Margaret Gilchrist Mickelson, 93, of
Lander, previously of Big Piney, passed away
at Westward Heights Care Center in Lander
on April 24. She passed peacefully with her
family by her side.
Margaret was born on Oct. 19, 1925, to
Al and Catherine (Mantle) Gilchrist of Kemmerer.
She graduated from Kemmerer High
School in 1943. Margaret married Gordon
Mickelson on July 26, 1944. After Gordon returned
from military service in Germany they
both attended classes at the University of Wyoming.
Margaret was a die-hard Cowboy fan
and loved to attend the games in Laramie. The
couple made their home on the Mickelson
Ranch in Big Piney for 73 years. There they
raised their seven children and Margaret was
an active participant in the family business.
She served in many community organizations
throughout her life. She attended the Community
Congregational Church and served on the
Board of Trustees for 28 years. She was a 65-
year member of the Order of Eastern Star and
served as Grand Guardian of Jobs Daughters
for the State of Wyoming in 1973. Margaret
was a life member of Green River Valley Cattlewomen
and was Ranchwoman of the Year
in 1978. In 1964, Margaret was crowned Mrs.
Wyoming and attended the national competition
in St. Petersburg, Florida. She served
on the Sublette County Mental Health Board
and was a lifetime member of the American
Legion Auxiliary, Dee Fox Post.
Margaret’s hands were never idle. She was
an excellent seamstress and her family was
blessed with numerous counted cross-stitch
pictures. She always looked forward to her
monthly Bridge Club and spending time with
her friends.
Margaret was preceded in death by her
parents, a sister Jacketta, a brother Al, Jr.,
her husband Gordon, two sons Jim and Eric,
a daughter Margaret and a great-grandson
Gabriel. She is survived by daughter Corliss
(Jay) Carlson of Mesquite, Nev., and Big
Piney, sons Gordon II and T. Mark (Diane)
of Big Piney and daughter Mildred (Tom)
Abernathy of Lander, 23 grandchildren, 44
great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild
as well as numerous nieces and nephews
and countless friends.
Graveside services for Margaret will be
conducted at 11 a.m. on May 3, at the Plainview
Cemetery in Big Piney officiated by Big
Piney Chapter No. 42, Order of Eastern Star
followed by a light luncheon at the Southwest
Sublette County Pioneer Center in Marbleton,
111 Rakestraw Ave. In lieu of flowers Margaret
asked that donations be sent to the Shriner’s
Hospital for Children, 1275 E. Fairfax
Road, Salt Lake City, Utah 84013. Sign online
guestbook: www.HudsonsFuneralHome.
com.
