Geraldine Faye Traphagan

G. Faye Traphagan

G. Faye Traphagan, age 94, of Lusk, passed away at Niobrara County Health and Life Center Saturday, April 10, 2010. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2010, at St. Leo's Catholic Church, with Father Felix Martinito officiating. Rosary will be recited at St. Leo's on Wednesday, April 14, at 6 p.m.

Faye was born in Sterling, Colo., June 30, 1915, to Julia (Scott) and William Ross. She married Joseph H. Traphagan Oct. 18, 1939, at Sidney Nebr., and came to live on a ranch in Wyoming. She helped her husband feed stock in good weather and bad, and kept house without the aid of modern conveniences for 16 years. They bought a home in Lusk in 1971 due to her husband's health, and she became a widow in 1973. The Traphagans had three daughters.

Faye joined the Sage Brush Pals Extension Club two months after it was organized in 1947, missing very few meetings. She was the third president of the club, served as vice-president two years, was club secretary five years, and club reporter for fifteen years. She held many different chairmanships. For years while living on the ranch she organized the country dances, securing the music and usually providing them supper to get them to come so far. She was always there to help clean the club house.

On the county extension club level Faye served two years as county president; two years as cultural art chairman; four years as county fair chairman, planning and buying the food and overseeing in general, spending many hours during the fair to help keep things running smoothly. She also served as 4-H leader seven different years.

On the state extension club level, she served as state citizenship chairman for 4 years, state safety chairman for 2 years, and has served on the state nomination committee. She attended ten state meetings and two national meetings, several regional meetings, participating in and conducting the programs.

On the national level she attended national safety meetings in Washington, D.C. in 1974 and 1975, citizenship meetings in 1971 and 1973, and one C.W.C. meeting.

On the community level, Faye was on the P.T.A. board, served as V.F.W. president and chairman of the Americanism contest, was rural Cancer Chairman, and was active in her church. She helped with many funeral dinners in her own home.

Faye was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, twin infant daughters, two sisters, and two brothers. She is survived by her daughters: Marge Merchen, Torrington, Wyo.; Pat Trujillo, Sun City, AZ; and Joe Ellen Landkamer, Lance Creek, Wyo., nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Niobrara Health and Life Center, or to the Diane Dockery scholarship fund at St. Leo's Catholic Church.

Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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