Charlean ” Susie” Daniels Soneson: 1972 – 2024
Charlean “Susie” Daniels Sonesen, 52-year-old resident of Newcastle, Wyoming, passed away June 1, 2024.
Susie was born in Arizona on March 5, 1972 to Robert and Jeannine Daniels. As a child, the family moved to Wyoming, where Susie grew and excelled academically. As she got older, she would be known to take on the role of protector to her mother and her sisters, Elizabeth and Rebecca.
After graduating from Newcastle High School in 1990, Susie moved to Casper where she met Donald Arthur II and later to Billings, Montana, where the couple married. Two sons were born from that union, Donald and Robert.
She divorced and later married Andrew Sonesen. The couple resided in Powell, Wyoming. After her husband’s death, Susie spent time in South Dakota and Wyoming.
At the time of her death, she was living in Newcastle as a caregiver to her mother, and a busy grandma taking care of her grandchildren.
Susie is preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Soneson; her father, Robert Daniels; great-niece, Kelsee Ford; and both maternal and paternal grandparents.
Susie survived by her sons, Don and Robbie (Ceara); her mother, Jeannine Daniels of Newcastle, Wyoming; her sisters: Elizabeth (James) Burgess of Idaho, Rebecca (Jason) Oedekoven of Gillette, Wyoming; her grandchildren: Drew, Aubree, Tobias, Zaiden, Mia, Sophia.
There will be a celebration of life service held at Dow Park on Friday, June 7 at 1:00 p.m.
Nora Larene Johnson: 2007 – 2024
Nora Larene Johnson, 16, of Cheyenne, passed away on Friday, May 31 at Denver Children’s Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 29, 2007 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Justin and Kristy Johnson.
Nora loved music, good food, flowing water, colorful lights, playing with her dolls, taking car rides, and spending time with family and friends. Nora relied on many helpers and advocates to overcome Rett Syndrome. She appreciated the time others took to engage and encourage her, and was quick to reward with a dazzling smile.
Nora is survived by her parents, Justin and Kristy; her brothers, Coen and Nico; her grandparents, Tim and Myrna Johnson, Kathy Naef, and Rich and Dori Naef; her aunt and uncle, Jocelyn and Craig Leithead and her cousins: Brooklyn, Hadley, and Briley Leithead; her aunt and uncle, Becky and Danny Hageman and her cousins: Ocean, Glade, Senna, and Aspen Hageman; her great-grandfathers, Duane Johnson and Kenneth Sanders; her great-grandmother, Lois Nutt; and a loving extended family.
There will be a viewing for Nora in Cheyenne at the Wiederspahn Randomsky funeral home at 1900 East 19th St. Friday, June 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Nora’s funeral will be on Sunday, June 9 at 3:00 p.m. near Chugwater, Wyoming at 53 Winberg Rd. There will be a light dinner with sandwiches and drinks following the funeral. Finger foods to accompany the meal are welcome.
There will be a graveside service for the family on Monday morning at a time to be determined.
James R. Johnson: 1938 – 2024
James R. (Jim) Johnson passed away on May 30, 2024. Jim was born to Arthur and Frances (George) Johnson in Douglas, Wyoming on November 11, 1938. He served in the US Army from 1956 -1959 and continued to the US Army Reserves to serve for three more years. On March 20, 1970, Jim married the love of his life, Caroline (Rodeman) Johnson. They were married for 54 years.
Jim’s last working day was as a truck driver hauling milk for MEDA, WDCI, and DFA in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado; a job he held for 28 years.
Jim had hobbies that included going to the mountains to hunt and fish, which he loved to do. He went regularly to the VFW where he enjoyed playing cards and quarters. He had a game named after him called “Dammit Jim.” Jim was a cat lover and had many over the years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Caroline; son, William (Jodi) Johnson of Cheyenne, Wyoming; daughters: Dolly (Frank) Friedlan of Torrington, Wyoming, Patsy (Guy) Chabot of La Quinta, California, and Jean (Ron) Green of Torrington, Wyoming; sister,s Marie (Farrell) Maw of Riverton, Wyoming and Barbara Dorf of Casper, Wyoming; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two-great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don Johnson; sister, Carol Castle; and grandson, Brian Johnson.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Wiedersphan-Radomsky Chapel. The service will be live streamed at www.wrcfuneral.com beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Sharon Kay Shmidl: 1940 – 2024
In loving memory of Sharon Kay Shmidl.
Sharon Shmidl, a dedicated individual who graced this world with her outgoing personality and strong work ethic, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 1, 2024 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Sharon was born in Detroit Michigan on November 29th, 1940, to Fred and Edith (Stockinger) Kasp.
She was a 1958 graduate of Van Nuys High School, Sherman Oaks, California. She attended the University of Wyoming, in which she met and married the love of her life Jerry O Shmidl on December 18, 1960 in Laramie, Wyoming.
She retired from the United States postal service, after 39 years, spending 20 years as the Pine Bluffs Postmaster, before coming to Pine Bluffs. Sharon was the Postmaster in Lusk, Wyoming, and before that, she was in Elk Mountain for 5 years, and started her career in Bosler, Wyoming in 1968.
Sharon has also been a member of the National League of Postmaster at the United States Wyoming Branch since 1968. During that time, Sharon was selected three times as the Wyoming Branch Postmaster at the Year in 1994, 2000, and 2006. She held several offices and attended many of the conferences for the leagues, including the Western/Pacific Area Conferences, the Central Area Conferences, and the National Conferences and served on committees at the National level.
Not only was Sharon thoroughly involved in the occupation of the Postal Service, but she also volunteered her time for a large variety of community groups, committees, offices, and non-profit organizations. For 20 years she was a member and held several offices for the Pastime Homemakers Extension Club; including Pine Bluffs, Albany County, and Laramie County Extension.
In her own words Sharon would repeatedly say,“4-H is very important to me.” Those words reflected her actions and efforts. She was a 4-H leader for over 20 years in Albany County and Laramie County. In which she received the outstanding 4-H leader award in 1982. During that time she volunteered at the Country Fairs and Wyoming State Fairs. Her love for the 4-H projects and groups continued throughout her life as she sponsored awards at State Fairs, and will be continued in her memory. Other important groups where she volunteered included the Texas Trail Museum which she served on the board for several years. She served as a volunteer at Cheyenne Frontier Days for 20 plus years helping in the ticket office and grandstands.
Sharon was involved in the Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women’s Group in 1986 and was an active member through May of 2024. She played in the Methodist Bell Choir. Sharon was the Spiritual Growth and Social Action Mission Coordinator for UMW for 23 years. She set up the schedule for the yearly Ash Wednesdays Prayer Vigil, the Community Summer Mission Project for a local resident, and participated in the Prayer Shawl Ministry and also the Chairperson of the Church Mission Team for many years.
She loved the Heifer Project, working with our missionary from East Angola, Africa helping plan yearly church mission trips, and the Shoe Box Christmas Projects. Sharon was able to go on a mission trip to Salt Lake City to help at the UMW Distribution Center Center after she retired. Sharon also served as the active UMW WYNECO District Officer for 8 years.
Sharon loved spending time with her animals. She raised both sheep and pigs for 4-H and FFA members projects. Sharon used her two rescue dogs, a Collie named Dexter and a Welsh Corgi named Corky for the Therapy Program, taking them into hospitals and schools.
Sharon would tell you her true love and passion was attending her children and grandchildren’s activities from sporting events, dance recitals, school programs, Country Fairs, and State Fairs.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry O Shmidl; her parents Fred and Edith Kasp; and sister Evelyn Bryant.
She will be missed by many including her children:
Candance (Gary) Stoll at Douglas, Wyoming
Tamara (John) Lupher at Mountain View, Wyoming
Shawn (Ana) Shmidl at Pine Bluffs, Wyoming
Pam Shmidl at Pine Bluffs, Wyoming
And her Grandchildren:
Todd Stoll, Koreen Rapp, Tyler Stoll, Bailey Lupher, Delaney Lupher, Bradley Shmidl, Ashley Shmidl, Shawn Shmidl Jr., Jetta Koehler and Olivia Shmidl.
And her Great Grandchildren:
James Stoll, Hannah Stoll, Korbin Rapp, J.W. Rapp and Josie Rapp;
And Great Great Grandchildren:
Oakley Stoll and Rhett Schaub
The family is grateful for condolences. A memorial for friends and family will take place on July 27, 2024.
Memorial donations may be made to the State 4-H Foundation. Please send checks to 1000 East University Dept. 335 Laramie, WY 82071.
Alice M. Wathen: 1933 – 2024
Alice Marlene Wathen “Marlene” passed onto be with our lord and savior, Jesus in the early morning hours of May 16, 2024. She was 90 years of age.
Marlene was born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 8 1933.
It has been said her generation was, “The Greatest Generation” and yes, indeed they are! Marlene’s honesty and hard work led her to do whatever she put her mind to and once had made up her mind she was not easily swayed.
Marlene had two wonderful husbands in this lifetime. Her high school sweetheart, Marvin Nelson and she had three children, Doug, Ken and Cindi. Later in life she married, John Wathen who was a wonderful husband, father and step-father. Marlene was now step-mother to Sharon, Jim, Barb and Jackie. John has proceeded Marlene in the after-life graduating to Heaven in January of 2010.
She was extremely blessed to have had two such wonderful men to share her life with and consequentially has been blessed with 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grand-children with number 27 arriving in the later part of 2024.
Marlene was employed by KYCU television station throughout the 1970’s and later went on to retire from the USGS in Lakewood, Colorado. Marlene and John would then retire to the glorious mountain retreat cabin located high above the mile high city of Denver, Colorado. Although, Marlene did not always think it so glorious at the cabin with the creek running out front, and at times flooding upon the front lawn, she made everyone who came feel as though they were family and she never knew a stranger. All were welcome. Always!
Those who love Marlene have provided loving tributes to her and have been posted here within:
Marlene’s niece, Lisa wrote: She had the great gift of hospitality and absolutely loved having people around and entertaining. Marlene had a way with words and knew proper English as well as definitions along with the use of the English language and sentence structure. She had graduated a year early from High School and was undoubtedly a child prodigy. She was a great communicator and writer.
Her Chocolate Chip cookies and all-time favorite Spritz Cookies were legendary. Although not large in stature, she was a hearty woman who helped her husband dig snow year after year at their mountain home in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains.
And her dear friend Mary provided these words: My dearest Marlene, I miss the sound of your voice, the humor and wisdom of your advice, and the many captivating stories you shared with Bill and I, and our three children throughout the decades. Time and absence changes nothing. You are my most cherished friend and your joyful laughter is deeply etched in my heart forever. Love you my dearest friend. We will meet again, someday.
Another niece, Debbie has written: Your mom was very generous. She enjoyed giving, without expecting anything in return. (So true)
Marlene’s friend Jill wrote: I loved listening to her stories. She was such a great historian and sharp in her details. Her butter cookies (Spritz) were the best! We would listen to jazz when I was there and reminisce. She was honest with her advice. If you didn’t want to hear it you shouldn’t ask. She was beautiful and held her head high. I love that she taught me a 5-pound rolling pin can be your best workout tool!!
And her sister, Linda whom we call Sugg has written: Marlene was our clan matriarch. She decorated and hosted traditional holidays, birthdays, and mile-stone events for her children, grandchildren, brother and sisters and friends. Her love and generosity permeated the lives of all. She told family stories and sang songs that spanned the 20th century, especially World War II years, from the 1930’s onward. Her voice echoes in our souls. When one of us felt discouraged, doubtful or indecisive, she’d say, “Can’t never did anything!” Inevitably, the person carried on through the challenge.
Anthony, whom mom loved and has known since he was a very young man has written: She was a teacher. She taught me so much about fishing and the mountains. She was so kind and loving and I loved spending time with her.
Long time dear friend Myrna recalls laughing together and what fun they had touring homes listed with an open house…just because they wanted to and did not have much money in those days. I love you, my dear friend. A dear friend and I know where she is now, with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Maxi has said, Marlene was always kind and helpful. Always there for people.
And Delvin wrote, “She was a good one”.
Marlene’s God Daughter, Denise has shared – I am double blessed to have Marlene in my life. First, because you introduced my mom and dad to one another and secondly you were chosen to be my Godmother. Love you!
Marlene’s niece, Athea wrote: For me, Marlene was always giving and thoughtful. She often brought gifts for kids under 18 at family events, something to entertain ourselves such as books or games. I also think she was a caring big sister to my mom and her brother, Greg.
Danna wrote: For me, Auntie M, who was also my Godmother, was always so kind, thoughtful and, above all, generous-generous with her time, her thoughts, her laughter and her gifts.
Marlene’s Grandson, Britton has contributed: Grandma had a heart of gold. She was as whimsical as the magic of the seasons. She was loved by all that knew her and she loved them equally or more.
And her dear friend, Lisa who is a neighbor and partner of Cabin parties and life has shared:
Marlene, you and I shared a special relationship and you hold a very dear place in my heart. I could not attempt to summarize each and every day we shared. Our parties, events, outings, and challenges along the way up here are never to be forgotten.
You and I shared our love of cooking and the planning parties on many summer weekends. We both loved our annual tradition on New Year’s Ever of the progressive dinner in our beloved “Happy Hollow”, a term you coined our wonderful stretch of cabin along the creek front lush with green grass, Aspen and Pine trees. The evening concluded down at the creek with champagne, the sound of Auld Lang Syne and glowing lanterns. Together we hosted our infamous, 50’s party celebrating a decade you loved so much. Our family and friends dressed in 50’s fashions, men and women alike, 50’s music and dining on “retro dishes”. You set up your ironing board and we displayed lots of 50’s kitchen gadgets and Knick Knacks still residing in our cabin to that day. (Thank you, Helen and Bill Miller, also).
Another of my favorite memories is going down to Mass with you and John on Sunday mornings at St. Elizabeth’s in Buffalo Creek. The chapel would be half full, just a small community of summer and full time residents- a colorful bunch indeed! Sometimes you would invite us back for breakfast on the front lawn.
Tony and I still laugh at you setting out a tray of olives to go with our eggs and sausage. Who would have thought?
Anthony cherishes his memories of you teaching him how to gut and skin a fish that he caught in the creek. A big accomplishment for a little boy, who is now a father teaching his own sons to fish!
Thank you for loving our son Anthony and our daughter Sara. They were always welcome to come into your cabin to see what you were up to!
We went through a change of neighbors on either side together. Sometimes it went just fine and other times we were amazed at the new folks adjusting to life “in the boonies”, sometimes with comical outcomes. (Inside joke- “Oh well, It is what it is”)
We can’t forget the wildfires……the several years we faced the real possibility of losing our cherished cabins and we were even evacuated for three weeks in 2000 during the High Meadow fire….and later learned the fire was only a mere mile (as the crow flies) over the hill from us. Then we had the Buffalo Creek fire before that and the Black Mountain fire a few years later.
I got to know your wonderful family, John your husband and Cindi your daughter who is a wonderful friend to this day. Her son, your Grandson, Britton who you were so proud of. Also, sons Kenny and Doug along with Grandchildren Colton, Jordinn and Leigh. I remember you bragging up Cindi’s special green chili and the day you made her make it for me when she was up at the cabin one day. I also enjoyed getting to know John’s family who visited frequently in the summer along with your beloved sisters, Gayle and Sug. We were sad when you moved back to Cheyenne, but realized Happy Hollow was no place to be alone in the winter after John passed on…although you did bravely for a few years. I will always treasure the 24 years we were neighbors and best friends. I love you, Marlene. Thank you for the wonderful memories so precious to me and tucked away in my heart forever.
Love, Lisa
Her son Doug recalls: Our mom consistently urged us to recognize the power of personal will power. One of her favorite sayings, “Can’t never did anything”, so get off your hiney and make it happen.
And as for me, her daughter…I love you mom and I will miss you each and every day until I see you once again and we are reunited. Thank you for teaching me to care for others, to love one another, the joy of cooking, watching the old movies and favorites with you, to always have a heart of gratitude and to say thank you and show appreciation, humility, love and endurance no matter the situation, to cherish the songs of old and Big Band music, to remember to dance even when I turn 90 as you so beautifully did and above all to love Jesus and to trust in Him for all things.
You may have entertained Angels, and I am quite certain you have. Good job, mom. We love you very much and you will forever be with us in heart and remembrance.
Lastly, for now…from the words of Judy Garland….
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebird’s fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, oh why can’t I?
Numbers 6:24
May the Lord bless you and keep you
May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace
There will be a Celebration of Life in July 2024. More information coming soon.
Please send all cards to: 218 Hunters Way, Cheyenne, WY 82007.
LeRoyce Marvin “Lee” Woolington: 1944 – 2024
LeRoyce Marvin “Lee” Woolington, 80, of Pine Bluffs, died on June 3, 2024 in Pine Bluffs.
He was born on April 25, 1944 in Kimball, Nebraska.
Lee worked in the potato plant and that’s where he met Rexine and their life together started. They decided to purchase their home in 1974 on Walnut Avenue for a whopping $28,000. Lee began working for the Union Pacific Railroad for many years, however, he found his passion when he stepped into a semi! In 1975 Lee was so excited that he went home and told Rexine he bought something, and it was a lot of money….kept her guessing then he pulled up in a semi and parked it across the street! He used his semi to haul for Simon Construction.
Driving truck was so enjoyable for him; he went as far as stringing a CB radio through the living room at home. He drove for Yellow Freight, helped some local farmers with driving and retired from Swift transportation. People bragged about how Lee could back up a set of doubles, he was the best!! He rarely missed a day of work! He received many safe driving awards throughout the years. Lee also took pride in his garden and yard; he would sit for hours watching the water hit his lawn! He even built his own sprinkler that had to be 10 foot long, but it got every patch of grass! Gardening, Lee had a green thumb for sure, everything he planted grew, he always had the biggest garden around! He loved planting corn, shucking it, and freezing it! He did not love to clean the mess but this is where Rexine stepped in. Lee planted peas every single year just so us kids and grandkids could raid them and eat them as fast as they grew!
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rexine (Hammer) Woolington; three children: LaRea (Dave) Hendricks, Sharlyn (Kacy) Lundquist, and Kyle Woolington; his grandchildren: Bradley, Lukas, Ambri, Hana, Gage, Kinsley, Wyatt, and Karson; his siblings: Gary (Carla) Woolington, Carolyn (Darrel) Karlstrum, Cindy (Ken) Foist, Linda (Denny) Harmon, and Roger (Terry) Woolington; and many nieces and nephews.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Leona and Marvin Woolington.
Services will be Monday, 11:00 a.m., at Crossroads Community Church with a reception to follow.
Burial will be in Cheyenne Memorial Gardens.
