Marjory Ilene Ousnamer

Marjory Ilene Ousnamer, beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother passed away June 20, 2024, at the age of 84.

Born on April 24, 1940, to Lyle and Lena Gray in Kemmerer, Wyoming, Marjory was the second of four children and their only daughter. She shared countless stories about the various places her family lived and all her dad's adventures – especially the ones about flying airplanes.

In her early teens, an accident took the life of her father and put her mother in the hospital for an extended time, so Marjory cared for her younger brothers; the first of many times she cared for loved ones in need. Marjory always laughed, saying she spent her life raising kids.

Marjory was a lifelong Wyoming resident and graduated from Hulett High School in 1958.

At a local dance she met Milton Ousnamer, who became the love of her life, and they married on November 15, 1959, in Hulett, Wyoming. They had three children: DeNea, Neil and Evan "Joe" and made their home in Alva, Wyoming.

Marjory enjoyed gardening, canning and was a truly gifted seamstress, happily making and mending. She enjoyed her travels with Milton and their family to Michigan and the Oregon Coast. While her love for music was well-known, she was also a very talented piano player, though rarely played in public.

She collected knick-knacks and "pretties". She was a great cook and even better baker. Marjory always had a meal in mind, or dessert ready to serve.

She loved teaching family how to make many of her "famous" dishes and was always willing to share her recipes and expertise with guidance and silly stories in the kitchen!

Marjory took pride in housekeeping at local homes and businesses until a move to Idaho late in life let her enjoy retirement. After several years, Wyoming was calling her home, so she moved back to the Hulett area, then lived in Spearfish, South Dakota, for her final years. 

Any place she resided, Marjory never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation anywhere, anytime. It was not uncommon for her to stand in the grocery store and chat and joke with everyone, often at length.

Marjory was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milton Ousnamer; her parents, Lyle and Lena Gray; brothers, Russel, Ancil and Robert; and great-grandson, Hudson Ritter.

Marjory is survived by her daughter, DeNea Ousnamer; sons, Neil (Mary) Ousnamer, Evan Joe Ousnamer; grandchildren, Briana (Cole), Kimberlee (Chris), Bobi Jo (Jesse), Cassandra and Patrick, as well as many great-grandchildren; her adored niece and nephew, Gina Gray-Field and Joe Gray, along with many other family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the Greater Hulett Community Center, 401 Sager Street in Hulett. Marjory always loved sharing her homemade pies with friends, family and the community.

The family encourages you to bring your favorite pie to share at the celebration to honor and share memories of Marjory. Following the celebration of life a small family graveside service will be held at the Alva Cemetery.

On behalf of Marjory and her family, a very special thank you is given to all the staff at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare and special friend Sandi Mani for the kindness, loving care and friendship given.

Marjory was especially proud of her family's military ties and asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Roy Montgomery American Legion Post 80 (1563 Mona Rd, Aladdin, WY 82710) or the Wounded Warrior Project (PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675)

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.