Christine Marie Allen: 1955 – 2023
Christine Marie (Kurtz) Allen, 67, of Cheyenne, passed at United Medical Center in Cheyenne surrounded by her loving family on May 10, 2023.
She was born on November 20, 1955, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Donald and D. Helene Kurtz.
Christy was employed with the phone company in Cheyenne from 1977 – 1994. Three years later she was employed by West Elementary School, in Burns, Wyoming, to teach third grade. Then, in 2003, she moved to first grade where she stayed until she retired in 2017. She absolutely loved being a teacher and loved all her students. She also had a passion for reading projects to inspire kids to read including a student favorite in which they would follow the annual Iditarod Race in Alaska.
Christy loved spending time with her loved ones, family, and friends. She enjoyed reading, crafting, and playing games with her children and grandchildren. Her love language was giving gifts and she showed that on every major holiday and any reason in between. Christy loved supporting and attending her childrens’ and grandchildrens’ events, including music concerts, sports, 4H and FFA shows, gymnastics and clogging, she never wanted to miss out on anything her loved ones where a part of. She also would send cards, notes, and texts of encouragement and to celebrating accomplishments. As an encourager, she touched the lives of family, friends, students, and her community. She was a bright light, with a smile and laugh that would light up any room. To know Christy, was to be loved deeply by her.
Christy also had many hobbies. She enjoyed crocheting, crafting, scrapbooking, traveling, taking pictures, drives to see the fall leaves, camping, reading books, playing the piano, singing, and water aerobics. She loved to volunteer in classrooms, the library and church library to read books to children. Christy served in church as a Sunday school teacher, VBS leader, and was involved in the bell and vocal choirs. She also volunteered and delivered Friday food bags and Meals on Wheels. Christy also visited and helped a number of homebound friends. She also had an enormous passion for worship music.
Along with church, Christy belonged to several clubs and organizations. She was vice president of Delta Kappa Gamma, belonged to the Retired Teachers Organization, WEA, NEA, Elementary School Grandparents program, and Telephone Pioneers of America. When the children were young, she was always involved with parent boards for PTO, Band, Choir, 4-H, Girl Scouts and Brownies, and All-City Children’s Choir.
Throughout her career as a teacher, she thrived and was honored with a number of “Teacher of the Year” awards and was a past recipient of the Golden Apple Award.
Christy is survived by her husband, David Allen, of Cheyenne; daughter, Jennifer (Doug) Schultze of Buffalo, Wyoming; son, Joe (Rosi) Allen of Cheyenne; her grandchildren, Regan and Kimber Allen of Cheyenne, Abby and Caden Marquart and Kendra Schultze of Buffalo, Wyoming, Christian Schultze of Fort Campbel, Kentucky, Jon Schultze of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Aaron Pavlak of Kalamazoo, Michigan; her great-grandchildren, Lainey Atwell of Buffalo, Wyoming and Miley, Aliann, and Jamie Schultze of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; her brothers, Randy (Linda) Kurtz and Tom (Kathy) Kurtz; and her nieces, Amber Butler, Amy Gabor, Holly Madden, Heather Lewis, Erin McNamee and Michelle Yenglin; and her nephew, David Lindon.
She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Eugene Kurtz; mother, D. Helene Kurtz; and her grandson, Colter Donald Allen.
Services will be held on Thursday, May 18th at 2:00 p.m. at Cheyenne Hills Church. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cheyenne K9’s 4 Mobility Colter Allen Training Facility.
Christy supported this fund that was set up in her grandson’s memory. Donations can be made at www.k9s4mobility.org/donate.
As an alternative, either children’s and youth books or a donation can be made to Cheyenne Delta Kappa Gamma Retired Teacher’s Book Fund for the purchase of books bought in her name that will be donated to local school libraries. A donation box will be available at the service to either leave children’s/youth books or a check can be either mailed to the Teachers Book Fund or dropped off in the box at the service, or call 970-219-0521 to arrange a donation in Christy’s memory.
Karen Burr Oleske: 1985 – 2023
Karen Burr (Oleske) passed away on May 1, 2023, leaving a void in the hearts of her loved ones. She was a remarkable human being and the love of Jason Burr’s life. Karen’s departure has left our family incomplete, but her memory will linger in our hearts forever.
Karen is survived by her children Lily, Kali, Kristian, Eva, and her husband Jason Burr; mother Susan; sisters Kim and Steff; stepfather Mike; and numerous friends she had made during her 37 years on this earth. Karen was a devoted mother who cherished her daughters with all her heart. She always managed to ensure that they lacked for nothing and never missed an opportunity to be with them and make them happy.
Apart from her family, Karen also had a deep affection for cows. She would often refer to them as “her babies,” and nearly all of her belongings had some sort of cow theme to them. Her attachment to cows was so strong that she would take great offense if you ever spoke poorly about them. Additionally, Karen liked watching shows like House Wives with Kristian, Watchers with Kali, and Fire Country with the rest of us.
Karen always wanted to have a comfortable home, where every family member could relax comfortably. Her daughters hold memories dearly associated with their time spent together road-tripping or shopping or just hanging out at home while listening to music. Lily remembers how entertaining Karen made every road trip due to her great taste in music – featuring Jelly Roll, Ryan Upchurch & Morgan Wallen. Kali valued sharing everyday minutia with Karen. They will miss the warmth Karen brought into their lives every day.
Even though she wasn’t interested in hunting herself, Karen would listen intently when Jason talked about his passion for it because she knew how much it meant to him.
Karen was preceded in death by her father Edward Oleske and Papa Dave. She was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many, and her presence will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Karen Burr, you will always remain in our fondest memories.
Robert E. Drake: 1979 – 2023
Robert (Robbie) Eugene Drake, 44, of Ault, Colorado passed away unexpectedly on May 10th, 2023. He was born on March 12, 1979, in Greeley Colorado to Harold and Patricia Drake.
Robert loved farming and working on cars; he could fix anything even if it ended up with super glue or bondo on it. He even made pantyhose work once to fix a car! He loved fishing, the outdoors and the mountains. Growing up on a working farm gave him love for the outdoors and earth as a whole. That never changed.
He loved his family and his pit bull, Raina, so very much. If you saw him, you would always see Raina right by his side.
He is survived by his son, Micheal Drake; daughter, Christine Gomez; mother, Patricia Land; sister, Autumn Petty and husband Harry; nieces, Brieanna Sell and husband Josh, and Nevaeh Hayes and fiancé Michael Schlensker; and multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family.
Robert is preceded by his father, Harold Drake; grandparents, Dennis and Dorothy Drake; grandmother, Elva Marble; and nephew, Johnathan Hayes.
Services will be May 19, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Weiderspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes.
Vickie Lynn Golden: 1948 – 2023
Vickie Lynn Golden, 74, of Cheyenne, died on May 14, 2023 in Cheyenne.
She was born on November 30, 1948 in Hays, Kansas. She moved from Kansas to Ft. Collins, Colorado as a young child and graduated from Poudre High School in 1966.
On June 19, 1968, Vickie married Harry Golden and moved to Ft. Hood, Texas while Harry was stationed there. On August 10, 1970 Kimberly was born and on June 2, 1973 Mindy was born. They moved to Cheyenne in 1980 before moving to Ft. Collins in 1983. In 1988, they moved to Estes Park, Colorado where she was very happy managing an RV Park and became a grandparent for the first time.
She enjoyed fishing in the Park’s pond. In 1991, they moved back to Ft. Collins where she managed a self-storage and also welcomed their second grandchild. In 1995, they moved back to Cheyenne. Vickie enjoyed spending time with her family, her computer and table, and the last few years she got into NASCAR and was very excited when #9 went into victory lane.
Visitation will be Wednesday, 10-5, at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.
Services will be Thursday, 10:00 a.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel with burial to follow in Cheyenne Memorial Gardens.
Desiree Johnson: 1970 – 2023
Desiree “Desie” Johnson, 52, of Cheyenne, passed too soon surrounded by some of those who loved her.
She was born on August 4, 1970, in Bellflower, California.
Desie was a part of every community she lived in. While in Burns, she volunteered at the elementary school, helping teachers and loving the children. She went to ball games at the high school, being an avid cheerleader.
In Cheyenne, she volunteered at the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens. She held several jobs in both communities. Desie was always cheerful with her big, welcoming smile. She knew no strangers. Desie made such a big impact in everyone’s lives. She would share about Jesus wherever she went, saying ‘God loves you’. She was a part of the Golden Prairie Church family where she was loved and who she loved in return.
Desie was a part of so many families that they are too numerous to list. She will be sorely missed by all, but we know she is now in heaven dancing with Jesus and her dad. She was preceded in death by her brothers David Andrews, Leon Andrews, Jordan Hunter and father Leon Andrews. She is survived by her mother Joan Andrews; brother John (Lila) Andrews; brother Michael Venners; sister Samantha (Marcus) Bryson; sister-in-law Deana Andrews; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Desie’s celebration of life will be at Golden Prairie Baptist Church on Saturday, May 13th at 1:00 p.m. The address is 4992 Co Rd 226, Burns, Wyoming 82053.
Please wear bright colors in honor of Desie (No black).
Robert “Bob” Leo Morris: 1941 – 2023
Robert (Bob) Leo Morris, of San Antonio, Texas, and previously of Cheyenne, Wyoming, began his eternal journey on March 21, 2023.
Bob was born on March 20, 1941, in Seattle, Washington, to Wyndham and Teresa Morris, one of six sons and a daughter.
Bob graduated from Seattle Preparatory School in 1959 and enlisted with the U.S. Air Force in 1960. Upon graduation from basic training in San Antonio, Texas, he attended Airplane Central School at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, and was then assigned to Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington.
For his international military assignment, Bob was transferred to Kasuga Air Base in Fukuoka, Japan, where he became proficient in radar approach control at VFL Central Tower. After proudly serving his country, Bob was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1964 and enrolled at Seattle University, where he earned a Business Administration degree, graduating in 1968.
While at Seattle University, Bob met and married his bride of 56 years, Marirose Matthews, on December 19, 1966. Bob and Marirose began their life together in Seattle, Washington. Beginning a sales career with Texaco Corporation in 1968, Bob quickly advanced through the ranks. His promotions relocated his family to Kent, Washington, Billings, Montana, and Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1976.
In 1979, Bob and Marirose purchased an oil distribution company, branding it Sioux Oil Company in recognition of Marirose’s Native heritage. Over the course of the next 33 years, Bob owned and operated several Cheyenne companies, including Southside Conoco/Sinclair Service Station and U-Haul, where he enjoyed helping and serving the local community until his retirement in 2012.
During his time in Cheyenne, Bob was heavily involved in his community. He served on the Holy Trinity Church Council, Holy Trinity Men’s Association, Knights of Columbus, Downtown Development Authority, Wyoming Civil Air Patrol, Cheyenne Frontier Days volunteer, and the Seton Catholic High School board of directors, among many others.
For health reasons, Bob and Marirose retired to San Antonio, where they have met and made many new friends. Of course, they always looked forward to visits from their children and other family members.
Bob is survived by five children and ten grandchildren: Daniel (Victoria) Morris of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Patrick (Laura) Morris of Brighton, Colorado; Jennifer (Clay) Young of Ballard, Washington; C. Michael (Stephanie) Morris of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and Sharon (Brett) Montgomery, of Laramie, Wyoming. Their grandchildren, respectively, are Sara and Braden Morris; Jacob and Rachel Morris; Eric and Joseph Young; Isaac, Barak and Eli Morris; and Emma Montgomery. He’s also survived by his sister, Dailene Dean, and his brothers, David (Mary) and Tom (Suzi), and numerous nephews and nieces.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers (John, Norman, and Larry); and his beautiful wife, Marirose.
Cremation has taken place and a combined Funeral Liturgy for Bob and Marirose (4/27/1946-10/30/2022) will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne. Interment of their cremains will take place at noon at the Cheyenne National Cemetery, 8611 Hildreth Road, west of Cheyenne.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 801.
The family will host a reception with a light lunch immediately following the interment, 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 507 W. 28th St., in Cheyenne. Friends and family are invited to a Sparkle and Shine party that evening, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The family respectively requests no gifts.
Bob’s passing has deeply impacted his children, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends. Knowing he and Marirose are dancing cheek-to-cheek again, brings us peace.
Marirose Morris: 1944 – 2023
Marirose (Matthews) Morris, 78, was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She passed away from complications of pneumonia on October 30, in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by family.
Proudly an Oglala Lakota Sioux, she was born in Pine Ridge, S.D. on April 27, 1944. She graduated from Holy Rosary High School, earning a scholarship to Seattle University. For her room and board, Mari nannied for the McEvoy family and their eight children.
While attending Seattle U., she met her husband, Robert (Bob) L. Morris. They married on December 19, 1966 and celebrated 56 years together this fall. They both graduated in 1968 with degrees in business.
While in Seattle, she loved the city life, always ready to discover corner cafes, art shows, cultural events, and more. Her children fondly remember walking with mom across the city in search of the next adventure. In Seattle, she was active in the American Indian Women’s Service League, serving as Secretary and a chairperson.
In 1970, she served on the National Endowment for the Humanities, awarding grants for top-rated proposals for cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, and radio stations, and to individual scholars.
The Morris family moved to Billings, Montana, in 1972, where Mari established three Native arts and craft shops, serving as outlets for Natives from the seven Montana reservations to market their work and earn income.
After three years in Montana, the family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they resided for 45 years.
Marirose loved living in Cheyenne, where she became heavily involved in her church and community.
Cheyenne was special to her, as she had many fond memories of travelling from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation with her grandmother, Rose Nelson Ecoffey, “Princess Blue Waters,” who escorted the Lakota to Cheyenne Frontier Days for over 40 years and was inducted into the 1985 CFD Hall of Fame.
Marirose had great admiration for her grandmother and all that she accomplished in her lifetime.
In 1979, Marirose and Bob purchased an oil distribution company, where they worked together until 1994, when she was hired by the Wyoming Arts Council as an Arts Access Specialist. She was responsible for ensuring that people in small communities around Wyoming had access to dance, poetry, music, and other art forms. She awarded grants to bring art to the people. She loved her job. It provided her with an opportunity to meet almost all the mayors, city clerks, librarians, state legislators, Wyoming governors, and many national leaders during her service.
Never one to stop learning, in May of 1994, Marirose earned a bachelor’s degree from Regis University, Denver, in Health Information Management.
Mari remained very involved in her community throughout her life, serving as an ADA specialist; scout leader; Census 2000 task force representative; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; University of Wyoming Board of Visitors College of Arts & Sciences; Native American Heritage Day committee; S.E. Wyoming Intertribal Pow Wow Association, Inc; Wyoming Multicultural Health Committee; Kennedy Center Arts & Disability awards committee; and the Wyoming Community Foundation, as well as others. She was a proud graduate of Leadership Wyoming class of 2010. She enjoyed her membership in the Pioneer Club and the Cowgirls of the West.
While in Cheyenne, Marirose attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church and served as a greeter and as a member of the Council of Catholic Women.
In 2012, after 19 years with the State, she took retirement. Later that year she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Chemotherapy put the disease in remission, but six months later the disease returned, eventually leading to a stem cell transplant.
In 2021, Bob and Marirose retired to San Antonio, Texas, for health reasons.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn (Inie) Matthews and Gilbert L. Matthews; sister Michelle; brother Gilbert Jr. “Butch,” and brother Daryl W. Matthews. Marirose is survived by her sister Darlyne, brother Robert, husband Bob, their five children: Daniel (Victoria), Patrick (Laura), Jennifer (Clay) Young, Michael (Stephanie), Sharon (Brett) Montgomery, and ten grandchildren: Sara, Braden, Jacob, Rachel, Eric, Joe, Isaac, Barak, Eli, and Emma.
Cremation has taken place and a combined Funeral Liturgy for Bob (3/20/1941-3/21/2023) and Marirose will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne. Interment of their cremains will take place at noon at the Cheyenne National Cemetery, 8611 Hildreth Road, west of Cheyenne. Memorial gifts can be made to the Cowgirls of the West, P.O. Box 525, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82003.
The family will host a reception with a light lunch immediately following the interment, 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 507 W. 28th St., in Cheyenne. Friends and family are invited to a Sparkle and Shine party that evening, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The family respectively requests no gifts.
George “Tom” Mitzel Tomlinson: 1940 – 2023
George “Tom” Mitzel Tomlinson, 83, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023 at home surrounded by family.
He was born on January 31, 1940, in Charlotte, North Carolina to Bruce Allen Tomlinson and Julia McClain Tomlinson.
When Tom was six his family moved to Los Angeles, California. His innate work ethic was evident at an early age as he delivered newspapers to 300 homes at the age of ten and stocked shelves for the Jewel Tea Company at twelve.
He loved going to the beach, everything cars, and was an expert marksman on the rifle team of Morningside High where he graduated in 1958.
After studying architecture, Tom enlisted in the US Air Force where he faithfully served our country maintaining our nation’s nuclear warheads. It was while he was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver that he met and married his wife of nearly 62 years, Betty Irene Wilkens Tomlinson.
His Air Force career took them and their three children, David, Darren (Neal), and Denise to Colorado, California, the Netherlands, North Dakota, Louisiana, Kansas, and Wyoming. He also served several unaccompanied tours in South Korea, Turkey and on the island of Okinawa in Japan. After retiring from the Air Force, he spent many years with Bell & Howell and eventually retired from Wyoming Trophy and Engraving.
Tom was an exceptionally hard-working man; often working second jobs and volunteering as a Scoutmaster for the boys’ scout troops. He enjoyed collecting N-gauge model trains and watching trains -particularly the Big Boy steam engines. He retired in Cheyenne due to his love of hunting deer, elk, moose, and antelope until he was no longer able. Later in life he rekindled his passion for cars. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and Oak Spokes Antique Auto Club. He enjoyed driving his 1955 Pontiac Star Chief, especially in the Cheyenne Frontier Days parades.
Tom will be remembered for his kind, cheerful, warm-hearted disposition. He was witty, humorous, and always had a funny story or a joke to share. He was easy-going; never complaining about his health issues or saying a bad word about anyone. In fact, it was rare for him to even speak a bad word. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife Betty Tomlinson; sons David (Barbara) Tomlinson, Neal (Amy) Tomlinson and daughter Denise Tomlinson Freeman; grandchildren, Andrea Tomlinson, Ava Tomlinson, Max Tosi, Jeremy Kleist, Heather (Matt) Kleist Schutz, Kristina Kleist; great-grandson Landon Schutz; brother Ben (Rita) Tomlinson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was welcomed into his heavenly home by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Trinity, located at 1836 Hot Springs Ave. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001, with Father Mike Carr officiating.
His ashes will be buried with full military honors at 2:00 p.m. at the Cheyenne National Cemetery, 8611 Hildreth Rd, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009. Please come prepared for inclement weather and arrive no earlier than 1:50 p.m. Please park on the right side of the paved cemetery road to allow for immediate family and the funeral vehicle to pass on the left side.
Memorial donations may be made to the CFD Military Committee, Veterans Rock or Davis Hospice Center.
To order flowers, please visit www.theprairierose.net.
