Notes for: Harry Bodine
From Ronny Bodine:
Obituary, Gillette News Record (Gillette, Wy.) of 22 April 2011.
Memorial services for Dorothy Mae (Parker) Bodine will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Blanche Beck Memorial Chapel in Pioneer Manor. Mrs. Bodine, 97, of Gillette died Thursday, April 14, 2011, at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home of natural causes. She was born at her parents' home in Big Horn in 1914. A midwife assisted her mother, Jenny Parker. Her father, Richard (Dick) Parker welcomed another girl to the already large family. Her 97 years of life were typical of 20th century Wyoming farm and town life. Beginning at an early age, she performed her share of tasks; each morning and evening she ran the separator in the cow barn's dairy room, she also helped in the kitchen, where, in the summer, preparation began at 3 a.m. in anticipation of a 6 a.m. breakfast. In her childhood kitchen she developed the basic skills that would later lead to her reputation as one of the best cooks in the county. She attended the Big Horn School until she was old enough for high school. She attended Sheridan High School, from which she graduated in 1932. It was while she was a senior in high school that she met Harry Bodine. They met at young people's social activities, which were primarily centered at the local Methodist Church. They eloped in July 1932 and were married in Hardin, Mont. Their 64-year partnership was devoted to their children and the community of Sheridan where they established their home. She was active in the Brownie, Girl Scouts, Jobs Daughters and PTAs. She frequently cooked special game dinners for Sheridan High School's varsity football and basketball teams. She was an active member of the Daughter's of the Nile, attending Supreme Meetings in Hawaii and Vancouver, Wash. She was a member of the Sheridan Junior Women's Club. When junior members reached the age of 35, they were required to move on to the senior club. Instead, she and 29 others decided to form their own service club, Akcita Win (Indian for Women's Club). She was often the hamburger cook at the Akcita Win stand at the Sheridan Rodeo. She was a serious bridge player bringing home winnings from several clubs. She is survived by daughters, Bethel Bodine of El Cerrito, Calif., and Karol Tinken of Gillette; five grandchildren; and four great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Ronald Bodine; daughter, Karen Schmill; and a great-grandson. Memorials may be sent to the First Methodist Church in Sheridan. Donations and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences also may be sent via the tribute site at www.gillettememorialchapel.com or attached to the obituary on the News Record's website at www.gillettenewsrecord.com.