Erma Virginia Calmes

Erma Virginia Calmes passed away in Torrington, Wyoming on August 24, 2013 with her children by her side. Virginia was a lifelong resident of southeast Wyoming for her ninety-three years. Virginia was born in Sunrise, Wyoming in June, 1920, the only child of William Ernest and Esther Viola (Cadwell) Carbis. She grew up north of Hartville, WY on her family’s homestead with a large extended family. She was a graduate of Sunrise High School and the recipient of a scholarship to the University of Wyoming. Virginia worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in Torrington and Guernsey before being employed by CF&I Steel Corporation. During her tenure with CF&I she managed the business and human resources office for the Sunrise Mine. It was important to her that the employees were supported, and she never hesitated to answer a question about insurance or other related matter after hours by phone or when someone stopped by her home. She was active in the community as a Boy Scout leader and Job’s Daughters Council member. Virginia also served on the Board of Directors for the Guernsey Community Federal Credit Union for several years. There was nothing Virginia loved more than family gatherings. Family and friends alike looked forward to the annual July 4th celebration at her home in Guernsey and weekend gatherings at Lake Guernsey. She rejoiced in spending time with her grandchildren; playing ball, croquet and watching them jump on the backyard trampoline. Virginia loved the out-of-doors and had an abiding love and concern for nature and the environment. She traveled primarily to visit family in the continental United States, but enjoyed several extended trips to beautiful, memorable Hawaii. After 35 years of service at the Sunrise Mine, she retired in March, 1983. She enjoyed reading health and wellness journals, the daily newspaper, and mystery novels; painting and drawing; and geology. A fan of baseball, she delighted in celebrating recent birthdays with trips to Denver to watch the Rockies. She loved and cared for her family; took great pride in her career and was a determined, courageous and independent woman throughout her life. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Clifford E. Frasier, son-in-law Merle Dick and second husband Joseph N. Calmes. She is survived by her children William H. Frazier and his wife Sandra of Cheyenne, WY; Esther M. Dick of Torrington, WY; Micheal T. Calmes and wife Susan of Glenrock, WY; Allen J. Calmes and wife Glenna of Evanston, WY; and Loxi Jo Calmes and husband Charles S. Mainini of Lunenburg, MA; ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life and private placement of her ashes will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that donations be made in Virginia’s remembrance to Cathedral Home for Children, Box 520, Laramie, WY 82073; the Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd Kanab, UT 84741; or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com.

Erma Virginia Calmes

June 28, 1920 - August 24, 2013