Ivy May VanTassell

Death Takes Mrs. Ivy Van Tassell At Hospital Here

Thon Book No. 9

Mrs. Ivy Van Tassell long-time resident of this county passed away at the Spencer Hospital at 11:45 o'clock this (Thursday) night, her death attributed to the clogging of blood to a large heart vessel.

The deceased had been ill for the past three days, and entered the hospital for treatments Wednesday. She succumbed less than 24 hours after she was admitted, despite all that medical science could provide for her condition. She had been a chronic sufferer from asthma and this had brought a lowering of her condition for the last year or more.

She is survived by her husband Leon, rural mail route carrier; one daughter, Mrs. Doris Umphenour, of this city, and one son, Forrest, whose present whereabouts are unknown. Efforts are being made to locate him, and it is understood that radio facilities will be called upon unless the family gets in touch with him shortly.

Tentative plans are that funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Peet Mortuary at 2:00 Sunday afternoon, November 26th. Interment will be in the Lusk cemetery.

The Van Tassells have resided in Niobrara county for many years, and until they came to Lusk, lived on a ranch nine miles south of this city. They have resided here for a number of years, during which time Mrs. Van Tassell acquired a host of friends and admirers through her friendly disposition and charming mannerisms. All will regret the loss of this fine citizen and good neighbor, who seldom thought of herself but was always doing something for those who might need her assistance or considerate understanding. Because of the lateness of her death, an obituary will be given in next week's issue.

Lusk Herald
November 11, 1944
Services Held On Sunday for Mrs. Ivy May Van Tassell

Death claimed Mrs. Ivy May Van Tassell, wife of Leon R. Van Tassell, at nearly midnight on Thursday, Nov. 23.

Mrs. Van Tassell had been in poor health for a number of years, but was able to be about until a few days before her passing, when she took very ill at her home and was taken to the hospital on Wednesday, passing away the following day.

The Van Tassell family came to Wyoming thirty-five years ago and they have a large circle of friends in this community where they have lived so long. Mrs. Van Tassell was known as the best of neighbors and gave unstintingly of her time and strength to those who needed her help.

Ivy May Kirby was born at Carlesville, Illinois, August 14, 1879, the daughter of Ebenezer and Zarilda Kirby.

When she was 14 years of age the family moved to east central Nebraska, where she grew to womanhood. When she was 16, her mother died, leaving four younger children. She assumed the responsibility of raising these younger brothers and sisters.

At Neligh, Neb., on December 2, 1902, she was united in marriage to Leon R. Van Tassell. The couple then moved to Minnesota, where they resided for seven years. Then in 1909 they came to Wyoming and located on a homestead nine miles south of Lusk, which was the family home until 1926 when they established residence in Lusk.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Tassell: Gladys, who died in infancy; Lawrence, who died at the age of three years, and Forest and Doris, who survive their mother.

The son, Forest, has recently been employed in the State of Washington, but changed location within the last few days before his mother's death and could not be located at that time, either through telegrams or radio broadcasts. However, the evening after the funeral service, Forest called from Great Falls, Mont., but he knew nothing of his mother's death.

Mrs. Van Tassell united with the Congregational Church in her girlhood and was a member of the Rebekah lodge.

She is survived by her husband, her son Forest of Montana, and daughter, Mrs. Doris Umphenour of Lusk, and two grandchildren, Carol Jean Umphenour of Lusk, and Richard Van Tassell of Omaha; one brother, Truman Kirby of Orchard, Neb., and three sisters, Mrs. Ella Puntney of Clearwater, Neb.; Mrs. Gertrude Forseberg of Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Maude Freisheim of Tacoma, Wash.

Mrs. Erma Kirby, wife of Pvt. Kenneth Kirby, was here from Sheridan to attend the funeral services. Pvt. Kirby, who is overseas, is a nephew of Mrs. Van Tassell's.

Funeral services were conducted from the Peet chapel on Sunday afternoon with Rev. Lawrence Juell and Rev. Paul Hoover officiating. The Rebekah Lodge services were also conducted at the Chapel.

Mrs. H.J. Templeton sang "God Understands," and Rev. Hoover sang "Goodnight Here, Good Morning Over There." Mrs. Gerald Bardo was the accompanist.

The casket bearers were Roy McLain, Floyd McLain, Henry Kaan, Nick Kaan, Menno Kaan and Z.B. Crinklaw.

Interment was made in the Lusk cemetery.

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