Velma Janet Boyles

Funeral for Mrs. Boyles Thursday

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Velma Boyles, 71, last Thursday afternoon at the Peet Chapel in Lusk.

Reverend Harold Brink of the Lusk Open Bible Church officiated. Mrs. J. P. Watson, organist, accompanied Mrs. Dean Glandt and Mrs. A. F. DeCastro as they sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus".

Casket bearers were Clifford Mangus, Lee Moore, Warren Robertson, John Hammond, Bob Fancher and Harry Sides. Burial was in the Lusk cemetery.

Mrs. Boyles wrote her own life story which follows.

"I, Velma Janet Rice, was born at Kirtley, Wyo., July 11, 1896, daughter of Jasa and Kate Ann Rice. My first term of school was at Kirtley under Miss Noble. In 1904 my parents, brother and I moved to Agate, Nebr., a little after that to Andrews, Nebr. and then Harrison, Nebr. I finished high school at Harrison under Anton Larson in 1913 and taught one term of school in Sioux Co.

In 1916 I toured over Sioux County in a model T Ford car with Mary Finski, County School Superintendent, visiting some 40 schools. Most of my life was with my parents until 1918, when I married Hilburn Boyles, an old schoolmate, March 30, 1918 at Harrison. We filed on homestead in Wyoming near the state line in 1918.

On September 3, 1918, my husband was drafted at Lusk and went to World War I. I stayed on the ranch while he was gone with his mother and nephew, who made their home with us. He was discharged at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo., March 22, 1919. We again took up ranching investing in sheep. I helped with herding, shearing and lambing besides raising all bum lambs that I could, also with milking, farming, haying feeding and extra jobs that came up.

Our first girl was born at the ranch in 1921 and second one in 1925. So now I had two other chores - raising my girls. But, we were happy to be blessed with them. In 1927 had to move to Van Tassell, Wyo., so the girls could be in school. I took over a Hotel there for about two years. Then moved into our own house there and I boarded school teacher (Nellie Bannon) two years. Both girls graduated from high school at Lusk.

In 1946 moved to Lusk as I had my aged mother to take care of. She passed away in May 1947 and we went back to ranch for the last time. As both girls were married we were alone.

In 1954 I had eye surgery at Casper, Wyo., losing vision in one eye. In 1958 other sickness caused my hearing to be bad. My husband passed away November 4, 1960. Since then have made my home with the girls so am not alone. Though my trials and worries were numerous, I still have to carry on in this life and am so thankful I can do so. Now as evening shadows gather around me I fold my hands and think of all the loved ones that have gone on and look around to see the dear ones that are still with me. My God bless them all. All my life I have felt that the good Lord was beside me. Now as I close my book and eyes, can say all is well with my soul."

Survivors include her two daughters Mrs. Hugh (Elma) McLean and Mrs. Van (Vivian) Hank, both of Lusk. Three grandchildren Darwin, Lea Ann and Janet Hank; and three step-grandchildren Gurney, Clair and Reda McLean; one brother Delbert Rice of Post Falls, Idaho.

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