Marta Marie Nelson: 1953 – 2025
Marta Marie Nelson passed away peacefully after a long health battle, both physically and mentally, on March 4, 2025, at The St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings, Montana.
She was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, on June 15, 1953, to Lucille (Roth) and Alonzo Hemminger.
Marta graduated from high school in 1971 in Rapid City, South Dakota, and went on to become a single mother to Christopher Kantrud. She then moved home to Minnesota, where she met Kerwin Kantrud through her brother, Michael. They married a short time later in April of 1973, and a few months later, they added to their family with daughter Stacy, followed by Wendy in 1977.
The family lived in various areas of Minnesota and Rapid City, South Dakota, before settling in Gillette in 1980, where Kerwin and Marta raised their family until his passing in August 1985. Kerwin was deeply involved in the lives of all his children.
In June of 1987, Marta married LeRoy Nelson Sr. Together, they welcomed her last two children, Ashley and LeRoy Jr. Marta played a vital role in their construction business until their divorce in 2004.
Throughout her life, Marta was a member of Women of the Moose, a world champion dart player, and deeply involved in ancestry research alongside her cousin Ray Roth. She was a talented crafter and entrepreneur, owning several businesses, including Sunset Silkscreening and craft stores with Clio Carson. Additionally, she was a dedicated landlord, homemaker, and bookkeeper, always keeping herself busy and engaged in various endeavors.
Marta is survived by her children: Christopher Kantrud, Stacy Aloisio (David), Wendy Case, Ashley Kendrick (Aaron), and LeRoy Nelson Jr. (Haley); 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Michael A. Hemminger (Yvonne).
She is preceded in death by Kerwin Kantrud; her mother, Lucille; her father, Alonzo; her aunt, Margaret Lorenson; and her uncles, Roger and Virgil Roth.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Otice Neal Clements: 1947 – 2025
A celebration of life for Dr. Otice Neal Clements, O.D. will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Gillette Memorial Chapel.
Dr. Otice Neal Clements, O.D. passed away at home on March 3, 2025 with his wife, Margo, at his side. Otice was born on August 11, 1947 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Donald and Colleen (Jones) Clements. He was the second of four children. He grew up on various ranches in Montana and Wyoming. From that hardscrabble beginning of hard work, he learned skills that would carry him through the rest of his life. His was the true American story, working from humble beginnings through single-minded determination. He never forgot his cowboy roots and loved to tell stories about his early years and the uncles he admired. He loved music and as a teen played guitar in a band with his brother, Gene. In high school he excelled at football and track, and thought the world of Coach John Alberta.
After graduation from Campbell County High School, Otice married Margo Ann Bennick on April 8, 1966 in Deadwood, South Dakota. The couple would work together for the next several years to fulfill Otice’s dream of becoming an Optometrist. He worked summers as a roustabout in the oil field and Margo worked at Gillette Bakery for Connie Allen. Side hustles and odd jobs led to his graduations from Sheridan College, Black Hills State University, and Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon where he graduated with his Doctor of Optometry degree. It was during those years that their oldest son Kevin Eugene was born. After graduation the family moved to Yuba City, California and later back to Gillette, where he opened his own practice. They were blessed by the addition of another son, Dustin Neal, and their daughter Toni Leigh. He and Margo retired in 2015.
Otice had many interests that included water sports, rock climbing, hunting, livestock, the Wyoming Cowboys, and was a private pilot. He was a very proud member of the Cowboy Joe Club and rarely missed a game. He was a skilled craftsman who built the family home in Gillette and a log cabin in Crook County near Keyhole State Park. Otice was a great storyteller and enjoyed a visit with anyone with time to listen.
Otice is survived by his wife Margo of 58 years and his children: Kevin (Leslee) Clements, Dustin (Julie) Clements, and Toni (Daniel) Hostrup. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Dalton, Kane, Libby, Addison, and Brooklyn. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Otice was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Colleen Clements; sister, Esther Clark; and brother, Gene Clements.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Otice Clements’ name to the Cowboy Joe Club at the University of Wyoming. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Cowboy Joe Club, 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3414, Laramie, WY 82071; or online at cowboyjoeclub.com.
Roger Connolly: 1954 – 2025
Roger Connolly passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2025 at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota of cardiac complications.
He was born June 19, 1954 in Buffalo, Wyoming to Dale and Marian (Willey) Connolly. He attended Sheridan High School.
Following high school, Roger worked for several local ranches. He had a true love of that work: working cattle, riding horses, and was a pretty good roper. Later, he went to work at a coal mine in Gillette. His interest in large machinery was an asset and he especially enjoyed the dozer push.
After retiring, he settled to his home in Gillette with his spouse Connie Wright.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judy; and infant sister, Joanne.
He is survived by Connie; brother, Jack; sister, Susan (Mark); nephews: Kacey, Scott (Jamie), and Jeff; and his great niece, Luna.
No services are planned per Roger’s wishes.
