leigh Lancashire, England on March 31, 1901. The daughter of the late Edward and Ellen Unsworth Cook.

She attended schools in Rock Springs and married John William Firmage Jr. in Green River on May 4, 1918. Mrs. Firmage was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Howard (Florence Jean) Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs, Janet McPhie of Boise, Idaho, Mrs. August (Ethel Mae) Bakka of Riverton and Mrs. Don (Esther) Woodyatt, of Evanston; two brothers, Harold Cook of San Diego, Calif., and Tom Cook of Ogden, Utah; one sister, Dolly Brown, of Rock Springs and several grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John and three brothers, Arthur, Paul, and Albert Cook and a sister, Mae Faddis.

Learn more about Florence on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/cook/florence-cook.