Tavé Racicky Accardo: 1969 – 2024
Tavé Racicky Accardo, 54, formerly of Cheyenne, residing in Fort Collins, Colorado, entered into the lord’s rest on July 30, 2024.
She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, carefree attitude and love of people.
Tavé was born on October 2, 1969, to Arloa McGinnis and C. Bud Racicky in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She graduated from Central High School in 1988 and attended Laramie County Community College. During her tenure at Central, she was elected as the 1987 Homecoming Queen and competed in and won numerous beauty pageant awards.
Tavé and her partner of 17 years, Bret McCloud, lived in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Tavé owned and operated Tavé’s Nail Academy and Salon. She excelled in mentoring and educating many young women who continued on to obtain their cosmetology licenses. Known by her reputation of close attention to detail, she enjoyed a significant customer base that always received the finest manicures and pedicures. Tavé was also instrumental in the development and sale of Gelousy Gel Nail Systems. Her clients appreciated her commitment and friendship. Tavé had a profound love of dogs, caring for several over the years.
She is survived by her partner, Bret McCloud; her parents; her brother, Tad Herz (Ann); two nephews, James and Ryan Herz; along with aunts, uncles and cousins. Her beloved dog, Cheyenne, also survives her death.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Bill and Madeline McGinnis; and her paternal grandparents, Louis and Lillian Racicky.
Services will be Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 219 West 27th Street in Cheyenne with interment to follow at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tave’s memory to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Foundation (www.cfdrodeo.com/cheyenne-frontier-days-foundation/).
Patricia Sharon Fowler: 1942 – 2024
Patricia Sharon Lee Fowler who found solace in her faith and showed remarkable strength and courage through a struggle with pancreatic cancer, returned to her heavenly father on July 28, 2024, at the age of 82.
Patricia is survived by her husband, James; her children: Jama, Dave, Kristen (Stiles), Patrick, Nancy and Matthew; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Patricia was born in West Frankfort, Illinois in 1942 to Dallas Edward Lee and Ella-Margaret McCray Lee. She lived in many different places during her childhood and adolescence including Illinois, New Jersey, Wyoming and Tennessee. After completing high school in Bristol, Tennessee, Patricia graduated cum laude with a degree in education from East Tennessee State University, where she met the love of her life, James Fowler.
Pat and Jim married on June 26, 1962, in Knoxville, Tennessee and were later sealed to one another in the Manti Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They settled in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1965 where they both began long and fulfilling careers as teachers.
Patricia taught in the Laramie County School District Number One for over 20 years. She began as a fourth-grade teacher at Corlett Elementary School and after raising six children, returned to education and eventually retired as a much-loved and respected teacher for homebound students. In addition to her teaching career, she served for 23 years as an assistant coach for the highly successful Central High School tennis team, alongside her husband Jim. The tennis team affectionately referred to her as “Mrs. Coach.”
Patricia was a devoted lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and actively participated in the church community. Throughout her life, she served faithfully in many Church callings and volunteered regularly at the Fort Collins Colorado Temple.
Pat had an impeccable memory of her family and ancestors’ histories and a passion for connecting to her roots–there wasn’t a courthouse, cemetery or archive too musty, remote or overgrown to keep her from her research. Sharing a deep knowledge of how to investigate one’s family history was perhaps Patricia’s most treasured service to others. She volunteered as a genealogist at the LDS Family History Center in Cheyenne, taught genealogy courses at Laramie County Community College and the Laramie County Library and assisted countless family members, friends and anyone who needed guidance, in researching family history. She was also a long-time member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Patricia told wonderful stories, loved to read, had a beautiful singing voice, and a talent for poetry. She was caring and generous, encouraged and supported her children in their endeavors, and lived a life dedicated to helping others. She embodied the hymn lyrics, ‘Because I have been given much, I too must give.’
A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held on August 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7721 Badger Road, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Remembrances can be made through contributions to the Genealogy Collection at the Laramie County Library directed to Laramie County Library Foundation, 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001.
Gary Mayer: 1942 – 2024
Gary Mayer, 82, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away on July 29, 2024.
Gary Mayer was born on January 7, 1942, along with his twin brother, Grant Mayer, to Joseph and Elizabeth “Betty” Mayer in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Gary was the oldest of seven siblings: Geraldine, Joseph “Butch,” Margaret “Peggy,” Ralph, Marilyn, and Jeff. They all grew up on a dairy farm outside Sheboygan. After Gary graduated from Center High of Sheboygan in 1960, he studied science at the University of Wisconsin.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1964, Gary joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard and served six years. He was Honorably Discharged in 1970. From there, he started his first job at Rural Security Life, kickstarting a 44+ year career in Insurance. He continued his career at Western Farm Bureau, where he dedicated 25 years to the company.
After leaving Western Farm Bureau, he finished his corporate career as a Health Insurance Underwriter for American Select. Even into his retirement, he continued to do side jobs such as a security guard for a casino in Blackhawk, Colorado, and for Drive Time shuttling cars to update emissions. He had an impeccable work ethic and was very dedicated to his work.
In 1968, Gary married Patricia Dumdie in Ripon, Wisconsin. Gary and Patricia went on to have two children, Kevin and Shane. Gary and Patricia later divorced in 1998. Gary would be blessed with two granddaughters, Karissa and Rylie, from his eldest son, Kevin. In 2000, Gary married Leoetta Nickel in Lakewood, Colorado, and inherited a daughter, Heather, and two granddaughters, Kiandra and Vanessa.
He was blessed again with a son-in-law, Tim, when Heather re-married in 2005 and gained two more grandsons, Kelly and Brett. Gary’s family was important to him, and he welcomed a great-granddaughter, Mazley, in 2016 and a great-grandson, Huntley, in 2017, along with two additional great-grandchildren, Maryann, 2021, and William, 2019. Gary’s family continued to grow, and he gained a daughter-in-law, Janice, in 2018.
Gary adored his family and spent most of his time loving and caring for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gary was a happy, warm and thoughtful person with a big heart; he never met anyone who didn’t become a friend or family. Gary always had a smile and kind words to share with everyone around him. When he wasn’t working, Gary spent his time camping, hiking, traveling, reading, and volunteering at the VA.
Gary had a deep passion for sports. He coached and refereed soccer. He watched soccer, basketball, football, and hockey. If the T.V. was on, you can bet it was sports. Sometimes, even in another language, at an early hour in the morning. He enjoyed playing card games, poker, bingo, and pokeno. Gary was active in the Lutheran Church. He served his church many Sundays, ushering or volunteering.
Gary was predeceased by Joseph Mayer, Elizabeth Mayer, Bob Cook, Jeff Mayer, Grant Mayer, Patricia Dumdie Mayer, and Shane Mayer. He is survived by his wife Leoetta Mayer; Kevin (Janice) Mayer, Karissa Mayer, Rylie Mayer, Heather (Tim) Wilt, Kiandra Wilt, Vanessa Wilt, Kelly Wilt, Brett Wilt, Mazley Jensen, Huntley Lund, Maryann Wilt, William Wilt, Margaret “Peggy” Mayer, Marilyn Mayer (Michael Kniffin), Joseph “Butch” (Joanne) Mayer, Geraldine Cook, Ralph (Donna) Mayer; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 8806 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, Wyoming, On Tuesday August 6, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and King of Glory Lutheran Church, both organizations were very near and dear to Gary’s heart.
Mary Jane Prahl: 1949 – 2024
Mary Jane (Ward) Prahl, 75, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was joyfully welcomed into the arms of her savior on July 30, 2024, after a valiant fight, surrounded by loving family members and the compassionate care of Davis Hospice.
Born on January 14, 1949, in Sheridan, Wyoming, Mary Jane was the beloved daughter of Bonnie and Pat Patterson.
Mary Jane’s life was a rich tapestry of diverse interests and talents. From her spirited participation in the Air National Guard softball team and the Happy Moose Bowling League to her enthusiastic involvement in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Howdy Wagon and PR Committee, she brought joy and energy wherever she went. A proud member of the American Legion, she loved water skiing, crocheting, quilting, playing the accordion, camping, and crafting gifts for her family with her embroidery machine. Mary Jane’s generous heart touched many lives, as she was always ready to care for and give to her loved ones.
Raised in LaGrange, Wyoming, Mary Jane graduated from high school in 1967. She began her career as a CNA at DePaul and later worked for Secretary of State Thyra Thompson, eventually retiring from the State of Wyoming. She earned a degree in business education with honors from the University of Wyoming.
In 1976, Mary Jane enlisted in the Wyoming Air National Guard as an administrative specialist, rising through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel over her 20+ years of service. Her many positions, including Intelligence Officer, earned her numerous medals and accolades.
Mary Jane also retired as a civilian employee from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, where she served as a Manpower in charge of the Suggestion Program and received many awards and accolades for her dedicated service.
Mary Jane is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Ralph; stepsons, Paul Prahl and Spencer Prahl; brother, Buddy (Karen) Patterson; sisters, Patsy (Dennis) Boehler and Jacque (Kim) Martin. She is also survived by nieces: Michelle (Sam) Gratz, Kathy (Mike) Buckle, Kristy (Joel) Campos, Tiffany Miller, Aleesha (Caleb) Perkins, Megan (Damian) Hoffmann, Jessica (Jeshua) Arnusch, and Emily (Curtis) Courtney; nephew, Brian Boehler; 16 great-nieces and nephews; and three great-great-nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents, James and Nellie Ward.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, August 3, at 3:00 p.m. at Wiederspahn Radomsky Funeral Home, 1900 E. 19th St., Cheyenne, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Davis Hospice or the charity of your choice in Mary Jane Prahl’s name.
Mary Jane was a tireless worker, retiring three times: from the State of Wyoming, as a civilian from Warren AFB, and from the Wyoming National Guard, where she advanced from enlisted ranks to Lieutenant Colonel.
Mary Jane, your legacy of love, laughter, and service lives on in all who knew you. Your life was a beautiful journey, and your memory will forever inspire us. Rest in peace.
Madeline Mary Thrush: 1943 – 2024
Madeline Mary Thrush, of Hillsdale Wyoming, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 28, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was a loving mother, devoted wife, and friend to many.
Madeline was born in Detroit Michigan on May 8, 1943, and throughout her life, she touched the hearts of all who knew her. had a fulfilling career as a school bus driver for Cheyenne School District 1, where she brightened the days of countless children with her warm smile and kind nature.
Those who were lucky to be part of Madeline’s life will always remember her for her unwavering faith, her sense of responsibility as a parent, and her remarkable sense of humor. She found joy in the simple things – from tending to her vibrant garden filled with colorful flowers and bountiful vegetables to showcasing her talent in leatherwork and knitting.
Madeline’s fondest memories revolved around her family and friends. She treasured holidays like Christmas and Easter when she would gather her loved ones around delicious meals, she had lovingly prepared. Her proudest accomplishments were her sons: Michael Thrush, Vincent Thrush, and Stan L Thrush Jr., who will carry on her legacy of love and kindness.
Madeline was known for her compassion towards animals and the joy she found in their company. Her laughter was infectious, lighting up any room she entered.
A kind soul has departed from this world, leaving behind beautiful memories that will be cherished forever. Madeline Mary Thrush’s legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Rest in peace, dear Madeline. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
