Betty Arlinda Bennett: 1949 – 2024
It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of Betty Arlinda Bennett. Betty was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing.. A true daughter of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Betty was born on October 16, 1949, and she remained a cherished member of the community until her last breath on August 11, 2024. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of unwavering faith, boundless generosity, and an infectious humor that could light up even the darkest of days. Betty loved art, camping, dancing, singing, and playing pranks.
Betty was a loving mother whose heart expanded to encompass her four children: Josette Byrd (Hank), Gena Waddy (Emmanuel), Misty Phippin Holguin, and Steve Bennett (Genesis). Each of them carries a piece of their mother’s vibrant spirit and deep love. Soulmate to Paul Rains, a true love story. To her grandchildren —Ashley Brozek (Matthew), Erik Crumbliss (Chloe), Michelle Gonzales (John), Shania Gonzales (Darius), Joel Munker (Zaydriann), Justine Phippin, Jazmine Phippin (Kevin), Jade Phippin (Santiago), Jemini Hernandez, Ezekiel, Gianna, and Mia Guerra—she was not just a grandmother but a source of inspiration and laughter. Betty’s legacy continues as a great-grandmother to Silas, Asa, Darrian, Jayla, Marquez, Nevaeh, Axl, Rynlee, Declan, Nina, Aziel, Tony, Leo, Athena, Jareth, and Judah. She held a special place in many hearts as a godmother to Cindy Garcia Schleicher and Rachel Peneflor, proving her ability to nurture love beyond her immediate family.
Preceded in death to sister, Nancy Aragon and Ruth Cardin; and mother, Mabel Martinez, Betty was not only a sibling but a steadfast supporter, always ready to lift others with her kindness. Her bond with her sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles enriched her life, making her family gatherings joyous occasions filled with laughter and cherished stories.
Betty’s faith in God served as the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through life’s trials and giving her strength to uplift those around her. Though she may not have had material riches, her wealth was found in the depth of her love and the infinite generosity she shared with others. Betty was always quick with a kind word or helping hand, creating an atmosphere of warmth wherever she was.
A master of humor, Betty had a unique way of making people laugh—whether it was through her witty remarks or her unmistakable laughter that rang like music. She lived her life full of joy, never hesitating to share a good joke or a funny story with those lucky enough to be in her presence.
Her passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who knew her. Betty was truly one of a kind, a beacon of kindness and loyalty who made everyone feel special, often with a gentle nudge of honesty wrapped in love. The lives she touched will forever carry the mark of her generous spirit, her unwavering faith, and her infectious laughter.
Betty Arlinda Bennett may have left this world, but her legacy will continue to shine brightly. To remember her, we encourage all to perform acts of kindness in her memory, reflecting the light she brought into so many lives. Make someone laugh, share a meal, or simply tell someone you love them. Betty would have wanted nothing more than to see us carry on her spirit of love and joy.
Rest in peace, dear Betty. You will be missed dearly, and we love you immensely. Your light will forever guide us.
Celebration of Life will be held on August 23, 2024 4 to 6 p.m. at the Orchard Valley Community Center 2111 S 1st Ave, Cheyenne WY 82007.
Donald Andrew Carlson: 1935 – 2024
Donald Andrew Carlson, 88, passed away on August 13, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Born on November 7, 1935 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Don’s journey through life was marked by a steadfast dedication to his community, a successful career, and a loving family.
Don graduated from Rock Springs High School before earning a degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming while playing basketball for the Cowboys. His academic foundation paved the way for a distinguished career with the Wyoming Highway Department, where he eventually became the head of Highway Development.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Don served in the Air National Guard for 30 years, demonstrating his commitment to service and country. His military tenure was characterized by dedication and resilience, hallmarks of his character.
Outside of work and service, Don was passionate about the outdoors, He relished the time spent camping, hunting, and fishing. His gardens and woodworking were a source of joy as he tenderly cared for each plant and each new project. An avid sports fan, Don also dedicated time to coaching his sons’ baseball teams and never missed a chance to support his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting endeavors always cheering them on from the sidelines.
Don was a man who might have seemed tough on the exterior, but those who knew him understood his soft and gentle heart. He had a dry sense of humor and a fun, cantankerous spirit that endeared him to many. If Don teased you, it was a true sign of affection.
Don leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, survived by his six children: Mark Carlson (Arlene), Matt Carlson (Lori), Mike Carlson (Shelby), Marty Carlson (Julie), Lisa Hurd (Kenny), and Lynn Carlson-Kitchen (LJ). Grandpa Don is also survived by his eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Denny Carlson. Don married his true love, Gloria Lowen, in 1960, and their love stood the test of time; 58 years strong. Now Don will meet up with his true love once more. Don is preceded in death by his mother, Julia Granas.
Don Carlson’s life was a testament to his strength, compassion, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, leaving behind memories that will be cherished by his family, friends, and community.
A Celebration of Life to honor the memory of Don Carlson will be held Sunday, August 25 at the Airport Golf Club. The celebration will be held 3 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Lung Association to honor the love Don Carlson had for his wife, Gloria.
Joseph A Devine: 1927 – 2024
Dr. Joseph Anthony Devine, lifelong resident of Cheyenne, died August 11, peacefully in his residence at Pointe Frontier.
Devine served Cheyenne and his professional community throughout his life. He took over his father’s dental practice in Cheyenne in 1952 and ran the practice until his retirement at 81 in 2008. He was active in local politics through most of his life focusing on projects that contributed to the quality of life in the community. He served on the Laramie County School Board 1971-1975. These years included tumultuous times in the system including racial unrest, overcrowding in aging, unsafe buildings and eventually the building of the new Central High School and McCormick Junior High. Devine played an important role in the completion of Stage II of the Little Snake River water project for Cheyenne in the 1980s. He helped lead a drive to ban smoking in Cheyenne bars and restaurants in 2006.
Devine also served the dental profession holding leadership positions for many years in the Wyoming Dental Association and the American Dental Association. He eventually rose to the Presidency of the American Dental Association in 1987. Devine did a great deal of free or deeply discounted dental work, often serving the nuns and priests of Cheyenne as well as many disadvantaged patients. For Devine’s professional excellence and longtime service, he was recognized as a distinguished alumni by both the University of Wyoming and the Creighton Dental School.
Devine loved sports and the outdoors. He attended Wyoming football games until well into his 80s. He purchased Colorado Rockies season tickets the first day they were made available and held the tickets into his 90s. After retirement, his yearly vacation became a full month of Rockies Spring Training in Arizona. Devine was an avid snowmobiler spending many weekends riding all over the Snowy Range as well as many yearly trips to Yellowstone for a week of riding. Devine also enjoyed four-wheel drive adventures in the summer months, particularly with his beloved 1948 Willys Jeep.
Dr. Devine was born March 22, 1927, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Mae Campbell Devine and John Aloysius Devine. He graduated from Cheyenne High School and after a brief stint in the military attended the University of Wyoming before entering the Creighton Dental School. He married Mary Margaret Lynch on Dec 27, 1952. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, John Devine, James Devine, Frank J. “Bounce” Devine, Mary Elizabeth Betty” Devinee Ankney, and Martha Jane Devine; as well as his daughter, Martha Ann Devine.
He is survived by five sons: Patrick J. Devine (wife Carol), Joseph A.M. Devine (wife Diana), Paul C. Devine, J. Vincent Devine (wife Kim) and T. Luke Devine. Devine is also survived by seven grandchildren: Sean Devine (wife Kayla), Joshua Brasel, Daniel Devine, Samuel Devine, Sarah Devine, Olivia Mae Devine and Liam Devine; as well as two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Devine and Maxwell Devine.
Devine was a lifelong Catholic. There will be a Catholic rosary on Monday, August 19 at 7 p.m. at Weiderspahn-Radomsky Chapel. A Catholic funeral will be held Tuesday, August 20, at 10 a.m., which will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. After a brief service at the burial site, a reception will follow at Little America starting at noon.
Donations in Dr. Devine’s memory can be made to:
Potter’s Dream
c/o Dianne Simms
PO. Box 21281
Cheyenne, WY 82003
Barbara Jean Hawkins: 1938 – 2024
Barbara Jean Hawkins went home to be with her lord and savior on August 10, 2024.
Barbara was born on October 20, 1938 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. She graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1956. She married Don Runyon in 1960, and they had two children. She tragically lost her husband in a plane crash in 1968. She attended beauty school shortly after where she met some of her lifelong friends. Barbara then met her second husband, Kenny Hawkins, whom she married in 1973. They had been married for 44 years when Kenny passed away in 2017. She worked at many salons throughout her 37-year career and loved her job and her clients.
What she loved most in her life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Christmas was her favorite time of year… For years she hosted the most beautiful Christmas events for her family, and she and Kenny won awards on multiple years for the Christmas decorations on their home.
Her greatest strength was loving others, and she believed very strongly in supporting her family as well as children in Haiti and Africa. She adored animals and held a special bond with her late-in-life dog companions, Paris and Oreo.
The minute you met Barbara, you knew of her unwavering love for and faith in Jesus. She shared her faith with many people over the years and wanted them to feel His love. She was the powerful spiritual leader of her family and left a lasting legacy of faith.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Chris) Colbert; son, Don (Debbie) Runyon; daughter, Linda Hawkins (JJ Johnston) and Terry (Marsha) Runyon; grandchildren: Kandice Hansen, Christian (Paige) Colbert, Chane Colbert, Sarah (Daniel) DePoorter, Logan Runyon, Paul Real, Buddy Gosbee, Tucker Gosbee, and Jason Runyon; great-grandchildren: Kahyim Timm, Crew Colbert, Austin Colbert, Wyoma Gosbee, and Winter Gosbee. She is also survived by best friends, JoAnne Cookston and Jackie Shockley who brought years of joy and laughter into her life; as well as Kennie Martens, Kenise Dunmire, Sheryl Kovalcik, Vickie Gallegos, and many other friends and family that were very dear to her heart.
Barbara was preceded in death by husband, Don Runyon; husband, Kenny Hawkins; brother, Dewayne Coe; brother, Donald Coe; sister, Millie Moravec; sister, Donna Rush; brother, Delmer Coe; and brother, Danny Coe.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on September 5 at 12:30 p.m. This event will be hosted at the Kiwanis Community House, 4603 Lions Park Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001.
Daniel Blake Opferman: 1995 – 2024
Daniel Blake Opferman, 29, of Cheyenne, passed in Cheyenne, Wyoming surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 29, 1995 in Thousand Oaks, California to John and Kim Opferman.
Daniel graduated from Newbury Park High School in Thousand Oaks, California and Chadron State College in Nebraska. First and foremost, he was a man of God, believing and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Next, he was a family man who loved his family and its unusual heritage. He was an expert martial artist and instructor, high school wrestling coach, hunter, and fisherman. Daniel loved being a firefighter and the men and women of Laramie County District 1, Station 1.
H is survived by his parents, John and Kim Opferman; sister, Paige Opferman; aunts and uncles, Steve, Margaret, Mary, Bill, Lisa, and Scott; and cousins: Stephen, Jennifer, Erica, Riana, Marissa, David, Heather, Griffin, and Jack. He treasured his special friendships with Nick Olson and Camerion Cordero, whom he loved as brothers.
Daniel was preceded in death by his grandparents, William J. Opferman, Helen Lee Opferman, and William D. Moeder.
Services will be held on Saturday August 17, 2024 at 3 p.m. for those who personally met Daniel. Laramie County Fire District No. 1, Station No. 3 3850 Archer Pkwy. Cheyenne, WY 82009.
Donald J Richter: 1945 – 2024
Donald Joseph Richter, 78, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024.
Born in Rugby, North Dakota in 1945, Don served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1988. Following his service, Don continued to work in civilian service for the Air Force until his retirement in 2009.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Lena; his brothers, Kenneth and Marvin; and his sister, Delores. Don is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Martha; his daughters, MeiLei and Donna; and three grandchildren: Katie, Amelia, and Jackie. Don was a devoted husband and father, and an adoring grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Following Don’s wishes, there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the COMEA Shelter of Cheyenne.
Cynthia Marie Zeman: 1965 – 2024
Cynthia Marie Zeman, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on August 9, 2024, at the Polaris Rehabilitation and Care Center. She was born on June 17, 1965, in Cheyenne, into the loving arms of Alice Harris and Noran Ruden.
Cyndi was known for her warm personality, great sense of humor, and infectious smile. She cherished spending time with her family and friends, particularly lively card games that brought everyone together. Her memory will live on not only in the hearts her loved ones but also in the shared joy of those treasured moment
Among her proudest accomplishments was her dedication to helping young teens attain a second chance at obtaining school degrees. Cyndi’s commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others left a lasting impact on those she assisted.
She is survived by her sons, Justin and Curtis, who meant the world to her. She also leaves behind her grandson, Jace Zeman; sisters, Katy Yaney and Jana Harris; as well as her step-father, Ray Harris, all of whom will deeply miss her presence in their lives.
In this time of sorrow, as we bid farewell to Cyndi, let us remember her for the laughter she brought, the love she shared, and the kindness she showed to all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memories bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.
