Reta M. Butler Swope

Reta M. Swope

Funeral services for Reta M. Swope, 91, were held on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Bader Funeral Home Chapel in Lusk, with viewing one hour prior to services. Pastor Ray Parkhurst of Lander officiated the services.

Visitation for Mrs. Swope was held on Wednesday at the Hoopes Funeral Home in Lander. Burial was in the Lusk Cemetery following Thursday's service.

Mrs. Swope died September 26, 1994, at the Lander Valley Medical Center.

She was born September 9, 1903, near Chatham, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Barlett Miller and Francis Hawgood Miller.

She came to the United States in the early 1920s to care for a cousin and then became a naturalized citizen. She lived in Casper and Midwest during the first oil booms.

She married E. H. Butler in 1924. As a young couple, they moved to the oil boom town of Borger, Texas. They moved back to Wyoming and homesteaded north of Lance Creek in Niobrara County in 1927.

Three sons were born to the marriage, Oliver, Murray and Gordon. Her husband died in 1933. She ran the doggie (Dogie) Post Office for a number of years.

Mrs. Swope also homesteaded in 1934. She married Walter L. Swope in 1934. Two daughters were born to the marriage, Ruth and Marjorie.

The family moved to Lusk in 1949, where Mr. Swope transported the mail from Lusk to Chadron, Neb.

They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. Mr. Swope died in 1973.

Mrs. Swope moved to Lander in 1986. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they enjoyed her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Lloyd Miller; one sister, Violet McFadden; two husbands; her son, Gordon; daughter, Marjorie; one granddaughter and one great-grandson.

She is survived by two sons, Oliver Butler of Riverton and Murray Butler of Keeline; one daughter, Ruth Reed of Lander; eight grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the choice of the donor in care of the Hoopes Funeral Home.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records