Bill Mansfield

Billy Gene (Bill) Mansfield, 88, of Wray, Colorado, passed away on November 22, 2012.

Bill was born on November 7th, 1924, in Haigler, Nebraska to Glen Jasper Mansfield and Lily Mae (Dowd) Mansfield. On September sth, 1941, Bill married the love of his live, Adora Ellen Dent of Tenton, Nebraska.  Bill and Ellen made their home in the Armel area where they farmed and ranched for many years. Four children were born to this union: Sharon Lee, Monte Eugene, Gary William, and Jo Ellen.

Bill took great pride in living and working on the plains of Eastern Colorado. Though he stayed very busy farming and ranching, Bill always took time to give back to his community by serving on the Colorado Wheat Committee, the Armel School Board, and numerous other organizations .

Bill loved fishing, hunting, history, but most of all his family.  He enjoyed spending time with his children and arrowhead hunting on Sunday afternoons.  He was often lucky enough to find one or two and had acquired quite the collection over the years.

Bill truly enjoyed all his grandchildren as well as treated each of them as special as the first.  He and Ellen took them on many camping excursions, and he enjoyed every minute. The grandkids knew that Grandpa would always have a few words of wisdom for them along with $2.00.  Bill spent many hours playing hide the thimble and trivia with the kids, and was often the winner.

Bill is survived by his wife Ellen of 71years, son Monte and Gail Mansfield, son Gary and Sharilyn Mansfield, and daughter Jo Ellen and Steve Goodman .

He leaves behind grandchildren Mark and Shawn Mehl, Jennifer, Jeanne, and Jill Mansfield, and Mike, Greg and Brian Goodman, as well as numerous great grandchildren.

Bill was proceeded in death by his step-father Carl McKinney, mother Lily McKinney, father Glen Mansfield, and daughter Sharon Mehl.

The services were held at Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home, November 28, 2012 with Bill Lewis officiating. Interment was held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado. Honorary escorts were Bill’s grandchildren, Mark & Shawn Mehl, Mike, Greg & Brian Goodman, Jennifer Novak, Jeanne Jackson and Jill Scott. Memorials contributions may be made to Hospice of the Plains.  Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

A Private Family Services will be held at the Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Bill Lewis officiating. Interment will be held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado.  Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home is in charge of arrrangements.