Margaret Helen Strannigan

Margaret Helen Strannigan, daughter of Andrew (Andy) and Elizabeth (Bess) Strannigan, was born in Dawson, N.M. March 4, 1924.

At the age of five she moved to Winton, Wyoming with her parents and remained a resident of Sweetwater County until her death at the age of 92 on Nov. 29, 2016.  She attended Winton Grade School and graduated from Reliance High School in 1942. 

In September, 1942, she began her clerical career as a payroll clerk in the Winton Mine Office and worked there until the closing of the Winton mines in 1953. Her employment with the Union Pacific Coal Company continued at the Reliance Mine Office until the Reliance coal mines also closed.

Then began a career in the automobile industry when she accepted a position with Crippa Motor Company as the chief bookkeeper. Within months after her employment began, she was entrusted with additional financial responsibilities while owner, Edward (Ted) Crippa, went to Washington, D.C. to complete the unexpired term of U. S. Senator Lester C. Hunt. When ownership of the Ford franchise was transferred to Taylor Motor and Bennion Ford, Strannigan continued her accounting responsibilities for the new owners. During this career, the Ford Motor Company recognized her nationally several times for excellence, accuracy, and dedication to her job. 

Prior to her retirement, she worked at North Side State Bank, now 1st Bank, followed by a move to Ideal Basics in Stansbury, where the mines in that area were opened for a brief period only to be closed once again by cutbacks in coal production. 

Strannigan found time to serve on the Sweetwater County Library Board of Trustees for eight years, bowled for the women's Coca-Cola Company team and was one of the founding members of the 1968 Coal Camp Reunion Committee. At the conclusion of the reunion, the committee donated funds to local charities, placed a memorial bench at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, participated in returning the "Welcome" Rock Springs Coal sign to its original location, and donated funds for the Clearing the Haulway monument and memorial bench. 

She was an active member of Mountain Lily Chapter #10, Order of Eastern Star, as well as Wyoming P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter L. 

She was preceded in death by her father Andy, mother Bess and brother Bill.

She is survived by her sister Elizabeth (Liz) Strannigan of Rock Springs; sister-in-law Clarice Strannigan of Riverton; nephew Terry Strannigan and children Brandon, Blake and Blair of Valencia, Calif .; nephew Scott (Dianna) Strannigan and children Chelsea, and Conor of Laramie; and great-nephews Morrison and Stone Houston of Laramie.

Funeral services took place Dec. 2.

The family respectfully suggests that donations in her memory be made to Hospice of Sweetwater County, the First Congregational Church Stained Glass Fund or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhome.com.