Riley James Fair: 2015 – 2023
Riley James Fair entered heaven on August 30,2023 from Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was born May 2, 2015 in New Braunfels, Texas to parents Jaclyn and Joshua Fair. He was a robust, highly intelligent, eight-year-old boy, who loved everyone. He aspired to be a firefighter helicopter pilot. Being very competitive, he challenged everyone to his favorite board games and sports. This summer was spent swimming, riding bicycles, building Legos and making new friends; his big sister and best friend Lyla was always at his side. He embodied “joy de vivre” and we look forward to seeing him again.
He is survived by his parents, Jaclyn and Joshua Fair; his sister, Lyla K. Fair; great-grandparents Mary Kaiserman and Maggie and Dennis Skalka, Betty and Stuart Seybert; grandparents Dawn and Michael Claybourn, David F. Fair, Dr. Richard Palmer; uncles Emeric Masters, Kristofer Palmer and partner Charles Nielsen; aunt Rachel and Jacob Valdez; cousins Kaydence Windsor, Declan Valdez and Emeric Masters, II.
Margaret “Peg” Bratton: 1938 – 2023
Margaret “Peg” Bratton passed away on August 21, 2023, in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the age of 84. She is survived by her brother Robert and sister Betty; her four children: David Bratton, Michael Bratton Shawn Bratton, and Katherine Orozco; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Saint Mary’s Cathedral on September 15 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.
Peg lived a storied life. She was a beloved wife, sister, friend, mother and grandmother; a passionate nurse, a fashion icon, an author, and a devout Catholic. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland and followed her father’s footsteps, joining the Air Force as a nurse. She met David “Con” Bratton while they were both stationed in France, and they were married in 1963. Their life together brought them to multiple duty stations around the world before they settled in Cheyenne.
Peg served the Cheyenne community as a nursing administrator at the VA, as a professor of nursing at Laramie Country Community College and Director of Nursing at multiple nursing facilities in Arizona and Wyoming. She was a devoted member of the Saint Mary’s Catholic community.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Peg’s name to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.
Jimmy Calvert: 1959 – 2023
Jimmy Clay Calvert, age 64, was born August 5, 1959, to Fallice Emerson and Guri Olive (Norby) Calvert in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jimmy left his earthly home August 31, 2023, to be with his Heavenly Father. Jimmy passed peacefully at Polaris Nursing Home in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Jimmy was raised in Limon Colorado and went to school until the 9th grade. He worked for Lohmeier Plumbing and Supply, in Limon Colorado for 6 years. Jimmy also worked as a welder for Equipment Services in Altus Oklahoma. Jimmy married Ramona Gail Brown in October of 1996 to which she brought with her a son (Braxton Brown) and then to which two children were born: Bradin Clay Calvert and BreAuna Mae Guri Calvert.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his sister LaWanda Mae Calvert; mother Guri Olive Norby Calvert; father Fallice Emerson Calvert; brothers Lewis Calvert and Emerson Fallice Calvert.
Jimmy is survived by his ex-wife Ramona Calvert; sons Braxton Khale Brown and Bradin Clay Calvert; daughter BreAuna Mae Guri Calvert; sister Nancy (Gordon) Hollowell; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jimmy will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Dwain Carey: 1938 – 2023
Harold “Dwain” Carey, 85, passed away at the Rawlins Rehabilitation Center on August 30. He was born March 21, 1938 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to John Carey and June Milton.
He grew up and graduated high school in Torrington, Wyoming and attended Laramie Community College. He proudly served in the US Marine Corp and the Wyoming National Guard. In the Marines he was in aviation and jet engines. In the Air Guard he was a flight engineer, Parachute Rigger and shop Supervisor, and a Aircraft Mechanic Crew Chief for the Hercules C130 planes. He retired from the National Air Guard May 19, 1995. He then joined up with the Wyoming Department of Transportation in District one Construction in Cheyenne. He was a Transportation Specialist in engineering supervising the construction of highways and he retired April 5, 2014.
He obtained the Airframe and Power Plant License, plus six different pilot licenses and ratings. He loved skydiving and obtained licenses and ratings from Senior Rigger to Jumpmaster. He became a Parachute Rigger and Jumping Instructor issuing a FFA Licences. He Instructed many students from Wyoming and Colorado. He participated in many civic organizational demonstration jumps throughout Wyoming and Colorado.
He loved to fly and flew his plane all over the United States and Canada.
As a member of the Air Force Base 5th Calvary, represented the State of Wyoming in the George Bush Sr Inauguration parade riding horses as a Calvary Regiment.
Dwain is survived by his loving wife, Joan Carey; sister Darlene Howard from Pahrump, Nevada; son Mike Carey (Debbie); daughter Suzette Warsaw (Tom); sister-in-law Shirley Francisco (Larry); nieces and nephew.
Dwain is preceded in death by his parents, two nephews, several aunts and uncles.
A viewing will be held at Schraders Funeral Home, on Friday, September 8 at 12:30 p.m., then caravan to the National Cemetary on Warren Air Force Base for a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. There will be a reception at Schrader Funeral Home, 2222 Russell Ave., Cheyenne, Wyoming, for friends and family following the service.
Donations may be made to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, or the VFW 1881.
Virginia T. Chavez: 1943 – 2023
Virginia Teresa Chavez, 80, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023. She was born March 3, 1943 in Greeley, Colorado to Pete and Angelina Martinez. She was raised in Cheyenne; and received an Associate of Arts and Science degree in 1973 from Laramie County Community College. She worked as an instructional assistant in the math department for Laramie County Community College from 1975 to 1999. Virginia moved to Denver and worked in a Chiropractic Clinic until her retirement.
She is survived by her mother Angelina Martinez of Cheyenne; sons, Salvador Manzanares, Jr. of Clearwater, Florida, Jerome (Rick) Manzanares, Jason (Billy Jo) Manzanares, all of Denver; and Johnny Chavez of Cheyenne. She is also survived by her brother Robert (Theresa) Martinez; sisters Lenora Munoz and Sally Vigil; and sister-in-law Dorothy Martinez, all of Cheyenne; and dear friend Diana Kirkman of Denver. She also leaves six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and an uncle.
She was preceded in death by her father, Pete Martinez; sons Steven Manzanares and Richard Manzanares; granddaughter, Macey Manzanares; brother, Rudy Martinez; and son-in-law, John Cummings.
She will be fondly remembered as a caring and loving person whose smile lit up a room. She loved to read and did crossword puzzles before going to bed each night. If you called her, chances were good she was watching Gunsmoke reruns. She enjoyed reading the bible and writing about it. She loved to laugh and joke; and touched the hearts of many. Virginia will be dearly missed and loved by all who knew her.
Wilhelma Yvonne Parrish Crownover: 1941 – 2023
Wilhema Parrish Crownover, of Cheyenne departed from this life on August 29, 2023 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family and her beloved minister.
Willie was born at home on January 18, 1941, daughter of Robert and Mary (Perry) Throgmorton.
Willie is survived by her loving children: Ann (Steve) Burkitt, Lynn (Troy) Deason, Rae (Mark) ZeKovich and Charles Parrish, Jr.; stepchildren: Connie (Clayton) Neighbors, Larry (Sue) Crownover, Margot (Bruce) Plachetka, Michael (Gloria) Crownover; eight grandchildren: Allison (Joseph) Pike, Daniel Harkins, Stephanie Harkins, Erik (Taylor) Deason, Sarh Zekovich, Michele Zekovich, Charles (Sarah) Parrish III, Caleb Parrish; as well as numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Pat Alwa, Connie King, Debbie Ramsay, and Carolyn Montgomery.
She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Parrish, her second husband David Crownover, who passed away in 2014; and her feline friend, Cowboy who loved only her.
Although they met later in life, they cherished those years together by traveling, enjoying time with family and study in their Bible together.
Willie spent her younger adult life, raising four children. Later, she became a real estate broker and started her own business.
Willie always had a love for fresh mountain air. She moved to Wyoming in 2002 after growing tired of the humidity in the Midwest. She always commented that the clouds were more beautiful and the air was crisper out West.
After retirement from real estate, Willie had many hobbies such as reading library books, crocheting baby blankets for her great-grandchildren, and attending church. She was a beloved member of Victory World Outreach and love taking her grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date; per their wishes David and her ashes will be spread in the mountains.
Diane Linda Fitts: 1949 – 2023
On August 26, 2023, Diane Linda Fitts, beloved mother and wife, was surrounded by her loved ones when she was called to Heaven. She passed away at Davis Hospice Center at age 74 after a brief, yet courageous, battle with cancer.
Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming on January 1, during the “blizzard of ‘49,” Diane lived her entire life in Cheyenne. She was born to Mike and Lucy Chavez and was raised alongside her brothers, Larry and Steve. In 1968, Diane married Richard Wordeman and together they had a son, Jeffrey Wordeman. Later, in 1980, she married her lifetime partner, Paul Fitts. They welcomed their son, Brian, and were married for 43 years at the time of her death.
Diane retired from the State of Wyoming in 2013 after 25 years with the Department of Family Services. She enjoyed her time as a retiree and happily reported that Mondays were her favorite day of the week, because she could do “nothing.” Diane had a passion for hobbies and had a knack for beginning a new project before finishing the last one. She loved deeply and was a “mama bear” to many. Most of all, Diane loved her grandchildren and especially enjoyed taking them shopping. She had a special and unique relationship with each individual grandchild.
Diane is survived by her husband, Paul Fitts; brothers Larry Chavez and Steve Chavez; sons Jeffrey (Lisa) Wordeman and Brian (Renee) Fitts; grandchildren Jeremiah (Megan) Wordeman, Cullen Fitts, Mattie Wordeman, and Sivana Fitts; and many family members who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Davis Hospice Center, whose staff were an amazing support to the family in a very difficult time, most especially “Nurse Nancy.”
Vera Martha Jones: 1923 – 2023
Vera Martha Jones, 91, passed away on August 27, 2023. She was born April 10, 1932 in Evensville, Tennessee to Ronald and Mary Mullins. She grew up in San Antonio, Texas graduating from Harlandale High School in 1949. After marrying Lee Fowles in 1955, they lived in Little Rock, Arkansas, Chateauroux , France and Cheyenne as Lee served in the U.S. Air Force. She was then married to Robert Jones for 51 years. They started R & M Jones Trenching which they ran together for 19 years. Martha also worked for Dr. Ralph Gramlich and later worked at Walmart for 18 years. She was a 50 year member of the Mizpah Chapter of Eastern Star, White Shrine and Nile. She attended St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Jones and her brother Ronald Mullins. She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Fowles (Cheyenne); her brother Reginald Mullins; sisters-in-law Jean Mullins and Sharon Mills; and three nephews: Ron Mullins, Mark Mullins, Kevin Mullins, and their families (San Antonio, Texas).
She loved gardening, reading biographies, and corresponding with friends and family. She was a good and caring friend to co-workers, organization members, neighbors, and family. Her smiling face and kindness will be missed by all who knew her.
Shalom Lorraine Newswanger: 2006 – 2023
Shalom Lorraine Newswanger passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on August 29, 2023.
Shalom was characterized from birth by a love of adventure and novelty.
Alive with imaginative play, her childhood was full of rich experiences alongside her loyal and beloved twin, Jenna. She was homeschooled for ten years of education.
Shalom trusted Jesus as her personal saviour and was baptized as a teenager.
Shalom was a sensitive young woman with a deep, internal world. She was tenacious in her pursuit of music and art, passionately creating beauty.
A devoted caregiver to her pets, she even braved Wyoming blizzards to feed her well-loved horses.
She is survived by her parents, Jim and Rachel Newswanger; siblings Ryan, Eden, Jenna, Anwyn, and Sophia, of Carpenter, Wyoming; paternal grandparents, James Lee and Clara Newswanger of Ephrata, PA; maternal grandparents, Dennis and Ruth Baer of Carpenter, Wyoming; best friend, Jessica Reimer; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Shalom will be fondly remembered for her sparkling smile, loving-hearted acts of service, generous gift giving, and beautiful music. We grieve but rejoice, knowing she is surrounded by pleasures forevermore.
Thomas George Ogg: 1940 – 2023
Father Thomas George Ogg died on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Monument Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was preparing to golf with friends and better his recent years record 92 score achieved the day prior when he accidentally fell and incurred fatal head injuries.
He was born on November 30, 1940, to George Harper Ogg and Lena (Salzman) Ogg in Worland, Wyoming. Fr. Tom grew up working on the family farm north of Worland with his four brothers. He was an active FFA member participating on a state champion poultry judging team and serving as a State Officer. He attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1962 with dual BS degrees in Agronomy and Vocational Education. He recognized his true vocational call and entered St. Thomas Seminary earning a MS in 1964. He was ordained a Catholic Priest forever for the Diocese of Wyoming on May 25, 1968 at the home parish of St. Mary Magdelene in Worland. He was delegated to acquire advanced education in counseling and returned to UW and earned a PhD in Counseling. In his tenure of active service to the Diocese of Wyoming, Fr Tom had parish assignments in Rocksprings, Glenrock, Laramie, Powell, Gillette and Sheridan. Additionally, he served as the State Vocations Director, assisting many people to discern their life’s calling and recruited several men to serve as Priests. He served as the national President of the American Association of Vocation Directors in 1982. Fr Tom was motivated to serve the World Wide Marriage Encounter program and in semi-retirement from parish assignment, was elected to international levels of leadership and traveled frequently to facilitate growing this organization. His tireless farm-raised work ethic was only surpassed by his dedication and faithful service to God, his Church and his unselfish and genuine passion for helping people.
Fr Tom was preceded in death by his father George Ogg Jr; mother Lena Salzman Ogg; brothers Ken and Paul Ogg; sister-in-law Cindy (Paul) Ogg; and nephew Leo Ogg.
He is survived by brothers Matthew (Mary) Ogg and Bill (Patti) Ogg; sisters-in-law Shirley (Ken) Ogg and Yvonne (Paul) Ogg; nephews Robert Ogg, Gerald (Cari) Ogg, Mark Ogg, Michael (Beth) Ogg and Wilson (Brittany) Ogg; nieces Monica Ogg, Melissa (Joey) McBride and Alena (Todd) Standley; grandnephews: Cade McBride, Eric McBride, Charlie Ogg, George Ogg and Henry Ogg; grandnieces Cailin Ogg, Leah McBride, Maysa Standley, Madi Standley, Merideth Standley and Morgan Standley; Many Ogg and Salzman and extended family cousins, Worldwide Marriage Encounter Leaders, Clergy and Friends dearly loved by Fr. Tom.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday September 8, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming with Bishop Steven Biegler officiating. The Funeral Mass may be livestreamed. Check website www.stmatthewswy.weconnect.com for details.
A vigil service and celebration of life will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday September 7; at St Matthew’s.
Inurnment service will be at 4:00 p.m. Friday September 8, 2023 in Riverview Memorial Gardens in Worland, Wyoming.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Diocese of Cheyenne for the Wyoming Priest Retirement Fund/St. Josephs Society and Worldwide Marriage Encounter – Fr. Chuck Gallagher Fund, wwme.org.
To order flowers, please visit www.theprairierose.net.
