Brad Barter: 1975 – 2024
Bradley Allen Barter passed away unexpectedly on August 10, 2024 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was born August 7, 1975 in Niles, Michigan as the only child to Allen and Laurel (Young) Barter.
He never forgot about Jehovah through all his hardships and worked on that relationship. If you wanted to get Brad talking, music, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Boston Celtics and his two cats, Baby and Minkah were easy subjects to get him excited about. Being an only child, Brad cared deeply for his parents and there is nothing and no one he loved more than them. Family was extremely important to Brad and his close relationship with his Aunt Kara was something he treasured.
Brad had trials in his life but he always cared so much about his friends; checking on them, helping in any way possible and always making them laugh. His wit, humor and big heart were some of his best qualities.
Losing Brad is an unimaginable loss in the lives of his friends and family. The bible’s hope for the future is the only thing that is or can bring comfort. It’s not about what happened in the past, it’s about remembering our future.
Brad is preceded in death by his grandparents: Ward and Barbara Barter and Leland and Ruth Young. He leaves behind his parents; his aunt; cousin, Tory; honorary siblings, Jeff, Summer; beloved friends, Justin and Tabby; and many others he cherished.
A bible-based memorial talk will be held August 23, 2024 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Cheyenne, Wyoming (3422 N. College Dr) at 5pm. A Zoom link will also be available for those unable to attend in person.
Patricia Ciccone: 1954 – 2024
Patricia K. (Cook) Ciccone, of Cheyenne, Wyoming unexpectedly passed away at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Saturday, August 10, 2024 surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Patricia was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to, mother, Lucille (Maser) Cook and, father, Harry Cook.
Patricia loved going on road trips (especially to Pine Bluffs to get A&W because she would say “they have the best cheeseburgers in the world”), spending time with her grandkids (and newly great grandchild), football, high heels, getting her nails done, plants, and so much more. She loved her high heels so much she still tried to wear them after she broke her foot. She always had a pair of boots/heels waiting just incase she could wear them again. Whenever her grandkids would draw her something it was always framed on the wall the next day. She was such an adventurous soul and always went above and beyond to care for her family.
Even on the days she fought hard with the pain, she always made sure her family was taken care of.
She is survived by son, Bryan Ciccone, Cheyenne, Wyoming; sister, Peggy Daniels, Broomfield, Colorado; grandchildren: Angelina Ciccone and Brayden Ciccone, Cheyenne, Wyoming; and nephew, Michael Daniels, Broomfield, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille (Maser) Cook (2023) and Harry Cook (2006); sister, Cindy (Cook) Lashley (2017); brother, Larry Hessler (2017); and husband, Victor Ciccone (2020).
Jill Jones: 1952 – 2024
Jill Jones was born in Pomona, California in 1952, to Elmer and Helene Sylvester.
Jill is survived by her husband, Ron Jones; children, Tammy Vass and Cody Jones; three grandsons: Luke, John and Nathan; as well as son-in-law, James Vass; her sisters, Cheryl and Gay; as well as two brothers-in-law, Dave and Bob.
Jill had a love for her dogs and horses that she loved to talk about. She raised and trained three Morgan mares and raised a fourth. She also raised border collie dogs. German shepherds were another favorite breed, as well as Yorkshire terriers.
She was very proud of the military service of her husband, father, son-in-law and other family members. The military was dear to her heart. It was perfect for her due to her love of travel. She not only lived all over the U.S. but overseas as well. The family spent two tours in Germany.
Jill had such a love for her lord and savior that she wanted everyone to have the chance to know him. She loved handing out tracks to anyone who would take one.
Her love of music and singing was well known in church. She was a soprano in the church choir for many years. Not only did she love music, but sewing and crocheting. She liked to go camping and fishing. The mountains were her happy place. She wanted to be able to help animals and so went to college at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyoming to get her vet tech certification.
Jill was a christian, mother, wife, grandmother, devoted friend and animal lover. She will be missed a lot. Praise to God that she is in heaven now with her heavenly father and out of pain.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Wounded Warriors or St. Jude Research in memory of Jill.
Franklin Winston Latta: 1941 – 2024
Franklin Winston Latta of Ely, Nevada passed away on August 12, 2024, at Las Vegas Healthcare and Rehab Center. He was born to William and Daisy Latta on August 16, 1941, in Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Entering the world less than two years later than twin boys, Franklin was raised as if one of a trio. He described his childhood adventures as those of, “Me and Harry and Larry.”
Franklin attended Fort Laramie elementary and secondary schools. He loved reading and hearing stories that enhanced his own learning. His sense of humor concerning conditions around him was unmatchable.
He worked with his father in the family trucking business during his high school years. When he decided to serve in the military, he chose the U.S. Marine Corp. Franklin spent his post-military life working in Arizona and Nevada doing construction. He worked on several projects including the Eisenhower Tunnels. After retiring, he settled in Ely, Nevada, where he shared many years with his partner and best friend, Bernice Apodaca.
Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, William Alexander Latta and Daisy Mildred Hendrickson Latta; his brothers: William Robert Latta, Harry Ray Latta, Larry Day Latta, Robert Jackson Latta, and baby brother, Latta; two sisters, Daisy Marguerite Latta Davis, Mary Jane Latta Fultz; and partner, Bernice Apodaca. He is survived by one brother, Alan Leroy Latta; and three sisters: Alyce Latta Dice, Anna Belle Schmidt, and Eva Jean Latta Kaper.
Interment at Cheyenne National Cemetery with Military Honors will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to DAV – Disabled American Veterans – Guthrie Beck #2 1119 Converse Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001, 307 761-1695 or the American Legion local chapter.
Ruthann Norris: 1929 – 2024
Ruthann Norris never met a stranger. She never had a bad day, and she never left a conversation without grabbing hold of your hand and saying, “Bless your Buttons”.
She loved her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, her dogs, Wyoming, God, the Catholic Church, and cheap white wine with a glass of ice on the side. Not necessarily in that order, but not, not in that order either.
One of her most beautiful qualities was the ability to make everyone she met feel special, as if they were the most important person in the world, touching countless lives along the way. You couldn’t be bad in her eyes. She welcomed all and saw the good in everyone.
Ruthann was born on May 20, 1929 in the small mining town of Gebo, Wyoming in the only hospital within a 20 mile radius of Thermopolis where she grew up. Her parents Mariah Ruth McCready and Charles Mortimore Smith were Wyoming to the core. Smith, once named the Association of General Contractors Man of the Year, built famous structures and bridges throughout Wyoming.
In 1949, Ruthann married her forever love, Frank Norris Jr. Frank was Director of the Wyoming Travel Commission and received the distinguished Travel Director of the Year Award for the entire country multiple times. Together, Ruthann, Frank and their family traveled the state of Wyoming promoting its beauty and uniqueness.
Ruthann took great pride in managing the office of the Honorable Dick Cheney for many years, including attending the Bush-Cheney Inauguration. She continued her distinguished career working for Senator Craig Thomas and also contributed her talents to the Wyoming State Legislature.
Throughout her 95 years, Ruthann enjoyed giving back to the Cheyenne community that she adored. She served on the board for Botanic Gardens and was instrumental in developing the Paul Smith Children’s Village as a tribute to her longtime friend Paul Smith. She also served on the board for Stride Learning Center as well as St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Council.
She is survived by her children: Buck, Lisa (Eric), Julie (Kevin); son-in-law, Rick; grandchildren: Ashlee (TK), Macradee, Kaelee (Cliff), Charlie, Louis (Ashley), Colin; and great-grandchildren: CeCee, Cash, Cortland, Kalanee, Calan, Otto, and her loyal companion Mugslee. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frankie; daughter, Debbie; daughter-in-law, Mary; brother, Jimmy; parents, Charles and Mariah; and her cousin, Terry Smith, who was like a brother to her.
Ruthann’s love for Cheyenne was unmatched, and she couldn’t imagine a more wonderful place to call home. She lived by the motto, “Life is good,” finding joy in each day. A devout Catholic, she cherished the close-knit bond with her “6:45 daily mass groupies” and lived by the lessons of kindness and helpfulness imparted by her brother, who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Her family thanks her incredible caregivers and dear friends: Gina John, Jackie Oceanak, Nancy Johnson, Florence Attamay, and the Whitman family, who helped provide her with gentle care, companionship, and the ability to remain in her own home that she loved dearly.
Those who wish to contribute in her name can make donations to: The Paul Smith Children’s Village or Stride Learning Center.
Ruthann passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at the Davis Hospice Center August 17, 2024
Bless your buttons, Ruthann. We love you a hundred and a hundred.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 23 at 1:00 pm at St Mary’s Cathedral.
Printha Sue Smith: 1943 – 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Printha Sue Smith, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, on August 16, 2024. Sue was born and raised in Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, and her life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family.
Sue is survived by her beloved husband, Marsdon Smith, who stood by her side through all of life’s challenges. She leaves behind two cherished daughters, Christina West and Dawn Hall, who were her pride and joy. Sue was also a loving grandmother to Desiree Crosier (Chance Crosier), Brittiny Haberkorn (Ryan Haberkorn), Brandon Hall (Michael-Anne Goodart-Hall) Marissa West, and Zachary West, and a doting great-grandmother to six beautiful great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Oakley, Lilly, Radley, Reston, and Braven.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Alice Hill; her brother, Jim Hill; her sister, Sally Elmore; and her mother-in-law, Myrtle Smith; and multiple in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Those who knew Sue would describe her as the most genuinely kind person they ever met. She cared deeply for everyone in her life and did everything in her power to ensure her family was always taken care of. Sue had a passion for crafting and cooking, and she took great pride in her appearance, always making sure her hair, makeup, and nails were done for any occasion. Her weekly calls to family members outside of Cheyenne were a testament to her loving and nurturing spirit.
Sue was the center of her family, a beacon of love and strength who will be deeply missed. Her legacy of kindness, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Sue was a devoted christian and her faith in God flowed into her daily life and she was a true blessing from the Lord.
Services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 23, 2024, in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Burial services will follow the service at the Cheyenne National Cemetery. A reception will be held at The Gathering Place, where friends and family are invited to celebrate Sue’s remarkable life.
F. Darlene Smith: 1941 – 2024
F. Darlene Smith, a remarkable woman whose life was filled with love, and community, took her final bow on August 12, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on May 31, 1941, in Chadron, Nebraska, she blossomed into a life characterized by independence, creativity, and a generosity of spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Darlene’s educational journey began at the Parks School of Business in Denver, Colorado, where she graduated with a degree in Secretarial Studies in 1959. It was a foundation that set the stage for her leadership qualities as she played an integral role alongside her husband, Paul E. Smith (Smitty), in establishing and nurturing Smitty’s Diesel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and later, Smitty’s Truck Stop, known fondly as the State Line Cafe, in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. Her commitment to the family business extended beyond business hours, reflecting her unwavering determination and love for her family.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Darlene was the heart of her family. The warmth of her kitchen embraced many gatherings; the aroma of her fried chicken and a myriad of homemade meals lingered in the cherished memories of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family was life’s sweetest endeavor for Darlene, and her culinary gifts were a testament to her nurturing nature.
In her retirement, Darlene found joy in simple pleasures—creating small art projects, diving into novels, solving puzzles, and passionately supporting her beloved Rockies baseball team. Each leisurely moment she spent surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was a testament to her never-ending desire to support and uplift her family. Her dry sense of humor and creativity made every interaction with her sparkle, ensuring that laughter always filled the room.
Darlene leaves behind a loving legacy, remembered by her children: Denise Kneip (John), Douglas Smith (Denise), Toni Ayers (Carl), and Susan Hudson (Jerry). She is also survived by her adored grandchildren: Ammisty Aguilar (Luis), Jonathan Carter (Dawn), Chelsea Bates, Brandon Smith, Ashlea Smith, Travis Ayers (Chelsie), Dustin Smith (Michelle), Desirea Seabern (George), Torrie Hudson (John), and Jerry Hudson, Jr.; along with 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who hold her memory dear.
Reunited in spirit with those who have gone before her, Darlene is welcomed by her beloved husband, Paul E. Smith (Smitty); parents, John and Dorothy Jezek; her sister and brother-in-law, Maxine and Don Schilz; and her nephew, Darin Jacobsen; as well as niece Denise Schilz. She is also joined in remembrance by her father and mother-in-law, David and Ruby Smith; and several brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.
Darlene Smith was a beacon of light whose spirit will forever illuminate the hearts of her loved ones. Though she has departed, her strength, kindness, and laughter will continue to inspire and comfort those she leaves behind.
A private family gathering, and meal will be held in her honor.
