Cleda Ann Loper

Cleda Ann Loper was born on February 6, 1938, in Shidler, OK, the only child of Cled and Sarah "Betty" (Pugh) Loper. Her family moved to Powell when she was 10, and her father got a job working at Elk Basin. After her graduation from Powell High School in 1956, she entered the United States Air Force. She served in Germany, Turkey, Hawaii, as well as stateside locations for the next 20 years and retired in 1978.

Cleda then returned to Powell and worked at McGlathery’s, True Value, and at the bowling alley. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed camping with her 4-legged “kids” – she LOVED her dogs, woodworking, and bowling (she wrote the “House Mouse” articles for the bowling league, published in the Powell Tribune for a number of years). 

A highlight of each year was attending the annual Women of the Air Force Association Conventions, which were held at different locations. She enjoyed visiting with her many friends from the service and traveling to new places. Cleda organized the event held in Park County. A highlight of recent years was attending the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, NM, with friends from Powell. Cleda was very independent, and yet observant and willing to give to those in need. She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church. Cleda Ann Loper went to her heavenly home on July 15, 2024, at the age of 86, after a brief stay at New Horizons Care Center in Lovell. 

Cleda was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her special 4-legged companion Arf, many long-time friends including Mary Fagan, Sandee Whiteman, Patty Startin, and her church family. A celebration of Cleda’s life will be held on  Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church of Powell, Monroe and Madison St., followed by interment at Crown Hill Cemetery with full military honors. Because of her love for dogs, Cleda wished that donations be made to the Powell Animal Shelter in lieu of flowers.