Obituary of June Agnes Stonecypher

June Agnes (Erickson) Stonecypher, 97, of Pierce, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2022 at her home.  She was born November 16, 1924 in Coos Bay, Oregon.

As a young girl June sang and played her guitar on the Greeley radio (KFKA).  June rode her horse to school and was a master at ranch work tending to cattle and tackling whatever chores needed to be done on her family ranch 25 miles northeast of Pierce.  

After getting married December 25, 1945 her and her husband Robert lived in Lander WY, eventually moving to Pierce, CO. June drove school bus for 32 years, never having caused even a scratch to her buses! She was a very trusted and responsible bus driver and became known as Grandma June by her adoring bus riders.

Because of her developed practical skills, local people would hire her to help them complete various household jobs such as installing screen doors and windows and she frequently gave advice on plumbing, electrical issues, etc. Rarely did she call a professional for any household problems. She even did all the maintenance on their vehicles like changing oil and filters as well as rotating tires. June even built on an addition to the house with her bare hands with help from some family and friends.  With the help of a Reader's Digest Building Guide, she dove into the project. Almost all materials were recycled from old buildings, garage sales, and auctions. The result was a very cozy room facing south with a wood burning stove.  Later, she "ran" a few head of cattle for 2 summers east of Pierce "on the range", a dream to return to ranching after all those years!

June was an animal lover and rescued many dogs and cats over the years. One cat in particular seems very out of sorts right now who continually wanders and cries around the house searching for her long- time lady master.

June loved to tell stories about the old days growing up on the prairie during the 20's and 30's and how her mom cried for months moving from Sweden, then to Coos Bay, OR, and eventually homesteading on the wide-open spaces of eastern Colorado. Her mom eventually came to absolutely love the prairie and so did June.

June liked to tell stories of her bus driving days driving to downtown Denver, up the canyons of the Rockies, band trips all over the western states, and driving the activity bus for nearly all sports. The kids she drove on her bus all called her Grandma June.  June drove a private van many times to Black Hawk Casino in the mountains and dabbled at the penny machines waiting for her riders to be done gambling for the day. 

June continued to be very active in her later years even after age 90, walking to get the post office mail, continuing to collect firewood for the wood stove, trying to keep up with her big yard, and always visiting with old friends, family, and relatives. Her son Frank had moved back into June's house for many years and as June needed more help and care, Frank eventually devoted nearly all his time caring for June. June did not want to enter an old folks home and Frank was determined to keep her at her home. Her wishes were honored and she died at home with many of her loving family surrounding her. Frank’s devotion and care especially during her last few months of her life gave June much comfort.

We would especially like to thank Mattea Adams (and husband Robert) for the special nursing care she gave to June in the last year and the advice she gave to Frank to help support June. 

June is survived by her children; Sidney Drackert of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Allison Hocking and husband John of Castle Pines, Colorado, Franklin Stonecypher of Pierce, Colorado and Roberta Michie and husband Doug of Harshaw, Wisconsin, 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, and her siblings; Rick Erickson, Alice Togrimson and Arnold Erickson.

A funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022 at Pierce United Methodist Church.  Interment Eaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pierce Senior Center in care of Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 W. 47^th Ave., Greeley, Colorado  80634.

Friends may send condolences to the family at adamsoncares.com.