Jeanne Marie Hind: 1952 – 2024
Jeanne Marie Hind, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away on June 26, 2024 surrounded by family, leaving an unfillable void for all that knew her.
Jeanne, or Jean as she was known, was born on April 14, 1952 in Cherokee, Iowa to John Jr. and Lois Robinson. She was one of six children with older siblings: Janet, John and Judy (Smith), and younger siblings, Jim and Jeanette (Lukins). Jean grew up on a farm near Cherokee where her tireless work ethic, that she would later be known for, was first instilled in her. After graduating from high school, she worked various jobs before embarking on her lifetime career as a nurse. She married Robert (Dave) Hind on October 3, 1970 and went on to have two sons, Robert (Tony) and Michael. After leaving Cherokee for short stops in Louisiana and Colorado, Jean and family settled in Gillette, Wyoming in the late 1980s, where she became a nurse at Campbell County Memorial Hospital. Jean spent over 30 years at the hospital providing care for thousands of patients in the demanding ICU and ER departments as well as at the walk-in-clinic towards the end of her career.
Jean was known for her hard work, generosity, kindness, compassion, and selflessness. Her true passion was the care and comfort of others. As a nurse Jean exceeded the expectations for the physical and emotional care of her patients and her patients families, providing comfort in some of their darkest times. Jean was a devoted wife and mother, who always put family first. Even with working long hours at the hospital, she managed the household and was the glue that held the family together. Jean was generous with loved ones and willing to assist them in any way possible. Her ability to listen, without judgment, had a strong calming effect that put people at ease. Jean was not only a mother to her own sons, but also a mother to her sons’ friends, loving them like they were her own and occasionally caring for them at the hospital.
Later in life, her grandchildren, Robert (Andrew), Anna, Ashlin, and Harper, became her biggest source of joy. She cherished the time with them while babysitting, visiting the park, shuttling them to school, or chatting in-person or online. Against her sons’ wishes, she excessively spoiled the grandchildren with snacks, sweets, toys, apps, hugs, back rubs, cash, and anything else they asked for. When not spoiling the grandchildren, Jean enjoyed spending time with her daughter-in-laws, Jeanie and Misti, talking to her sisters on the phone and online, reading, working in the yard, making cookies, watching the NFL, WNBA, and University of Iowa sports, and playing slot machines with friends and family (especially with her mother Lois).
Jean touched the lives of those who knew her. She will be missed and never forgotten.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 12, 2024, at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Gillette, Wyoming. All who knew Jean are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Jean’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
John Bishop: 1935 – 2024
Funeral Service for John Bishop will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 12 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cheyenne. This will be followed by lunch at the church and burial at a later date at the Cheyenne National Cemetery.
John passed away on June 30, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was born to Dorothy Bishop and Andrew Bishop on July 31, 1935, in Denver. John spent his early years on the family dairy farm in Georgetown, Colorado where he worked and delivered milk to the neighboring mountain communities. The family relocated to Wyoming and lived in Rock Springs and Casper before he joined the Air Force and was stationed at FE Warren in Cheyenne and served in Korea. John met his first wife, Elizabeth Farthing, in Cheyenne, and they had two children.
John studied teaching at the University of Wyoming. He spent time at Corlett Elementary and McCormick Junior High before retiring. He cherished the many friends he met during his time as an educator. John enjoyed hunting and fishing along with visiting his many relatives in the area.
John was preceded in death by his mother; father; sister, Pat; and first wife, Elizabeth Bishop. Survivors include a son, Merrill Bishop (Loveland); daughter, Amy Bishop (Santa Monica); wife, Marie Rustan-Bishop (Cheyenne); and five grandchildren.
Dave William Force: 1944 – 2024
Dave W. Force, 91, of Cheyenne, saddled his last horse and rode into Glory Land on June 30, 2024. Funeral service will be at Highlands Presbyterian Church in Cheyenne. Graveside service will follow at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Force passed away at home. Dave was born on July 4, 1932, to Frank Marshall and Orda Mary Force, the seventh child of a family of eight children. He attended country school through the fourth grade and completed his elementary and secondary education in Gillette, Wyoming. He was a member of the FFA judging team, played varsity football and intermural basketball. He tried the sport of “boxing” which he said was not a sport since he lost so much blood.
Following graduation, he worked at a number of area rancher’s and participated in rodeos in the Gillette area. On January 5, 1953, he entered the United States Army and took basic taking at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was assigned to the 62nd Construction Engineer Battalion in Seoul South Korea and honorably discharged from service on October 5, 1954.
Dave returned to Gillette, and worked on the family ranch and spent his weekends in the rodeo arena. In 1957, he won the bull riding championship for the Northwest Ranch Cowboys Association. That same year he entered Casper Junior College with a rodeo scholarship. He earned his Associate’s degree in agriculture while rodeoing for the college.
On August 9, 1954, Dave and Norma C. Dobbs, were married in Sheridan, Wyoming. The couple lived in Gillette before moving to Laramie where Dave continued his education at the University of Wyoming. In May 1963, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics.
Following graduation, he was employed by the Wyoming State Land and Farm Loan Board. In 1984, he was appointed Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Appraisal and Service Leasing, a position he held until retirement. In 1986 he was recognized by “The Wyoming Chapter of the American Society”, as Public Administrator of the year.
After 35 years at the Land Office, he enjoyed life in retirement. Dave and Norma spent their winter months in Wickenburg, Arizona. They both played golf at the many golf courses in the area. Dave also spent most of his time at “Jack Pot Roping’s” and in someone’s practice pen, while Norma spent her time playing cards.
Dave was a life member of the University of Wyoming “Alumni Association”, The Cowboy Joe Club, The Society for Range Management, and Highlands Presbyterian Church.
Preceded in death by his loving wife, Norma; parents, Frank and Orda Mary; beloved daughter, Kathy Marie Boheler; four brothers: Frank Jr. (Evelyn) of Pheonix, Jim (Ruth) of Denver, Bob (Nellie) of Gillette, Don (Elaine) of Larame; twin sisters, Lois (Doug) Cruson, Nyssa Oregon, and Doris (Jake) Sherman of Cheyenne.
He is survived by his children: Llyod (Brenda) Force Peachtree City, Georgia, Barbara McAmis, Parker, Colorado, Janice (Matt) Hills, Wylie, Texas; son-in-law, Kevin Boheler, Cheyenne; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Viewing to take place Monday, July 8, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Highlands Presbyterian Church.
Lewis Michael Graves: 1938 – 2024
Dr. Lewis Michael Graves of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away at age 86, surrounded by loved ones in the days leading up to his death on June 27, 2024, while in hospice care.
“Doc Graves,” as he was affectionately known, had a remarkable career. After graduating with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1962 and serving honorably as a Captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp, he went on to work for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Food Safety and Inspection Service where he served with distinction for 30 years. His favorite posts included Fairfield, Vermont, Grand Junction, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
After retiring from the USDA, Dr. Graves was named as the Director of the Native American Vocational and Technical Education Program (NAVTEP) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the St. Stephens Indian School on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Fremont County, Wyoming. He oversaw technical and vocational training there until he retired and suffered declining health. An active and passionate outdoorsman, Dr. Graves enjoyed ranching, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the cabin of his eldest son.
He also studied Taekwondo and excelled in martial arts. A well-known civic leader in Wyoming, he had the honor of serving as an announcer at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, was elected President of the Cheyenne Rifle and Pistol Club, was active in the Wyoming Veterinary Medical Association, National Rifle Association, and the Wyoming Republican Party. For those who knew Dr. Graves in his prime, he will be remembered as a tall, striking figure, predictably dressed in western attire, with a deep, commanding voice.
Respected for his strength and intelligence, but best known for introducing himself with a friendly “How do you do?”
Dr. Graves is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Maggie Graves; his six adult children from his first marriage with Margritte Clay Lindsey and their 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; as well as Maggie’s three adult children from her first marriage, 10 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, who all adopted him as their own. The sole surviving siblings of Dr. Graves are his younger sisters, Leslie Karen Franklin (Reggie), Colette “Tori” Dahlke, and Nanette Missaghi. Dr. Graves is preceded in death by his beloved older sister, Dr. Jacqueline Wilson, MD; and his parents, Lewis Laverne Graves, Irma Graves, and his stepfather, “Daddy Leslie” Smith.
Larry Hunter McGarvin: 1935 – 2024
If you knew him, you loved him and he loved you. Larry Hunter McGarvin passed away on June 9, 2024. He turned 89 on May 29. He is survived by four children: Jeff (Kathy) of Durango, Lucinda of Phoenix, Melissa O’Melia (Bill) of Littleton, and Jillian Balow (John) of Cheyenne; his companion and late-in-life love, Marie Giniger; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Lyle; and his sister, Jeanette. In heaven, he joins his wife of 62 years, Sue; his daughter, Lisa; his grandson, Drennen; his parents; and two siblings, Dale and Joanne.
Larry grew up on a farm in Worland and was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from Colorado State University and completed dental school at the University of Nebraska. He practiced dentistry for over 50 years in Lusk, Laramie, Wright, Gillette, and Cheyenne. He also traveled to Haiti on a volunteer medical mission in 2010, mentored in the dental hygiene program at LCCC, and served on boards for Delta Dental of Wyoming, UW Sports Hall of Fame, and the Wyoming State Board of Education. Larry’s patients knew him as the gentle and friendly dentist.
Larry’s zeal for life was contagious. He was a listener and a friend to all. He had an unbelievable memory and he was a gifted storyteller. Conversations with Larry always included stories about his own experiences and lessons, and those he collected from others. He loved the Big Horn Mountains and “The Cabin” was a place to gather, play, laugh, and enjoy a “toddy” outside on the deck.
Larry was diehard Wyoming Cowboys fan and traveled with family and friends to watch games in Laramie and across the nation. He was proud of his family and his friends. He raised five adventurous children and had plans to visit kids and grandkids this summer. His collection of friends spanned his gin rummy buddies, golfing buddies, colleagues that became fast friends, church friends, Cowboy fans, and anyone else he met who had a penchant for sharing a story. Larry was a voracious reader and a history buff, especially the World Wars and the Old West. His grandkids were amazed by his knowledge and they loved listening to his stories. It’s hard to capture this man in words – his spirit, legacy, and stories will be shared for many years to come.
Plans for a celebration of life will be announced later and will coincide with a Cowboy football game in Laramie. Donations in Larry’s name can be made to Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org) or Drennen’s Dreams (drennensdreams.org).
James F. Miller: 1932 – 2024
James F. Miller, a man who touched the lives of many with his humor and unwavering faith, passed away in Cheyenne, Wyoming on June 27, 2024; his 92nd birthday. Born on June 27, 1932, in Obert, Nebraska, Jim led a life full of remarkable experiences and cherished moments.
Jim served his country with pride as a paratrooper in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His dedication and bravery during his military service will always be remembered by those who knew him.
Jim had a wide array of hobbies and interests that brought him joy, including camping, golfing, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, chess, bowling, and playing cards and dominoes with friends and family. One of his proudest accomplishments was soloing a plane at the young age of 16, showcasing his adventurous spirit and determination. Jim and wife Darlene also operated a successful property management business in Cheyenne for 45 years.
Jim’s faith and loved ones meant everything to him. He was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church for 45 years. He shared nearly 70 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Darlene, creating a lifetime of beautiful memories together. Jim is survived by his wife, Darlene; children: Dave (Diane), Debi (Bob), and Jeffrey; grandchildren: Joe (Kristi) Tomporowski, Lindsay (Rick) Adams, Jessica (Aaron) Wales, and Jacy (Eric) Olsen; great-grandchildren: Angelina (Duane) Trent, Joshua and Adalyn Wales, Taylor and Easton Tomporowski, and Eric, Payton and Ainsley Olsen; many special nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Marcie Nash.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Anna Miller; and sister, Delores Brown.
In remembrance of James F. Miller’s life and legacy, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 8 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Cheyenne. An inurnment will take place at Cheyenne National Cemetery on July 18 at 11:00 a.m. His warm smile, laugh, and kind heart will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
If you would like to make a donation in James’ name, please mail a check to Ascension Lutheran Church made out to the James Iverson Pipe Organ Fund.
Raiyn Nyx Williams: 2024
Raiyn Nyx Williams was born quietly into this world with her angel wings on June 24, 2024 in Cheyenne.
Raiyn is survived by her parents, Jerry and Miranda Williams; her siblings: Jerrod, Leandra (Austin), Destiny, Alexandria, Marcus, Dorian, Maciah, Brock and Rhodri; grandparents, Barbara and Clint Cook of Casper; along with numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.
Raiyn was preceded in death by her great grandma, Ruth Reno; great grandpa, Don Reno; grandpa Jerry Williams; grandma Ladonna Kosse; and sister Krystal Williams.
