Mary Naomi Crook: 1930 – 2024
Mary Naomi Crook, was a beloved woman known for being a wonderful home maker and mother of seven, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Born on July 1, 1930, in Ogden, Utah to Aaron Jeppson and Helen Guymon Jeppson, Mary attended BYU and later dedicated her life to creating a warm and loving home for her family.
Mary, also known as Grandma Mary to many, had a heartwarming personality that shone brightly through her roles as a wife, mother, and friend. Her great sense of humor and welcoming nature made everyone feel at ease in her presence. Mary’s proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly her children and her unwavering faith in her church.
Throughout her life, Mary cherished moments spent with family and friends from summer BBQ’s to annual holiday parties. She was passionate about her hobbies and interests including attending church services, volunteering, gardening and she loved animals; her favorites were Pepe the dog and Puddy the cat. She greatly enjoyed her friends and all their activities (they called themselves “The Golden Girls”). She was also very talented at the art of decorating, wallpapering, quilting and knitting her famous washcloths.
In addition to her loving husband, Lyman Crook; step-daughter, Marie Crook Brough; grandson, Daniel Wilkey; and parents, Aaron and Helen Jeppson, who predeceased her, Mary leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness through her surviving family members. She is survived by her children: Jack Gage and Sheryl, Richard Gage and Sonja, Elizabeth Ann Webb and John, Janet Gage, Joan McIntyre and Bill, Mary Ellen Gage, Jim Gage and Alma; step-children: Ronald Crook, Richard Crook, Vicki Hoth; Tracy Crook and their spouses.
Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew her but will forever be remembered for the love she shared with those around her. May she rest in peace knowing she made a lasting impact on all those whose lives she touched.
Howard Avery Hill Jr.: 1962 – 2024
Howard Avery Hill Jr. passed away on April 8, 2024, at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado, surrounded by his family. Howard was born on September 14, 1962, to Marie and Howard Hill. At the age of two, Howard and his sister Agnes joined the family of Jim and Pat Russell where they were loved and nurtured.
Howard attended Alta Visa Elementary School, McCormick Jr. High School, and was very proud to be a Central High School graduate.
Howard worked at the Greyhound Bus Depot and Café in Cheyenne for many years. He was proud of his job, the way he made the establishment shine, his friends and family, and especially the people he worked with. Howard was so proud and privileged to work side by side with both Jim and Pat Russell. He held them both in the highest esteem. Howard also worked for Cheyenne Frontier Days. It was an important commitment he looked forward to each year. He loved both jobs and was proud of his accomplishments.
Howard was part of the Mayor’s Council for many years. He helped individuals with disabilities have a safer community to live in. He was also an active member and officer of Peoples First where he traveled to Anchorage, Alaska and Tulsa, Oklahoma for national meetings. He was honored to be part of both organizations.
He loved to travel. Summer and winter day camps in Nebraska were a joy for Howard. They included horse drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, boat rides down the Missouri river, and lots of interaction among family and friends who enjoyed the camps as much as he did. He enjoyed his trip to Disney Land and Carlsbad National Park with members of his high school graduating class. He liked his gambling trips to Wendover, Deadwood, and Black Hawk. Camping trips to Saratoga were always special because he got to pitch his tent, drive the boat to his favorite “honey spot”, and enjoy a good campfire where he could roast marshmallows for smores. He also enjoyed traveling with AARP trips which included a special trip to Branson, Missouri where he listened to his country music favorites.
Howard loved sports. He enjoyed helping to coach and being the catcher for the Oakland A’s Jr. League team. He was a very active participant in Special Olympics. His medals were too numerous to count; he displayed them proudly for all to see. He also enjoyed bowling and called everyone to tell them of his latest best score. He would share his feelings about his favorite football teams, the players, coaches and if they were living up to his expectations. Bingo was an activity he participated in, and recently learned to cherish his Friday bingo games because he would share that time with his sister Agnes.
Howard loved to help people. When it snowed, he would start up the snow blower to clear the entire block. He loved to compliment people and watch them smile.
Howard will be greatly missed!!
He leaves many loved ones behind: his brothers, Roger, Michael, and Kenny; sisters, Agnes and Dorothy; his extended foster family: brothers, Dennis Russell (Deb), and Bob Russell (Le Ann); sister, Connie Telander (Gary); and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his beloved foster parents, Jim and Pat Russell; his parents, Marie and Howard; his sister-in-law, Christena Russell (Special Olympic Coach); and good friend Don.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Services will be Monday at 2:00 p.m. (Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, 1900 E. 19th St.)
Burial to follow at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens.
Sheila Marie Kelly: 1942 – 2024
Sheila Marie Kelly, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024, at the age of 81. She was born on June 19,1942, to James and Ruth Kelly.
Preceded in death by her siblings: Barry (Ratanna) Kelly, Colleen Kelly, and Terry Kelly; brother-in-law, Dr. Donald Kougl; parents, James and Ruth Kelly; and late husband, Donnie Wayne Martin.
Shelia is survived by her siblings, Maureen Kougl, and Brian Kelly (Kim); Her nieces and nephews: Ryan Kelly, Katelyn (Marvin) Onaba, Alanna (Ian) Kelly, Nolan Kelly, Regan Kelly, Neila Kelly, Kelly (Jake) Kougl, and Margaret Kougl); her son, Patrick (Louisa) Medora; and her cherished granddaughter, Kamea Medora.
Sheila lived her life with boundless love and devotion, touching the hearts of all who knew her. Her compassionate nature shone brightly in every relationship she cultivated, never failing to reach out with a birthday call to each and every family member.
Sheila fell in love late in her life, marrying her Oklahoma Cowboy Donnie “Wayne” Martin in 2014. Their adventures were marked by family, laughter and love. Sheila was welcomed into Wayne’s family, enjoying family dinners, and spending time with his children, and grandchildren. Her dedication to her family extended to her role as a grandmother, where she found pure delight in her granddaughter, Kamea, regaling everyone with tales of their adventures together, particularly their memorable cruise.
In addition to her family, Shelia found deep camaraderie among her friends, particularly her best friend Joanne Galileo, and her Red Hat Club companions, with whom she shared countless cherished memories.
Her move to the Primrose Retirement Community in Cheyenne, Wyoming provided her with a new circle of friends. She found solace in the company of other residents, and the attentive and caring staff.
Sheila dedicated her professional life to education, leaving a lasting impact as an English teacher in California. Even into her retirement, she continued to inspire as a substitute teacher until 2020, shaping the minds of countless students with her passion for learning.
Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and she devoted her time and energy to the Catholic church, finding solace and strength in her beliefs.
Shelia will forever be remembered for her kindness, her heart of gold, and her unwavering commitment to her loved ones. Though she may no longer be with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Rest in peace, dear Sheila, and may your memory be a blessing to us all.
William Lee Ronish Sr.: 1939 – 2024
William Lee Ronish Sr. (Bill) was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming on December 15, 1939. He graduated from Cheyenne Senior High in 1958. He served in the Wyoming Air National Guard and United States Air Force Reserve. He graduated from the University of Wyoming, College of Commerce and Industry in 1966. After college he accepted a position in Texas and Bill Jr. was born there in 1967.
Later, Bill and family moved to Denver, then California, and back to Denver. Bill was a long time Denver Broncos ticket holder and later transferred his season tickets to his family. After long research, his sister, Teddy Triggs, was able to trace the family tree back to the American Revolution. Current and future family members are and will be part of The Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.
In 1982 Bill started his wholesale company, Accent Packaging, selling retail packaging products. He worked until 2011 when he closed his company and retired. One of Bill’s long time loves was to travel. His long time travel companion, Ly Vianzon, solved that desire by introducing him to traveling by cruise ship. He fell in love with cruises and made 18 cruises with over 250 days at sea.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Irene Ronish; two sisters, Teddy Triggs and Deborah Henry; brother, Robert Ronish; and niece, Bahjot Anderson.
Bill is survived by his son, William Lee Ronish Jr.; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Ronish; and two grandchildren, Krystin Ronish and Ryan Ronish.
