The town of Eads is honoring the remarkable life of Orville Mousel, who has made his mark on the community for over 105 years. Born in Cheyenne County near Firstview, Mousel’s life is a testament to resilience and dedication. His story includes a harrowing experience during World War II, when he was stationed on a Navy ship at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, which was attacked and began to sink.
Initially presumed dead due to the chaos following the attack, Mousel’s family received a telegram confirming his death. However, he miraculously returned home, much to the surprise of his loved ones. After resuming his service in the Navy, he married Rita, a girl from his childhood neighborhood, and together they raised two sons, Craig and Roger. Craig passed away in 2014, while Roger is now married to Marsha, daughter of the late Joe and Faye Schmitt, who continues to foster community spirit through her generous contributions.
Mousel and Rita enjoyed a life of travel and eventually settled in Cheyenne Wells and Eads, where they built a home overlooking the town. Today, Orville remains active, often seen navigating the halls with a walker, his well-groomed white hair and engaging stories about his military service making him a beloved figure in the community.
The community also mourns the recent loss of Terry Voss, a dedicated supporter of Eads sports. Voss, who graduated in 1980, passed away after a prolonged illness. Her legacy as a passionate Eads Eagle fan is well-remembered, especially for her unwavering attendance at games alongside her children. A burial service is scheduled at Haswell Cemetery, with a family lunch to be held at the Eads Senior Citizens Center following the ceremony.
Local organizations are encouraging community support, particularly for the Prairie Pines Assisted Living Community. Former director Sheri Weber has highlighted a need for donations of essential items such as toiletries and snacks, which can greatly benefit the residents.
On the sports front, the Eads community showcased its spirit during a basketball game against Holly, highlighted by a large balloon arch at the gym entrance. The event featured Betsy Barnet, who led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and recognized Toryn Neugebauer, the new 235-pound girls wrestling champion in Colorado. Additionally, Anna Wollert was honored for surpassing 1,000 career points in basketball during the parent night celebration.
In a lighter note, local residents enjoyed a visit to Trista Tuttle’s Country Elegance Shop, where they sampled a selection of warm and cool coffees. Tuttle’s shop not only offers food but also serves as a floral and gift store and art lesson space, enriching community life.
Highlighting the achievements of young athletes, Devrah Muth from Cheyenne Wells has earned the title of 10-11 Hoop Shoot Champion at the Colorado state meet and is set to compete at the national level. Her sister, Sadie, also showcased her talent by finishing second in her division, continuing the legacy of the Gooden family, prominent figures in Eads.
As Eads continues to celebrate its community members and support one another, the stories of individuals like Orville Mousel and Terry Voss remind everyone of the strength and unity that binds them together.
