Betty Fordyce: 1954 – 2024
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Betty Fordyce.
Surrounded by her adoring family, she peacefully met her savior, Jesus Christ, on March 18, 2024. Known for her boundless love, gentle spirit, and unwavering strength, Betty leaves an indelible mark on our hearts.
Throughout her earthly journey, she exuded remarkable virtues of kindness, patience, and a heart overflowing with compassion. Her steady commitment to her family and her husband of 51 years was unparalleled. She instilled in us timeless values: the importance of respect, firm sibling bonds, and the pursuit of our dreams with determination.
Her exceptional culinary skills brought joy to our family gatherings, with her homemade cherry cheesecake holding a special place in our memories. As a woman of relentless faith, Betty found solace in the lord. She devoted herself to serving her church community, where she found a loving extended family.
Her fight against cancer in recent years demonstrated her indomitable spirit and unshakable faith. While our hearts ache at her absence, we find comfort in the knowledge that she is reunited with our heavenly father. Her smile, hugs, and love will forever linger in our hearts, guiding us through life’s challenges and inspiring us to live with purpose and compassion.
We bid farewell to our beloved mother, knowing that her legacy of love, strength, and persistent faith will continue to shine brightly within us. May her memory be a testament to the transformative power of a life lived in service to others.
Until we meet again, Mom, we love you immeasurably.
Donald “Babe” Leon Judy, Sr.: 1925 – 2024
Donald “Babe” Leon Judy, Sr., of Cheyenne, passed on April 10, 2024, at the Veterans Administration Community Life Center, while surrounded by his loving family and wonderful VA caregivers. He was 98.
Don was born on August 14, 1925, in Burns, Wyoming, to Grover Cleveland Judy and Pearl Mildred (Judy) Zimmerman. They had five children. As the youngest child growing up, he was called Babe by his father. It was a nickname that would stay with him and was how friends and family affectionally knew him until his passing.
Babe grew up farming in the Albin and Burns area, but the hardships of the time pulled him to Cheyenne for work, and when WWII broke out it was there that he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve the country and “see the world.” And that he did, from his ship’s commissioning through decommissioning, which included his combat service covering the difficult battles in the Pacific arena from July 1944 through the defeat and occupation of Japan. Upon returning from the war, he fell in love with Nancy Faye Irving. They married January 1, 1948, and together raised a family with five children while sharing the joys and difficulties of life.
Babe went to work for Powers Brick and Tile in Cheyenne, where his “family” grew to include the many construction contractors and builders in the Cheyenne area, who all befriended the man who would always go out of his way to provide the materials and support they needed. While doing that, Babe ensured Powers became a manufacturing success. Moreover, as plant foreman he gave numerous young adults not just employment, but the experience and mentoring relationship that helped them develop into responsible men for life.
Working at Powers and raising the family kept Babe busy until retirement. His free time was spent fixing everything from automobiles to plumbing, and engineering and building solutions for the everyday problems of family and friends.
After Nancy passed away in 1993, Don decided to return to the Albin farm homestead, alternating his time between there and Cheyenne where he tinkered with projects and helped others. Eventually, he retired to Cheyenne to live out his life in the home he had built the many years before.
Don is survived by his children: Donald (Retta) Judy, Jr. of Albin, Debra (Steven) Schwartzkopf of Mesa, Arizona, Daniel (Yvonne) Judy, Sr. of Cheyenne, David (Pixie) Judy of Cheyenne, and Diane (Terry) Rowland of Cheyenne. His legacy includes ten grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and his loving niece and nephew, Renée Judy-Thompson and Russell Judy.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his parents; his brothers, Wallace Judy, Robert Judy, and James Judy, who died shortly after birth; his sister, Verlene Moore; and his grandson, Kelly Judy.
A memorial service will be held April 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, with an open viewing the day before. The interment and Navy, American Legion Honor Guard presentation will follow the service at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens. After the interment, there will be a reception for all family and friends at the American Legion Post 6 on East Lincolnway.
Gerald “Jerry” Shupe: 1964 – 2024
Gerald “Jerry” Shupe 60, of Cheyenne passed at his home surrounded by loving family. He was born January 29,1964, to Diane Lallak and John Shupe in Minneapolis Minnesota.
Jerry worked hard all his life, mainly in the fencing industry for 40+ years. The last four years, he spent partnering up with his son, building Corner to Corner Fence. He loved to ride his motorcycle or cruise his Mustang. He was a real speed junkie. He loved racing and fishing. Loved rock and roll. He was always quick to help a friend in need.
He is survived by his brothers, Ed and David; sisters, Debbie Sherry and Janet; kids: Gerald, Bobby, Dustin, Shilo, and Derick; and he was blessed with 12 grandkids, and 5 great grandkids.
He is preceded in death by his mom, Diane; and his son, Darwin.
A viewing will be on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Services will also be held at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
Beatrice Ann “Miss B” Wiss: 1935 – 2024
Beatrice Wiss, Miss Bea, passed away April 16, 2024, surrounded by family at Davis Hospice. She was born on September 2, 1935, to John and Gertrude Ruch. She grew up on a family farm in Monroe, Wisconsin.
She married LaVern Paul Nyman and had three children: Kathy, LaVern, and Jerry. They traveled with the Air Force to South Dakota, Texas, Arkansas, Arizona and Wyoming.
After her divorce and becoming single mother, she raised her three children and was involved with Parents without Partners, Eagles club, and the Moose lodge. In August of 1981, she married Leonard Wiss, and they lived in Colorado and Wyoming. Miss Bea retired from Wal-Mart as a people greeter in 2019 after 23 years of service. She cherished all the people who she met, but she especially enjoyed giving out stickers to kids as well as their parents.
She truly loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Beverly (Ruch)Sargent; children: Kathy (Tyler) Thompson, and Jerry (Melissa) Nyman; grandchildren: Travis (Crystal) Thompson, Tracy (Janelle) Thompson, Kassie (Todd) Lewis, Madison (James) Deines and Jack Nyman; and 15 great-grandkids.
She was preceded in death by LaVern Nyman, Leonard Wiss, LaVern Nyman Jr., and Butch Ruch.
Services will be Monday April 22, 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First United Methodist Church or Davis Hospice Center.
Howard Thomas Zabel: 1950 – 2024
Howard Thomas Zabel, 73, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away on April 13, 2024.
He was born on September 4, 1950 in Lewellen, Nebraska.
Howard was a long-time resident of Cheyenne. He was friendly and outgoing to everyone. He loved helping others and actively participated in community and church activities. He liked buying and selling vintage cars, collecting antiques, restoration and numerous other hobbies. He was very personable and never met anyone he didn’t like. He enjoyed a succession of dogs; the last one was named Meekah.
In his work life, he pursued various business adventures: The Balloon Family, singing telegrams, a limo service, a bar, and a restaurant. He was also employed by the Union Pacific Railroad for a period of time.
He attended primary school and high school in Big Springs Nebraska. He attended Kearney State Collage in Kearney, Nebraska for higher education.
Howard was a member of the Lutheran Church in Big Springs Nebraska. Upon moving to Cheyenne, he became very involved in the Highland Presbyterian Church.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Megan Zabel.
He is survived by his brother, Larry Zabel (Marcia); his sister, Shirley State (Scott); nephews, Jason Zabel (Jennifer), Aaron Zabel (Sara); nieces: Hannah, Hailey, and Alaina Zabel; nephews, Adam and Travis State. and two aunts, Ira Richards and Mary Evans who reside in Wales, UK.
The family extends great appreciation for the work done by the Cheyenne Coroner, Fire Department, Police department, funeral home, and other public servants who assisted in our time of need. A special thanks to the members of the Highlands Presbyterian Church for their support.
