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Obituaries: Aschenbrener; Benavidez; Clemens; Garcia; Gartner; Huck; Knox; Parish; Schoene

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Nancy Jean Aschenbrener

Nancy Jean Aschenbrener: 1956 – 2023

Nancy Jean Aschenbrener of Cheyenne Wyoming passed away on August 31, 2023 in Cheyenne. She was born on February 19, 1956 in Rumford Maine.

Nancy married David Aschenbrener on April 25, 1980.

Nancy loved being around family and friends. She spent 25 ½ years working in the central supply department at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Nancy was very loving and generous. She made everybody laugh and smile that she came in contact with. Her lightheartedness was so contagious. Nancy was an incredible daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother of three beautiful daughters. She was also a fantastic grandmother to her six grandchildren.

Nancy loved quilting, baking pies, collecting crystals and antiques. She loved her dog Stitch and enjoyed taking him for walks in her neighborhood. She loved gardening and taking pictures of her flowers. She enjoyed many trips to the Saratoga and Thermopolis hot springs. She enjoyed taking trips back home to Maine to see her family. She was able to travel and relocate to many different states due to the fact that she was a military wife. She made life-long friends in the state of Washington. She enjoyed drinking hot tea with her Daughters and Granddaughters. She had quite an extensive tea cup collection.

She is survived by her husband David Aschenbrener of Cheyenne; daughters and family Jennifer Klingel of Scottsdale, Arizona; Laura Blaustein of Fairbanks, Alaska and husband Nicanor and grandchildren Gwyneth, Holden, Finley, and Theron; Jessica Stumpf of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and husband Edwin C. Stumpf lll and grandchildren Jonah and Evy; siblings Beverly Sylvester of Bethel, Maine, Debra Mills of Bethel, Maine, Brenda Platt of Keen, New Hampshire, Ceylon Kimball of Eleanor, West Virginia, Penny Savage of Bryant Pond Maine, and Amos Kimball of Bethel, Maine. She is preceded in death by her parents Richard Kimball and Patricia Kimball, as well as her brother Richard Jr. Kimball.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on September 17 at her daughter Jessica’s house located at 7404 Maria East Lane Cheyenne, Wyoming. If you would like to attend please feel free to stop by, side dishes or desserts are also welcome, if you feel so inclined. A committal service to follow at Cheyenne National Cemetery on September 18 promptly starting at 11:00 a.m, which is also open to the public.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Black Dog animal rescue in Nancy’s name.


Cicilia Benavidez

Cicilia Benavidez: 1944 – 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cicilia Benavidez, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Cicilia left behind a legacy of love, compassion, and strength that will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

Cicilia was born on May 5, 1944, and grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was a devoted daughter who always went above and beyond to care for her parents. Her selflessness and unwavering dedication were an inspiration to all who knew her. Cicilia’s love for her family was immeasurable and she always put their needs before her own.

One of Cicilia’s greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Justina, Eloy, Valerie, Bash, Julian, Kodi, Celina, Alijah, Eloy (again), Elissa, Anessa, Alysianna, Erin, Damien, Clover , Karissa , Aspen , Abigail , Koko , Maxwell were blessed to have Cicilia as their grandmother and great-grandmother. She adored them all deeply and treasured every moment they spent together. Her home was always filled with laughter and the sound of children giggling as they played games or listened to her read stories.

In addition to being a dedicated family woman, Cicilia had many interests that brought joy to her life. She loved challenging herself with puzzles and crosswords – there was no riddle she couldn’t solve! Reading was another passion of hers; she always had a book by her side and would get lost in the pages for hours on end. But perhaps one of Cicilia’s favorite pastimes was playing solitaire, a game she found solace in during quiet evenings at home. And let’s not forget her love for Mexican Music – nothing brought her more joy than listening to the beautiful melodies that reminded her of her heritage.

Cicilia will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her compassionate spirit, kind heart, and gentle nature touched the lives of countless individuals. We are forever grateful for the memories we shared with Cicilia and the love she bestowed upon us.

In conclusion, Cicilia Benavidez was a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone she met. Her love for her family was boundless, and her memory will continue to live on through them. As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember Cicilia with joy in our hearts for all the beautiful moments we shared together. May she rest peacefully knowing that she was deeply loved and cherished by us all.


Ruth F. Clemens

Ruth F. Clemens: 1937 – 2023

Ruth F. Clemens of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on September 28, 2022. Ruth was born December 27, 1937, in Veteran, Wyoming. The daughter of Ray and Dorothy (Oaks) McClure. She grew up in Veteran, Wyoming until her family  moved to Torrington, Wyoming around 1958. Ruth graduated from Veteran High School and attended Goshen County Community College studying business courses.

In 1957, Ruth met the love of her life, Robert E. Clemens, who was a student at the University of Wyoming. Robert and Ruth celebrated their nuptial on April 3, 1960. From this union two daughters were born; Deborah on May 4, 1961, and Katheryn on June 15, 1964. In 1962, the family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Robert worked in the aviation department of the Army National Guard. Ruth was a homemaker for her daughters for five years before returning to her lifelong career in public service. Ruth was elected as the Laramie County Assessor in 1986. She served two terms, retiring in 1995 when she began another career as grandmother to four grandchildren. Her many interests included traveling, bowling and flower arrangements when she wasn’t dancing the jitterbug at the Elk’s Club. Ruth was a member of the Wyoming ABWA and the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.

Ruth is survived by daughter, Katheryn Clemens; grandchildren, Adam Rush (Adrianna) of Aurora, Colorado, Lacy Gonzalez (Joe), Sara Reichert (Jake) of Torrington, Wyoming, and Kyle Redenbaugh of Lubbock, Texas; and nine great-grandchildren

Ruth was the pillar of strength for her family, poised, generous, kind, loving, and a mentor to all the women in her family. Her smile could light up a room and she will be forever missed. Ruth is reunited with her angels; parents, husband, brother and eldest daughter.

Cremation has taken place at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home. Donations may be made to St, Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 1660 S. Albion St. Suite 916, Denver, CO  80222, or Cheyenne Animal Shelter, 800 Southwest Drive, Cheyenne, WY  82007.


Viola Garcia

Viola Garcia: 1932 – 2023

It is with great sadness we announce that Viola (Romero) Garcia passed away peacefully with her granddaughters by her side, on September 3, 2023, at Life Care of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

She was born August 6, 1932, in Chacon, New Mexico to Ricardita and Juan Antonio Romero. She was 91 years old.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ricardita and Juan Antonio Romero; brother Max Duran; her husband, Cipriano Garcia; and two grandsons, Brian Caleb Alonzo and Joshua Garcia.

She is survived by her two sons, Richard (Andrea) Garcia and Johnnie (Dephne) Garcia; 11 grandchildren: Gina Carver, Lisa Torres, Jana Garcia, Erika Wyckoff Richard Garcia, Stephanine Anderson, Andrew Garcia, Michael Garcia, Jacquelyn Padilla-McCool, Alisha Garcia, and Donovan Alonzo; 30 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Her favorite thing to do was spend time with family and friends and listen to Spanish music. She loved to laugh and make others laugh with her. Viola prayed for her family every day.


Allan D. Gartner

Allan D. Gartner: 1960 – 2023

It is with a heavy heart that we announced the sudden passing of Allan Gartner, on August 30, 2023 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He was a loving and generous man who was well known for his kind heart and gentle soul. He will continue to be a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. Allan was born in Mandan, North Dakota.

After college Allan worked as a police officer in Glendive Montana for a short time before settling his heart in joining the military. Allan served in the armed forces for many years, was promoted to Staff Sergeant during his time. Allan spent most of his service drilling water wells in third world countries, including Paraguay, Uruguay, and Panama. After receiving a medical discharge, Alan turned his efforts toward his children, grandchildren, and hobbies. Allen enjoyed playing Texas hold ’em and looked forward to one day playing in the World Series of Poker. Allan especially enjoyed hunting and fishing and being a part of the Platte River Veteran’s Fly Fishing and Hunting for Heroes Wyoming organizations. Allan spent a lot of his time exploring the great outdoors and searching for the perfect spot for the following hunting season, in hopes he would get the next “big one”. Allan wanted to remain the record keeper for the biggest antelope recorded in Wyoming and scouting far and wide for the best spots, in hopes he could continue his record high.

Allan’s passion for driving was a defining aspect of his life. Behind the wheel, he found solace and liberation, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the world. The mere act of sliding into the driver’s seat ignited a sense of adventure within him. Each journey whether short or long, was an opportunity to explore new horizons, savor the changing landscapes, and revel in the freedom of the open road. For Allan, driving wasn’t merely a means of transportation; it was a cherished escape, a chance to disconnect from the demands of daily life and immerse himself in the simple joy of the journey.

During his journeys, Allan found comfort beside lake Absaracka and found a beautiful spot on the lake to watch the sunset, we knew if Allan wasn’t home, he most likely was at his spot on the lake. This beautiful spot became a second home allowing his grandchildren to nicknaming it, “Papa’s spot.”

Allan was a generous and loving individual who was full of life and willing to lend a helping hand when anyone needed help. Allan is survived by his three children, Brandon (Lisa), Janaya, Bryan (Elena), and an additional blessing Maria; grandchildren, Alyssa, Makayla, Alivia, Beau, and Teagan; mother Fern; sisters, Judy and Luan; brother, Kim; nephews, Bobby, Chris, Curtis, Mike, and Jeremy; and niece, Carla.

Allan is preceded in death by his father, John George; older brother, Bob; sister, Jaime; and infant brothers, John James and Kenneth.

In Twilight of dear Allan’s life, as we bid a fond farewell to this extraordinary soul, let us remember the love, wisdom, and cherished memories Allan leaves behind will forever be etched in our hearts. Allan’s presence illuminated our lives, and he will be profoundly missed. As we mourn Allan’s passing, let us celebrate the beauty of his life and the profound impact he had on anyone who knew him. Services will be at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow located at “The Gathering Spot” across from Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of Chimes from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.


Esther Huck

Esther Huck: 1926 – 2023

Esther Huck, 96, passed away on June 16, 2023 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Esther was born September 22, 1926 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Adam and Katherine (Herber) Herdt. She married Elmer Huck on March 25, 1945 in Bayard, Nebraska. She spent most of her life living on a farm near Bayard. She moved to Cheyenne in 2011.

Esther is survived by her children, Kathy Stiles of Bakersfield, California; Inge Sharon Dean of Alameda, California; Paul (Theresa) Huck of Cheyenne; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth Waters of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota.

Esther loved the lord. She received Jesus as her savior at the age of 12 and served him from then on. Esther was a loving mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an excellent homemaker. Esther loved children. She taught Sunday School, worked in AWANA, babysat children and opened her house to neighborhood children.

Esther worked in the Scottsbluff hospital as a nurses aid and enjoyed caring for her patients. She received her GED at the age of 61.

Burial was at the Bayard Cemetery. A celebration of life will be on September 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Wiederspahn-Radomsky Funeral Home in Cheyenne. This service will be on Wiederspahn-Radomsky’s website. A reception will follow at CrossBridge Alliance Church, 3501 Forest Drive.


John Jesse Knox

John Jesse Knox: 1956 – 2023

John Jesse Knox, 67, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at his home in Casper, on August 29, 2023. John was born July 5, 1956, to Robert B. and Polly L. Knox.

He lived and attended schools in Casper where he graduated from Natrona County high school in 1974. He attended college in Laramie at The University of Wyoming.

John traveled for and worked in Oil field sales.  

John enjoyed skiing and playing golf and did both very well. When he was a child, he loved spending summers at his grandparents’ (John and Carol Knox) guest ranch, the Remount Ranch in Cheyenne. He especially loved driving his Chevy Chevelle SS when he was a teenager.

John is survived by his sister Connie Parnell of Casper and his three nephews: Joey McDowell (Ashley) of Casper, Cody Ray Parnell of Casper and John Tramaine Knox of Rawlins. He will be dearly missed, especially by his sister Connie.


Douglas W. Parish

Douglas W. Parish: 1938 – 2023

Douglas Wayne Parish, 85, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Douglas was born on March 10, 1938, in Hood River, Oregon to Claude E. and Lucille Arnold Parish. Douglas was a retired Navy Veteran of 26 years, 24 of them on submarines. Douglas also worked at Mountain States Telephone and was a technician for a TV Ministry, Eternal Good Tidings in Sacramento, CA. He was a member of Fleet Reserve, loved old westerns and traditional Country Western music. His hobbies included macrame’, latch hook and he was an avid motorcyclist for many years with the Capital City Motorcycle Club.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Janet R. Spuhler Parish; daughters, Patricia A. McIlwain, Laura Burkhart (Gregory), Nancy McEntee (Joe); son, Victor I. Parish; nine grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Lucille; brother, Charles Parish, and sister Elsie Cramer.

A celebration of life will be held at Cheyenne Church of Christ on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 9:30 am.

An interment with military honors will be held in Miller, Nebraska on Saturday, September 16th, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.

To send the family condolences please visit www.wrcfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at: https://www.lbda.org/donate/


Keith Phillip Schoene

Keith Phillip Schoene: 1932 – 2023

Keith P. Schoene was born at the hospital in Burns, Wyoming August 2, 1932 to Elmer & Letha (O’Loughlin) Schoene. He grew up on the family farm near Egbert, Wyoming with his sisters, Virginia and Ruth and twin brother, Kenneth. After graduating from Egbert HS in 1950, Keith served in the Army, was a hired hand for Gail Anderson, and served as Postmaster in Egbert. 

In 1959 he married Ruby Atnip and had three children, Gwendlyn, Melinda and Bruce. Keith eventually took over the family farm, raising Herefords and growing wheat. After the passing of his wife, Ruby, of 25 years, in 1985, he married Jeanne Berry of Cheyenne. They just celebrated their 33rd anniversary. Jeanne’s family included two daughters, Marilyn (Bret) and Martha (Mark) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, adopting Keith as family.

Some of his hobbies over the years included beekeeping, raising chinchillas, bowling, planting trees, and serving with the Soil Conservation and as treasurer for the Burns Presbyterian church for over 25 years. He spent his spare time restoring old tractors which included five John Deere and one Case.  He was most passionate about driving them in the Tractor Club tours, Frontier Days, Burns Days and Trail Days parades and displaying the tractors at the county fair.

Despite being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in February, he continued to press on and even thrive with the spring weather, help from Hospice, fishing with friends, and  cruising in a golf cart! His final parade was Cheyenne Frontier Days 2023. Keith gained strength from the many calls, cards and prayers from friends and family. 

Keith was predeceased by his parents; siblings; and first wife. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children, Gwen Garcia (Carl) of Casper, Wyoming, Melinda Decker (Troy) of Ranchester, Wyoming and Bruce Schoene of Oregon. He also has 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. 

With a toothpick in his mouth, he was known for his love of the land, the smell of diesel, sneaking off to check cows, tinkering in the shop and making time for a few games of Rummikub, secure in the love of the Lord and His blessings. 

Viewing will be held Sunday, September 10 from 3-4 pm. Services will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Both will be held at Schrader Funeral Home at 2222 Russell Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization of your choice.


To order flowers, please visit www.theprairierose.net.


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