Myrna Maxine Grimm

“Mac”

December 20, 1927 – March 30, 2024

After 96 years of life filled with remarkable achievements toward the preservation of our area’s history, the life of Myrna Grimm has ended. “Mac,” as she preferred to be addressed, died at Sheridan Green House Living with cherished and beloved friends and Pastor Jim Barth of First Methodist Church by her side.

Myrna Maxine Ficke was born in Seward, Nebraska, to Fred J. and Ida C. (Van Andel) Ficke and she grew up on a farm near Pleasant Dale, NE. She graduated from High School in Pleasant Dale in 1945 and attended the University of Nebraska as a member of Kappa Phi. While at the University, she met William A. “Bill” Grimm at the Methodist Student House, and they married on June 6, 1948. They longed to live near the mountains and moved to Sheridan, WY. Together with their children, they spent much of their time camping, hunting, and fishing in the Big Horn Mountains. Her husband, Bill, managed The Sheridan Commercial Mill with Mac, who worked at his side as a bookkeeper and secretary. She also worked in retail at Stevens Fryberger’s for many years.

Traveling the Oregon and Bozeman Trails aroused Mac’s interest in history, and she became involved in the Sheridan County Historical Society. While no longer with us, Mac’s work lives on and her dedication to local history is unparalleled. She joined the Sheridan County and Wyoming State Historical Societies, working closely with our area’s most famous citizens, including Elsa Spear Byron, Hans Kleiber, Vic Willits Garber, Glenn Sweem, Bob Helvey, Frank and Lida Campbell, George Ostrum, Alma Grimes, Howard (Neckyoke Jones) Sinclair, Mary Ellen McWilliams, and others. Mac served as president twice and secretary/treasurer three times for The Sheridan County Historical Society. She also served as a board member, volunteer, and advisory board member to other organizations. Known as the “Queen of the Scrapbooks,” Mac saved, clipped, and scrapbooked accounts of local history. She presented her final scrapbook, the 20^th, to the Sheridan County Library for their collections shortly before her death. Included were detailed accounts of the massive efforts made over the years to save the Sheridan Inn and Trail End (now State Historic sites). She served as a member of the Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, researching, preserving, and promoting the stories of these National Historic Landmark sites. Mac worked extensively to develop and establish a County Museum.

Mac is survived by her three children, Fred (Dianne) Grimm, Kent “Jake” (Katie) Grimm, and Norla Grimm. Her grandchildren include Jess Grimm, Candy (Mike) Mull, Jeremy Grimm, Julie (Gregory) Lisk, and Christine (Nicholas) Johnson, and three great-grandchildren: Colt and Kaycen Johnson, and Ida Lisk.

Mac was blessed with wonderful and faithful friends, including the amazing volunteers and staff at Meals on Wheels, Mel’s Helping Hands, The HUB, Sheridan Hospital, and Sheridan Green House, particularly Scott Cottage. Gratitude abounds!

There are no formal funeral services. The family plans to combine Mac and Bill’s ashes, per their wishes, and scatter them in their favorite places in the Big Horn Mountains. Champion Funeral Home is entrusted with funeral arrangements. Condolences are welcomed and can be written at www.championfh.com.

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