Michael Dean Merrill: 1990 – 2024
Michael Dean Merrill, known for his humor and charisma, passed away the morning of March 11 at his home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Born in Rawlins, Wyoming on August 31, 1990, Michael leaves behind a legacy filled with cherished memories and a vibrant personality that touched the lives of many.
Those who knew Michael will remember him for his big heart and unwavering willingness to go above and beyond for others. His protective nature towards his loved ones was unmatched, leaving a lasting impact on all fortunate enough to have him in their lives. Michael’s sense of humor, quick wit, and infectious smile could light up any room, complemented by his exceptional talent for giving the warmest bear hugs.
A true music enthusiast, Michael’s playlists spanned across every genre imaginable; a passion that brought him immense joy. His love for dogs, tattoos, sports – especially his favorite team, the LA Dodgers – and above all, his devotion to family and friends showcased the depth of his character and the values he held dear.
Among Michael’s proudest accomplishments was his success in the oil field, reflecting both professional dedication and personal growth. However, above all else, he was proud of his son; embodying love in its purest form.
Michael is survived by his son; his parents, Corey Merrill and Rene Kelley (Gene Kelley); paternal grandparents, Val and Idine Merrill; sisters: Marissa Merrill (Cristobal Flores), Sadalynn Kelley (Daniel Grube), Jessie Ehrisman (Steven Salamacha Jr), Suzanna Kelley; along with numerous aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; and cousins.
Michael is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Roy Dean and Penny Parr; and his cousin, Steven McDonald.
In honoring Michael Dean Merrill’s memory, may we carry forward the values of love, generosity, and laughter that he exemplified throughout his life. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace.
A rosary and viewing will be held Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Schraders Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Schraders funeral home.
Vanessa Christman: 1957 – 2024
Vanessa Christman, aged 66, passed away March 15, 2024 in Parker, Colorado surrounded by her husband and children. Her entire life, she gave of herself to others in any way she could, and she did so in her last moments, where her wish to donate her organs to save others was honored.
Born in Houston, Texas, the second child of Jeanne Greer and Bill Hardin, she moved to Colorado after graduating early from Westbury High School. Vanessa went to RRCC and later received her Bachelor of Science from CSU where she majored in Human Development & Family Studies. A love for children drew her to the education field and then later caring for others brought her to become a CNA and caregiver in the medical field where she eventually retired from Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Despite a short time spent in Oklahoma and later Wisconsin, she called Colorado home for 43 years until she moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2018 where she met the love of her life, “her cowboy,” Tom.
Vanessa’s biggest dream was to be a mom and she did so beautifully, raising her two sons and daughter. She supported them and loved them through all of life’s ups and downs, encouraging their dreams, and being their biggest cheerleader (you could find her on the sidelines or in the crowd of every one of their sporting events or dance recitals).
Vanessa loved reading but when she wasn’t reading, she was watching movies at home with her amazing homemade popcorn or at the movie theater with her husband and step-daughter, snacks and blanket on deck. A fierce and determined mama bear, she was also a fabulous dancer, gardener, and cook (you could count on her to make Mexican food at least once a week). But we mustn’t forget her love for coffee. If coffee was involved, she could drink anyone under the table. A trait given to her by her grandmother, and passed on through every generation in her family.
She enjoyed decorating, paddle boarding, shopping, knitting, traveling, and taking long walks. Vanessa adored the fall but had a special place in her heart for the snow. Aside from having children, one of her lifelong dreams was to take a sleigh ride. In December of 2023, that dream came true when she and Tom took that sleigh ride in Breckenridge, Colorado, pulled by a mare called Ruby.
Above all else, though, she loved spending time with her husband and children.
Despite many moves, Vanessa had a gift of making anywhere she lived feel like home. She brought warmth and love to any situation and any place. When you spoke to Vanessa, you knew she was being genuine, and you could feel the love emanating from her beautiful smile. No distance was ever too far for her if she wanted to spend time with you or if you were ever in need. And though we do not have her by our side anymore, we can confidently say she is watching over us now, keeping us safe and loving us with a power we cannot fathom.
Vanessa is preceded in death by her mother, Jeanne; and father, Bill.
She is survived by her husband, Tom; sister, Marynn and brother in-law, Randy; son, Jeremy and daughter-in-law, Chrystal; daughter, Crystal and son-in-law, Patrick; son, Taylor and his fiancé, Heather; grandchildren, Lillyanna and Gracelyn; and step-children.
Vanessa’s service will be Friday, March 22, 9:00 a.m. at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. If you are unable to attend in person, there will be a live stream of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the Special Olympics or the First Responders Association.
The Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org
The First Responders Foundation: https://firstrespondersfoundation.org
Maria L Druce: 1942 – 2024
Maria was born on December 13, 1942 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Gilberto Rodriguez and Virginia Rodriguez (Figueroa).
Her start in life was difficult, as her father abandoned his family shortly after her birth. Her mother had friends in NYC who encouraged her to move there for better job opportunities. Her mother arrived in New York City with everything she owned in one suitcase and carrying her infant daughter. She supported them with a factory job.
When Maria graduated from high school they returned to Puerto Rico. Because Maria was bilingual, she was able to secure a job as an overseas operator for the phone company. She was on the line with the Cuban exchange when the communists came in and slaughtered all the operators.
Maria was an army wife for some years and spent time in Germany and various cities across the U.S. She arrived in Cheyenne in 1981. She said Cheyenne was the friendliest place she ever lived and she planned to spend the rest of her life here. She did volunteer work at the VA hospital and was a housemother at Meadowlark home for unwed mothers.
Maria married John Druce in 1985 and they had a good life. She worked in the kitchen at Johnson Junior High then spent some time as a cashier at Warren AFB. In 2012, she started having health issues caused by diabetes. The year 2018 brought the beginning of many hospitalizations, endless doctor visits and finally dialysis. Through it all she remained happy and upbeat.
Her favorite pastime in her final years was shopping at stores with electric shopping carts. Since she made friends everywhere she went she spent more time visiting than shopping. Although she fought long and hard, her body finally gave out.
Maria is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Deborah; and childhood friend/honorary sister, Milta Curiel. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. If you knew her or met her, you are blessed.
Janet Kay Wampler: 1939 – 2024
Our mom, Janet Kay Marks Wampler, was born on May 11, 1939– no, that is not a typo for those of you shocked to learn her age—in Cheyenne, to Irene and Ferree Marks. After a brief move to Tacoma, Washington, the family returned to Cheyenne where she spent most of her childhood, with her older sister, Joella, and baby brother, Sam. She graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1957.
Though she told them they were all insane, her advisors at the University of Wyoming recruited her into their first Honors Scholar program upon her matriculation. She loved her time in Laramie, particularly her involvement with her sorority, and, of course, they loved her. We’re not so sure her grades lived up to the potential her advisors saw, but that was never the point. Janet’s mission in life was to have fun in the moment and provide real-time entertainment for anyone she met; and those she did meet rarely forgot the experience.
One of those she met was our dad, Robert Wampler, of Riverton. They were married and during his law school education, she had her number one son, Russell, in Laramie. After law school they moved first to Chicago, then to Mill Valley, California, where she had her only daughter, Robin. It didn’t take them too long to decide they needed to get back to the mountains, and found an opportunity to move to Helena, Montana, in 1967. She spent the next three decades there raising those two, along with their next and final addition, Todd.
Janet’s life in Helena was an uninterrupted festival with highlights including extensive work with Robin’s Camp Fire Girls of America group, where her charisma made her a favorite of the girls and moms alike. It led to her eventual employment by the Helena chapter, where she worked for several years. We were all the envy of all of our friends, who couldn’t believe how cool our mom was.
Unfortunately, no true story is without struggles, and she lost Bob to an early demise from emphysema in their early 40s. But, she kept moving with an active social life, never failing to be the life of whatever function she jumped into—her bridge group, her exercise group, or the party. She offered her services as a volunteer at St. Peter’s Hospital, and as will surprise no one who knows her and reads this, was eventually put in charge of all of them. She headed up the volunteers at the hospital and sat on the hospital board for a few years. She also volunteered at the Old Governor’s Mansion in Helena, regaling the visitors with hilarious tales of past goings-on in the historic building, some of which were actually true.
After all her kids made a successful leap out of the nest, Cheyenne called to her again. She moved back to help her aging mom, and relished the culture for which Cheyenne is famous. Though her own children were scattered across the map, Janet was fortunate to be embraced by the family of her nephew, David. She became an important part of their lives in Cheyenne, and an inspiration to David and Joanmarie’s girls: Morgan, Jordan, Cassidy, and Shannon. She found her true passion in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, working the gift shop, and eventually was hired as the volunteer coordinator. She became the museum’s most flamboyant and enthusiastic ambassador, and probably its greatest customer, as she festooned her townhome with Old West memorabilia. She never missed an opportunity to invite others over to enjoy the atmosphere of “West World”. Amazingly, she kept coordinating those volunteers up until her illness stuck just last month. Janet amassed a huge following in her time back in her hometown. Everyone we are introduced to in Cheyenne tells us Janet is one of their favorite people. And they mean it. On Wednesday, March 13, Cheyenne lost a true character.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Robert Wampler; and her sister, Joella. She is survived by her brother, Sam Marks of Duluth; her children: Russ Wampler of Lechlade, England, Robin Wampler King of Salt Lake City, and Todd Wampler of Helena; by Russ’ children, Sasha and Lauren; by Todd’s children: Kelcie, Megan, and Hayden; by her nieces, Jane and Susan; and by David, Joanmarie, Morgan, Jordan, Cassidy, and Shannon.
A celebration of her life is planned for summer 2024 in Cheyenne. Watch her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/markswampler?mibextid=dGKdO6 for announcements. Any wishing to donate to a cause in her honor are invited to contact the Old West Museum or go to https://www.oldwestmuseum.org/donate.
