Lifelong Powell resident Josephine Ray Hanson, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home on April 16, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She had a decades long battle with cancer and then heart related issues but fought to the end, always remaining optimistic and upbeat.

Jo and her twin sister Gerry were the first born children of Ernest Sage and Pauline Doolin Sage on Oct. 19, 1949. They were joined by brother Tom on Aug. 6, 1952 and lastly sister Wanda on Sept. 13, 1953. Jo received all of her schooling in Powell, graduating from Powell High School in 1968, followed by a two-year associates degree at Northwest Community College.

Jo began her career in the legal profession at a young age when she began working for Joseph Darrah at his law firm in 1969. In, or around 1987 she then went to work in Cody for George Simonton and the law firm he shared with his brother Steve, where she remained for the rest of her working career.

Jo met her husband-to-be Milford (Butch) Hanson in 1968 and they later married on June 12, 1970 at the First Baptist Church in Powell. Jo had to receive written permission from her mother to marry Butch do to her young age of being 20. The happy couple had two sons, Brad Hanson born in March of 1974 and Daren Hanson born in February of 1981. Jo often commented the family had built an amazing life in Powell and was content to always remain in the area and prospered in doing so.

Upon retirement, Jo and Butch enjoyed many adventures camping in the Big Horns and exploring the backcountry in their "Buggy." Jo loved her "Buggy" rides in the mountains, along with camping, fishing, reading and even bowling in her younger years. Jo and Butch also have a wide circle of friends and socialized with them often.

Jo was preceded in death by her father, mother, twin sister Gerry, two older half sisters Dorris and Neree, and brother Tom. She is survived by husband Milford F. Hanson Jr. (Butch), sons Brad and Daren Hanson, grandsons Austin and Alex Hanson, sister Wanda, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. At Jo's request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned. As was her way, she was thinking of others before herself and understood how emotionally difficult a funeral or celebration of life would be for her family and friends. Memorials can be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Jo was one of the sweetest women you will ever meet, she found the good in everyone, and never met a stranger. She was the glue that held our family together, and was always taking care of others, it was never about her. Even as she was nearing the end she would ask her nurses if they were doing OK, and if they needed anything. She was small but mighty, always kept her guys in-line and fought through major life events that would humble most others.