Lela (Linda) Janette Horton Merrick: 1952 – 2024
Lela (Linda) Janette Horton Merrick, a remarkable soul whose heart resonated with love and warmth, passed away peacefully in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on September 18, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. She was born on November 18, 1952, in Fresno, California, and her spirit touched many throughout her life journey.
Linda’s formative years were spent in Sanger, California, where her educational path flourished. She graduated from Atascadero High School, stepping into adulthood alongside her beloved husband, Danny Horton, whom she married and moved with to Atascadero for her senior year. Her career at the California State Hospital in Atascadero was marked by over 20 years of dedicated service in the patient accounting department, a reflection of her commitment to helping others.
Throughout her life, Linda was known not only for her professional achievements but also for her loving nature. She embraced her role as a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend with unparalleled passion. Her deep faith in God and her close-knit church family were cornerstones of her life, providing her with strength and solace.
Linda filled her days with joy through various hobbies and interests. She had an undeniable love for games, especially Blackjack and Bingo, where her laughter would often ripple through the room as she played with family and friends. Many fondly recall her as a devoted fan of “Days of Our Lives,” having followed the show since its inception. Music brought her immense joy as she sang karaoke, with Garth Brooks being her favorite country star, whom she endearingly referred to as “Cousin Garth.” Her admiration for Billy Graham was profound, particularly after witnessing him preach live as a teenager, which left a lasting impression on her heart and spirit.
Linda adored her children and was very involved with their lives as they grew. Both her children were accomplished high school athletes and she was passionate about going to games and supporting them. She had said those games were some of her fondest memories. She also took great joy in being a grandmother and was a big part of their lives.
Linda is survived by her cherished son, Sean Horton; daughters, Cambri Freeman and Wendy Horton; her daughter-in-law; and her beloved grandchildren, Kelley and Samantha Horton. She also leaves behind her dear sisters, Shirley Hughes, and Betty Muse; along with multiple nieces and nephews who held her in high regard.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Horton; and a loving family that included her parents, Norman and Annie Mae Love; brothers: Jim, Robert, Joe, Doug, and Les Gorden; sister, Norma Spurgeon; and brother-in-law, Keith Horton. Together they await their reunion, surrounded by the love and memories they shared.
As we remember Linda, we celebrate a life filled with kindness, laughter, and unwavering faith. Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her, her spirit shining brightly in the cherished memories and the love that binds her family together.
Robert “Chico” Pistono: 1941 – 2024
Robert “Chico” Pistono passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, at the Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Chico was born on January 28, 1941, in Ogden, Utah, to Mario Robert and Mary Kathryn (Kantor) Pistono. He spent his early years in the coal-mining towns of Elko and Kemmerer, Wyoming, before his family settled in Green River, where he earned the nickname “Chico.” He graduated from Green River High School in 1956 and continued his education at Eastern Montana College on a football and basketball scholarship, later earning a biology degree from Montana State University. While in university, he also served in the Army National Guard.
Chico began his career as a ranger in Yellowstone National Park, igniting a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation. He went on to work for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department for 36 years as a fish biologist. Throughout his distinguished career, Chico worked at the Storey and Clark’s Fork fish hatcheries, served as a habitat biologist in Lander, and eventually became assistant chief of fisheries in Cheyenne.
A passionate advocate for stream habitat improvement, Chico’s efforts significantly boosted trout fishing in Wyoming. He played a key role in protecting the endangered Wyoming toad and securing in-stream flow water rights for the state. His work touched nearly every river and stream in Wyoming, improving ecosystems for generations of anglers. Chico’s love for fishing extended well beyond Wyoming, taking him to Alaska and Baja, Mexico.
An active participant in Wyoming’s political landscape, Chico held leadership roles in the Wyoming Public Employees Association, where he worked across party lines to champion workers’ rights and outdoor enthusiasts’ interests. His involvement with the Wyoming Outdoor Council and Trout Unlimited allowed him to continue his conservation efforts. Chico also spent over a decade coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Lander.
Chico was preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Mary Kathryn Pistono; his younger brother, Richard; and his sister-in-law, Judy. He is survived by the love of his life, Sandra Anderson Pistono of Cheyenne; his eldest son, Mike, wife Dominique, and beloved granddaughter, Madeleine, of Littleton, Colorado; his youngest son, Matteo, and wife Monica, of Encinitas, California; and his nephews, Troy of Green River, Paul of Houston, and Craig of Denver.
A memorial service will be held at Schrader’s Funeral Home in Cheyenne on Friday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m.., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Wyldlife Fund at www.thewyldlifefund.org/donate.
Steve R. Rodriguez: 1942 – 2024
Steve R. Rodriguez, 82, of Cheyenne, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long and arduous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on September 2, 1942 in Niles, California.
Steve was raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming from an early age and graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1960. At Cheyenne High School, Steve was very active in Art Club and was a varsity wrestler. Upon high school graduation, he received a scholarship to attend the University of Kansas in Lawrence where he was an art student. In 1961 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. He was honorably discharged in 1967.
On January 20, 1965 he married Sylvania Paiz, a Cheyenne native he knew since childhood and they both grew up in the same Cheyenne neighborhood attended elementary school, junior high and high school together. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this coming January 2025. Together they proudly raised two adult sons, Scott and Stephen.
Steve received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1969 and Master’s Degree in 1972 both in Art and in Education and a Certification in School Administration from the University of Wyoming, an institution in which he carried his alumni status very proudly through-out the years. In 1969, he joined the faculty of McCormick Junior High School and became a very popular and well respected colleague and teacher. In 1977 he was among a handful of faculty picked to teach at the newly opened Central High School. Affectionately known as “Mr. Rod” to generations of Central High School students, he became a Central High School institution. During his twenty four years at Central he became part of the fabric of the Central Community. He was active as a varsity Wrestling coach, advisor to the Junior class year after year, faculty member who oversaw prom each year for twenty years, and chair of the faculty sociability committee and chaired the LCSD1 Curriculum Advisory Council in 1985-1986. He was also the President of the Wyoming AFL-CIO Teachers union for many years. Education was his life blood and he was proud to instill the virtues of education to generations of students, and to his own sons, Scott, who graduated from Colgate University and Columbia University School of Law in NYC, and Stephen, who graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Steve was proud of Cheyenne and the Cheyenne Community and actively gave back through his membership in many local organizations. He enjoyed coaching and umpiring in many local baseball leagues. He was a valued member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the Cheyenne High Time Rabbit Breeders Club. He was a member and Past President for many years of the Cheyenne Artists Guild, was active as a St. Mary’s parishioner and the Knights of Columbus, he worked at programs that assisted Cheyenne’s homeless and less fortunate, was active in youth events as a 4-H leader and actively involved in curriculum and programing at the Cheyenne Boys and Girls Club, and actively presented his artwork at various community displays throughout the year, including at the prestigious Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum Invitational Juried Art show.
Steve Rodriguez is survived by his wife of 59 years Sylvania Rodriguez, of Cheyenne; and two adult sons, Scott of Cheyenne, and Stephen of Denver. He has two surviving brothers, Benjamin and Robert Rodriguez, both of Cheyenne; and cousin, Richard Carey of Los Angeles, California. He was preceded in death by an infant son; father, Isavel Rodriguez and mother, Aurora “Dora” Rodriguez; a brother, Rafael Rodriguez; and a very beloved aunt, Eva M. Carey; and cousin, Alberta “Boni” Anderson.
Services include a Rosary on Thursday September 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Wiederspahn Chapel of the Chimes and Funeral services at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Lewis Stolns: 1938 – 2024
Lewis was born December 18, 1938 in Boulder, Colorado. He passed away September 22, 2024 with family members by his side.
Lewis was raised in Saratoga, Wyoming graduating in the class of 1957. He married Elizabeth Jean Krouch on November 14, 1959. To this union, three children were born.
Lewis was a general contractor owning Stolns Construction and S&S Disposal for many years. Lewis and Jean moved outside Saratoga to enjoy country living. Lewis enjoyed time tinkering in his shops and around the property with his Boston terriers. Lewis was involved in a tragic accident on his property and passed away at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Cremation has taken place and no memorial services are planned per his request.
Lewis is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Jean Stolns; son, Duane (Debbie) Stolns; daughters, Vonda Ward and Darla (Russell) Huggins; grandchildren: Kristina Ward, Amanda Ward, Russella (Trevor) Briggs, Courtney Huggins, Daniel (Alyssa) Stolns and Chelsea ( John) Meigs; along with seven great-grandchildren; brother, Dave Stolns; sister, Dorothy Stolns; sister-in-law, Vickie Stolns; and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ann Stolns; brothers, Joe and Willie Stolns; uncle, Robert Stolns.
Elijah Michael Vigil: 1975 – 2024
Elijah Michael Vigil, 49, of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, passed away at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center on September 23.
Elijah, or Eli to many, was born on July 25, 1975, in Santa Maria, California to Gilbert and Roxanne (Cox) Vigil. Eli joined the National Guard after graduating high school in Berthoud, Colorado. He then enlisted active duty in the Army. He married Stacey Wagner on September 25, 1995. After boot camp they were stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He was in the 101st Airborne Air Assault division. They had their first daughter, Brianna, during his time in the military. He completed his 4-year enlistment before returning to Colorado and pursuing other opportunities. They had their second daughter, Kylie, after returning to Colorado.
Stacey preceded Eli in death on August 9, 2018. Elijah married Erin Schinzel on April 29, 2023, and they resided in Pine Bluffs after the ceremony.
Eli worked many years in the CNC Machining industry and really enjoyed programming the computer and then making the parts from the programming. Eli loved his family and spending time with them. They were always his first priority in life and he would do anything for them and his friends. He enjoyed people in all walks of life and took the time to really get to know people he encountered, even when out running errands. Eli loved fishing, boating, camping, and hunting. He enjoyed being in the mountains, taking drives, and especially the fall colors. Eli was devoted to his faith and loved serving and helping in church.
Elijah is survived by his wife, Erin; parents, Gilbert and Roxanne; two daughters, Brianna (Adam) of Catawba, North Carolina, and Kylie (Dillon) of Greeley, Colorado; son Colton (Rebecca) and granddaughter Remington of Bradshaw, Nebraska; two sisters Jessica and Lydia; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles; and while he would never admit it out loud, 10 grand-dogs that he thoroughly enjoyed as well.
There will be a viewing at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne, Wyoming on Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at Cheyenne Hills Church in The Barn on September 30 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jared Schinzel officiating.
A desert reception will follow. Elijah loved to dress up when appropriate and had numerous ties that were meant to brighten someone’s day. If you would like to wear a fun tie or shirt in his memory, please feel free to do so.
