Norma L Milford: 1942 – 2024
Norma L. Milford, born on June 18, 1942, Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on August 22, 2024 at the Davis Hospice Center. She dedicated many years of her life serving as the Manager for FEW Credit Union, Wyoming State Employees Credit Union, and the Internal Medicine Group, earning great respect in her professional community.
Norma was a loving and kind-hearted individual, known for her generosity and sharp wit. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and made it a point to bring joy to those around her. Her family was her greatest treasure. She cherished weekly outings to dinner with her son, James Milford, and shared countless adventures traveling with her husband, Walt Milford. Together, they explored all 50 states, and traveled to Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and France. Some of her fondest travel memories included an Alaskan Cruise, visiting Denali National Park, white-water rafting, zip-lining, and even flying in a pontoon plane. A particular highlight was their remarkable train journey across Canada, which served as the perfect culmination of their travels.
Beyond her travels, Norma had a passion for sewing and quilting, famously displaying a bumper sticker that read, “She who dies with the most fabric wins”—and indeed, she was a winner in that regard. Her love for cooking was evident in her vast collection of nearly 1,000 cookbooks. Reading provided her with endless enjoyment and was yet another testament to her voracious curiosity and zest for life.
Her spirit of altruism was further exemplified through her volunteer work. Norma dedicated over 20 years to the Laramie County Library, where she was responsible for sorting through donated books and played a key role in establishing the Book Sale Room. For her efforts, she received numerous Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. Additionally, she served as a Greeter at St. Mary’s Cathedral during weekend masses, warmly welcoming members of her community. Her faith in God and weekly attendance at mass was always a priority for her, no matter what.
Norma is survived by her husband, Walt Milford; her son, James Milford; her sister, Jan Kimmel, and brother-in-law, Jim Kimmel; as well as her sister-in-law, Judy Werner, and brother-in-law, Jack Werner; a niece, and numerous nephews in Massachusetts, Texas, and Florida. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Bullard; and her father, Art Edmonds.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Norma’s life. A Prayer Service will be held on September 9, 2024, starting at 6 p.m. at the Schrader, Aragon, and Jacoby Funeral Home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The following day, a Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11 a.m., followed by interment at 12 p.m. at St. Mary’s Columbarium. A Memorial Gathering will also be held at Hartmann Hall, St. Mary’s Cathedral, at 12:15 p.m. after the interment.
Norma L. Milford will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, adventurous spirit, and the love she shared with all those fortunate enough to know her.
Elizabeth Oakes: 1919 – 2024
Elizabeth Oakes, aged 105, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 21, 2024, at Pointe Frontier.
Elizabeth was born in Ft. Collins, Colorado on February 27, 1919, to Glenn and Ruth Kinghorn. She completed her education through Ft. Collins public schools and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in music education from Colorado State University in 1941. She taught music in Craig Colorado before marrying Dale Oakes in 1943.
She was the mother of four children whom she raised solo after she was divorced in 1966. She was able to begin teaching music again in 1966 and taught 7th grade choir at McCormick Jr. High School until she retired in 1985.
She often said that she was busier after she retired than when she was teaching and belonged to many groups including: PEO Chapter C, Staff and Clef, and Cheyenne Retired Teachers. She played oboe in the Cheyenne Symphony and in a Staff and Clef woodwind quintet. She volunteered at United Medical Center, now CRMC, as a “pink lady” and delivered Meals on Wheels well into her 90’s. She swam at the Cheyenne Municipal Pool for nearly 35 years and went down the slide on her 90th birthday.
She was very involved at St. Christophers Episcopal Church starting in 1957. She played the organ and directed the children’s choir for many years. She served on the church vestry several times.
One of Elizabeth’s most cherished contributions was her “carmels”. Her secret recipe candy was given for gifts, sold for charity and coveted by all who had the chance to taste them. She made her last batches when she was 100.
Elizabeth is survived by her children: Nancy Oakes, Luann Edwards, and Dan Oakes; her daughter-in law, Brenda Salverson; grandchildren: Barbara Edwards, Kerry Collins and Aaron Dunn; three great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandson; many nieces and nephews also survive her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bob Kinghorn; and her older son, Bob Oakes.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Christophers Episcopal Church on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Elizabeth requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, National Wildlife Federation in honor of the two Bobs, or Chapter C PEO PCE Grant.
Her children are proud of their mother “keeping her head” until the very end. Well done, Mom.
Sherrill Virginia Tyson: 1940 – 2024
Sherrill Virginia Tyson, affectionately known as Sherry, was born on February 29, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She peacefully departed this life on August 25, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, leaving behind a legacy of love, and community that touched many lives.
Sherry dedicated a significant portion of her career to Danville Nursing Home, where she worked diligently for 7-8 years. Her passion for caregiving was evident, as she was not only loved but highly appreciated by the residents who often requested her presence. Sherry’s warm and caring heart made her a beloved figure among those she served.
Sherry possessed a “village” mentality; she was not just a mother to her children but a guiding figure and caretaker for their friends, her grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit allowed her to extend her love and wisdom far beyond her immediate family, earning her the status of a mother figure to all who had the joy of knowing her.
Education played an important role in her life, having attended George Washington High School in Indianapolis. Her personality shone as a warm, welcoming, and dedicated individual, fiercely devoted to her family and her church. Sherry’s hobbies included reading and cooking, with special holidays bringing out her culinary skills that were greatly appreciated by her family.
Sherry was a proud member and Past Worthy Matron of the North Salem Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, further exemplifying her commitment to family and community. Her proudest accomplishment remained being the family matriarch, setting a positive example for countless individuals throughout her life.
She is survived by her children: William Tyson (Elaine), Patricia Beck, Damon Tyson, Sandra Simmers, Christopher Tyson, and Michael Tyson (Jennifer). Additionally, she is remembered by her siblings and in-laws: Donna Haney, Gary Watkins (Linda), Karen Armstrong (Ross), Candace Alford, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too numerous to name.
Sherry now rejoins her beloved husband, James Tyson, and beloved son, Donald Tyson; along with infant daughter, Sherrill Diane Tyson. She is also predeceased by grandson, Lee New; her parents, Donald and Melzena Watkins; brothers, Glenn and Chester Watkins; sisters: Clois Harris, Marialena Watkins, Judith Gray, and Rita Walters; in addition to her brothers-in-law: William Haney, William Harris, Clyde Gray and Michael Alford; and sister-in-law, Beverly Watkins.
Funeral services for Sherrill Virginia Tyson will be held at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A prayer service will take place on August 27, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. followed by visitation on August 28, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m. and her funeral service at 3 p.m. A memorial gathering, and reception will follow the funeral from 4 to 6 p.m. A graveside service will conclude the services on August 29, 2024, at Olivet Cemetery starting at 1 p.m.
Sherrill’s gentle spirit and loving nature will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, support, and healing will carry on through the many lives she touched.
