Gerald Gregg Luce: 1951 – 2023
Gerald (Gerry) Gregg Luce of Cheyenne, Wyoming died peacefully at home on May 1st, 2023. Gerry was the youngest of four boys born to Elvin A. Luce and Thelma L. (Pearson) Luce in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In a house full of all boys, a love of puppies, cars, and Minnesota Twins Baseball was a prerequisite. Gerry would love all three, all the days of his life.
After graduating from Lincoln High School at age 17, Gerry enlisted in the United States Army. Since he was only 17, Gerry’s parents had to sign their permission for him to join. By enlisting in the Army under the Buddy System, Gerry and his best friend, Dale Wetzbarger, were allowed to stay together through Basic Training.
After Basic, Gerry completed his Medical Advance Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was then assigned to Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii for further medical training before going to Vietnam. Assigned to the 49th Medical Evacuation Hospital, 57th Medical Detachment, and the 82nd Medical Detachment in Can Tho, Vietnam. Gerry worked as a “Dust Off” Helicopter Medevac Medic. The Dust Off units are named for the dust created when the helicopters quickly take off and land. Known for being an extremely dangerous job, approximately 5,600 helicopters were lost during the Vietnam War. On one of his days off, a helicopter from Gerry’s unit crashed during a storm. All crew members aboard were killed. On a trip to Washington DC in 1995, Gerry was able to locate the names of his crew members on the Vietnam Wall as well as visit Arlington National Cemetery.
During his tours in Vietnam, Gerry was sending his money back home to South Dakota. He even opted for a six-month extension. When he returned to Sioux Falls it was in a brand-new Ford Mustang Fastback! Upon his discharge from the Army, and with money from the GI Bill, Gerry moved to Bozeman, Montana to attend Montana State University. While working part-time at the hardware store he met Marian (Marni) Mulryan. The couple was married in 1975.
Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Television, Gerry got a job in Kalispell, Montana. One year later, Gerry accepted a job in Cheyenne, Wyoming with the local television station KYCU. In 1978 he also joined the Wyoming Army National Guard. Gerry left the television station for a full-time position as a Laramie County Sheriff’s Deputy. During this time Marni and Gerry added two daughters to their family, Kellie and Kara. After working for the Sheriff’s Department for six years, Gerry was offered a full-time position with the Wyoming Army National Guard. This took the family to Sheridan, Wyoming in 1986. By 1993, the Luce’s were transferred back to Cheyenne as Gerry’s career continued to advance.
Throughout his career with the Wyoming Army National Guard, Gerry traveled the world and held many different positions. He served with the 115th Field Artillery (FA) Brigade and the 49th Field Artillery (FA). With the 115th FA Brigade, Gerry served as Forward Observer/Aerial Observer and Communications Platoon Leader. He also served as the Battery Commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB) 115th FA Group. He was the Administrator Officer/S1 for the 1st Battalion 49th FA, Administrative Officer (full time), Administrative Officer/S1, Battery Commander-B Battery 1st Battalion, Battalion Commander-1st Battalion. With 115th Field Artillery Brigade, he served as the S4 Logistics Officer (full time), Administrative Officer (full time), Training Officer (full time), S4 Logistics Officer, and the S3 Operations Officer. Gerry was also the Logistics Officer (full time)-USPFO and Public Affairs Officer for the Wyoming Army National Guard. Gerry proudly completed his career with the military and retired at the rank of Colonel.
Following the move back to Cheyenne in 1993, Gerry also resumed his work with the Laramie County Sheriff’s Department as a Reserve Deputy. Once fully retired from active-duty military, Gerry went back to work full time with the Sheriff’s Department. Gerry acted as the Public Affairs Officer, as well as the Administrator and Training Officer until his retirement from that agency. Gerry was known to be a trusted, supportive, and dedicated leader that many people turned to. These skills served him well in every aspect of his life.
Retirement brought Gerry the opportunity to pursue his hobbies, travel, and spend time with his family and friends. Though of all the roles he had in his life, Gerry was most excited to be the proud Papa to six grandchildren. Watching the grandkids’ soccer and baseball games, and school programs brought him enormous happiness. From playing Legos to Chess, Gerry was just glad to be able to spend time with the kids. Though nothing could compare to when Papa brought out the John Deere! When he took the grandkids out for a ride, or let them “drive,” those are memories cherished by everyone. His love for the Minnesota Twins came full circle as well. Recently Gerry and Marni were able to attend a game at Target Field in Minneapolis. They were able to walk the field, see the dugouts, and be on the dirt next to the diamond.
Gerry was also an avid reader and retained a wealth of knowledge, especially for history. While the Civil War and Military History were his primary focus, Gerry was also well versed in Western and Local History. Gerry was often provided more opportunities than he would have liked to be in the Camp Guernsey, Wyoming area. However, the nearby Oregon Trail ruts, Fort Laramie, and other nearby historical sites were always a highlight for Gerry. They hold a special place in the heart of the family as well.
Gerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marni; daughters Kellie Shaffer (Josh) and Kara Zeigler (Damon); as well as grandchildren Logan, Carson, Delaney & Owen Shaffer, and Chloe & Ian Zeigler; his two brothers, Jim (Elaine) Luce and Ron Luce of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; brother and sister-in-law, Matt and Cathy Mulryan of Illinois; brother and sister in Heart, Bruce and Cathy Hirsch of Arizona; and brother and sister in Heart, Dale and Donna Wetzbarger of Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Elvin “Dennis” Luce.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.
BayLee Carabajal-Clark: 2007 – 2023
We can’t even begin to express the pain & grief of the tragic murder of our daughter. On April 30, 2023, my 3 children and family members were victims of a drive by shooting at a local park, while playing basketball, when a Black SUV drove by shooting at my children and their cousins. My daughter was directly shot in her head. She was taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center where she passed May 1, 2023 with family & friends by her side. My baby was one of the most beautiful, and sweetest souls with a huge heart. She was the most lovely girl you could ever hope to meet and was adored by everyone. Our family is beyond broken; yet another precious life taken way too soon due to the gun violence with teens in our community. We will miss you so much Bill! Love always & forever, Babygirl. With your beautiful “Teal” wings, fly high and please watch over ALL of Us & tell Julian Hi & we love & miss him!
BayLee Gene Carabajal-Clark, 15, of Cheyenne, Wyoming is a 9th Grader at South High School.
She was born on July 27, 2007 to Eugene Carabajal and Brianne Clark.
She is survived by her father and stepmother, Eugene and Jazmen Carabajal; her mother and stepfather Brianne Clark and Michael Jacoby; her brother Zachary Clark and Serina Vigil; her twin sister MyLee Carabajal-Clark and Ray Martinez; little sister AuBrianne Carabajal; stepsister Regina Knipper; stepbrother Joseph Jacoby, as well as other siblings, all of Cheyenne.
Niece Chole Jacoby; grandmother Theresa Clark (Penaflor) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandmother Lisa Carabajal and Gene Pena Commerce City, Colorado; grandfather Michael Clark of Wheatland, Wyoming; great-grandparents Sylvester and Julia Penaflor of Cheyenne, Wyoming; great-grandparents Robert and Linda Rottman of Lake Havasu, Arizona; great-grandparents Butch and Sue Clark of Wheatland, Wyoming
Jimmy and Carrieanne Vigil of Cheyenne, Wyoming, who have helped care for BayLee and her siblings; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
At this time services have been postponed.
Abraham T. Curry: 1946 – 2023
Abraham T. Curry Jr (Abe), 76, of Cheyenne, passed away at home on May 8. Abe was born on October 22, 1946 in Manhattan, New York to mother Lena Lou Spottedcrow and father Abraham T. Curry, Sr.
Abe was retired and spent most his days playing golf, cards with friends or gambling.
Abe is survived by his wife Tina Curry; sister Charleene (Cat) Franklin; sister Charlotte Hancock; brother Billy “Buster” Curry; daughter Alowan Lou Johnson; son Alan Romero; daughter Angel (Lashawn) Harris; daughter April (Johnathan) Garcia; daughter Micky Morales; niece Nya “Booboo” Villezcas; grandsons Lashawn Jr., Donell Harris, Jerimiah Garcia, Angelo Garcia; and granddaughter Taisha Chavez, and so many more grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on May 17, 2023 at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, followed by a celebration of life at Burke Senior Center 2101 Thomes Ave.
Burnell “Bill” Harris J.R.: 1944 – 2023
Burnell “Bill” Harris Jr. of Cheyenne Wyoming passed away May 3, 2023. Services will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming on 5/11/2023 at 9:30 a.m.
Judy Ann Crane Elliot McCoy: 1933 – 2023
Judith Ann Crane Elliott McCoy, 89, of Chevy Chase, Maryland and Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed on May 6th, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family and friends.
She was born on June 3, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, to Marjorie Riggs Hemus and A. Harry Crane. She graduated from Topeka High School and The University of Kansas where she received a BA and Master’s in education.
Judy was the Director of Development at several private schools in Maryland and volunteered throughout her life. Her roles included docent for The National Gallery; WDC Junior League volunteer; Auction Chairman for the Sidwell Friends School; President of Garden Club of Ch Ch. She was a member and officer of Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at the University of Kansas, a founding Member of the Board of The McLean School in Potomac, Maryland, The Purnell School in New Jersey, Chevy Chase Club, The Sulgrave Club in Washington, D.C., P.E.O., Garden Club of America and All Saints Episcopal Church. Judy and Bob also lived in Ann Arbor, New York City, San Francisco, D.C. and London. She enjoyed tennis, gardening, flower arranging, friendships and travel. Her smile could light up a room.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathryn Crane Elliott and Meg Elliott (Keith) Smith; grandsons, Austin and Ryan Smith; second husband, Dr. Theodore McCoy and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marjorie Crane Schnacke; her husband of 59 years, Robert H. Elliott, Jr.; and her grandson, Gavin Grey Smith.
Services will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase in mid-June (TBD). In lieu of flowers she requested donations be made to capeivy.org in memory of her grandson, Gavin Smith.
Ralph Melvin Oster: 1928 – 2023
Ralph Melvin Oster, 94, passed away on April 8, 2023.
He was born on December 24, 1928.
Ralph’s early work consisted of Western Union, setting pins at Sids Bowling, both on 16th Street and on Base, and Duck Pins on West 18th Street. He worked at Allen Oil, UPRR Wheel House and Firestone on Carey Avenue.
Ralph graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1946 and also joined the Wyoming Air National Guard in 1946 with serial number 15. He was activated during the Korean Conflict, January 1, 1952. Upon his return, he worked for Land Air and then the Air National Guard full time. Ralph was a crew chief and crewed each and every kind of airplane the Wyoming Air National Guard ever had. His last C-130 was 754. His favorite was the F-51 Mustang. He retired after 38 years of service.
He was an accomplished outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter.
Melvin is survived by his daughter, Linda Dorr of Puyallup, Washington; son, Dick Oster of Cheyenne; five grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ellen Louise Duncan Oster on September 27, 2013.
A family service remembering Ralph will be held at a later date.
Cynthia “Cindy” Wise: 1956 – 2023
Cindy passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 5, after a 10-year battle with cancer that she fought until the end.
She loved her family and friends dearly. She loved working for Dr. Richard Giovale and the VA as a dental hygienist and she loved the patients she cared for over the many years.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years Bruce; her 3 children Meghan, Clifford and Meredith (Kevin); her grandson/son Gauge; sister Caren (Mike); brother Clifford; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and granddaughter Bailey.
She is preceded in death by her beloved sister-in-law Cindy Lou Collins; her parents; grandparents; aunt and sister.
Per Cindy’s request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Davis Hospice or the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
To order flowers, please visit www.theprairierose.net.
