Bernice Gertsch: 1929 – 2024
Bernice “Bobbie” Gertsch, born on June 17, 1929, in Longmont, Colorado, passed away peacefully on October 8 2024, at the Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and an indomitable spirit.
Bobbie was not just a beloved mother and grandmother but also a beacon of hope and compassion for many. Her unwavering dedication to her community and especially to veterans exemplified her loving nature. As a volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 6, she immersed herself fully in various leadership roles, tirelessly working to uplift the spirits of those who served our country. It was common to find Bobbie at the VA Medical Center, distributing cookies and coffee to patients and visitors, walking countless miles down hospital halls, and organizing birthday and holiday celebrations.
Through her efforts, Bobbie amassed over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, a testament to her selfless contribution, which awarded her a memorial bench on the VA grounds near Volunteer Services. A gentle soul dedicated to nurturing others, she found immense joy in her role as a teaching assistant, helping young children flourish in their education.
Bobbie is survived by her loving daughters, Dixie Hammer of Colorado Springs and Diana Pick of Phoenix, Arizona, and Marvin (M.J.) Gertsch (Tamara) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, whose hearts will forever cherish her guidance and love. She was also blessed with grandchildren: Kelli Gertsch Matthies (Jason) of Newbury Park, California; Greg Pick of Phoenix, Arizona; and Ryan Gertsch (Lisa) of Cheyenne. Her legacy of love continues with four great-grandchildren: Camden and Rachel Gertsch; Ian and Alexandria Matthies, and many nieces and nephews, each of whom carries a piece of her spirit within them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Gertsch, Sr.; and a lineage of family, including her father, John Sheeley; and mother, Alice Farnham. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Beth McCullough (George); a brother, Jack Burns (Pat); and beloved grandchildren, Michael (Mickey) Hammer and Alisha Pick Cortez.
Bobbie’s impact on those around her will not be forgotten. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication to service inspired many, and she leaves behind a community that will forever be enriched by her presence and love.
A memorial service to honor her remarkable life will be held on October 23, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home in Cheyenne, Wyoming with a reception to follow. A private interment will be held at a later date in Longmont, Colorado. As we gather to celebrate her life, let us carry forward her legacy of kindness and selflessness that touched so many hearts.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6 or the Cheyenne Animal Shelter in Bobbie’s memory.
Col. Thomas C. Hutchings, USANG: 1957 – 2024
Col. Thomas Charlton Hutchings, USANG, Retired, a dedicated servant to his country and a beloved member of his family, went to be with his lord and savior Jesus The Christ, on October 2, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
He was born on September 12, 1957, to Dr. and Mrs. Charles H. Hutchings, III in Waycross, Georgia. He attended St. Peter Claver Elementary School in Macon, Georgia and Wooster Academy in Wooster, Massachusetts. After high school he went on to attend and graduate from Oglethorpe University, in Atlanta, Georgia. He also attended Air Embry Riddle-Aeronautical University, Langley AFB, VA where he received a MS in Aeronautical Science.
Thomas lived a life marked by commitment, service, and an unwavering faith in God. He served diligently in both the Active Duty Air Force and the Air National Guard. His military career was distinguished, highlighted by his role as a Master Navigator aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker. Thomas also served as Operations Group Commander, Wing Plans Director and Current Operations Chief at the 168th Refueling Wing in Alaska. Thomas’ final duty assignment was a Senior Official Inquiry Officer at the Pentagon. Thomas was in the Pentagon during 9/11. Beyond his military career, he was an accomplished private pilot, flight instructor, and motorcyclist, skills that brought him great joy and fulfillment.
Thomas was known for his warm and generous spirit, often opening his heart and home to those in need. He served as a church Elder at Calvary Chapel and was actively involved as Ministry Liaison for Trail Life USA’s chapter in Cheyenne. His passion for community service and his kindness toward others made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His family and friends will remember him not just for his many accomplishments, but for his loving nature and steadfast faith.
Thomas is survived by his devoted wife, Lynn Hutchings; and three children: Jason Hutchings (Jessica), Brian Hutchings (Bonnie), and Michelle Hutchings; his sister-in-law, Martha Hutchings; nephew, Jeffrey Hutchings (January); and niece, Joan (Jason) Gillard. His legacy continues with their cherished grandchildren: Ariyah Whitley (Jacob), Zaida Hutchings, Kaden Lynn, Brooklyn Hutchings, Bronson Hutchings, and Nova Hutchings; as well as their great-granddaughter, Pyrrha Whitley.
Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Charles H. Hutchings III; mother, Roberta D. Williams; brother, Charles H. Hutchings IV; step-mother, Norma E. Hutchings and his best buddy, Todd Daniel B.J. Hutchings.
Thomas’ Funeral Services will be private. The date for his Memorial Service will be announced privately
Thomas’ desire was for those he loved to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He did not want to say “Goodbye,” but to say “See you later in Heaven.” He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched, and will be fondly remembered for his faith, service, and love.
In lieu of flowers, Thomas would like to have all donations sent to Trail Life USA, a ministry that was very dear to his heart: https://calvarycc.breezechms.com/form/2227c7229846.
Gerald S. Loghry: 1959 – 2024
Gerald Scott Loghry was born April 7, 1959, to Miriam and Rodney Loghry in Denver, Colorado and laid to rest September 30, 2024, by his beloved family in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Gerald’s spirit lives on through his children, Christopher and Cassandria Loghry.
Gerald enjoyed working on motorcycles and vehicles, staying in touch with his green thumb, painting buffalo skulls, and listening to music louder than anyone in the neighborhood. Work always took the number one spot though. It gave Gerald meaning. A reason to get up and go. He was the hardest working man you’d ever meet. Gerald worked that hard until the very end.
Throughout the duration of Gerald’s life, we see that the growing process is a lifelong endeavor full of both humbling and prideful moments. From being a wild child to a service member, from a man a little off the path to a father that wanted nothing but the best for his family. Gerald learned the hard way that personal growth never stops. He always tried to do better, to be better.
Gerald was known for being hard on those he loved and cared for. He always wanted everyone around him to be the best image of themselves as they could, and he’d push you to be just that. To some of us he was a guide and teacher, to others he was a shoulder to lean on when you needed it most, and to his family he was the one in your corner rooting you on.
Gabriel Anthony Roybal: 1985 – 2024
Gabriel Anthony Roybal, Age 39 of Cheyenne Wyoming, passed away in Thornton, Colorado on October 4, 2024. He was born June 29, 1985 in Cheyenne Wyoming to Lisa Roybal and Anthony Bocardo.
Gabriel is survived by his mom, Lisa Roybal; grandmother, Susie, “Sister Pants” Haley (Isaiah); “bonus brother,” Michael Pavlica; children: Gabriel Jr., Elijah, Phinix, Titan, and Oakley; nieces, Zaila and Zara; nephew, Demetrius; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that he loved so much.
Gabriel was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jimmy Roybal; and son, Dante Robinson. \
Many knew Gabriel as ‘Big Happy” because of how happy he made everyone around him and how he always kept a smile on his face. Gabe worked at Love’s truck stop; he enjoyed working there because he never met a stranger and loved interacting with people. Gabriel was an avid sports fan and loved football, basketball and baseball. He especially loved the Wyoming Cowboys and the Denver Broncos. Gabe most of all enjoyed spending time with his children, Nieces and Nephews.
A viewing for Gabriel will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 15 at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday October 18 at Restoration Fellowship Church.
Many thanks and love from the Roybal Family.
William G. “Bill” Wilson Jr.: 1953 – 2024
William G. “Bill” Wilson, Jr., 70 of Cheyenne, died on October 4, 2024 in Cheyenne.
He was born on October 22, 1953 in Jackson, Wyoming
Bill worked on pipe lines in Evanston Wy, worked construction, and was a janitor at the Laramie County Sheriff’s Department.
Bill enjoyed his photography, fishing, horse races, and computers.
He is survived by father, William Gene Wilson; sisters: Ardis Wilson, Debbie Snyder (Gary) and Gloria Merrill; five nephews: Robert Snyder, Gary Wayne Snyder (Khory), Chris Wilson (Kaili), Chauncy Merrill (Gina), Kolt Merrill; and two nieces, Tonnie Curby (Wesley), and Korie Merrill.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Colleen Wilson; and his wife, Wendy Marquis.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Stephanie Ann Wright: 1956 – 2024
Stephanie Ann Wright (Grandstaff), age 68, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with her daughter by her side. Stephanie was born on March 21, 1956, to Forest and Jeannette Grandstaff. Stephanie grew up in LaGrange, Wyoming and graduated from LaGrange High School in 1974. Stephanie attended Beauty School in Huntley, Wyoming. Following her completion of beauty school, Stephanie moved to Gillette, Wyoming and then relocated to Oshkosh, Nebraska, where she met her husband Dean Wright on a blind date. Stephanie and Dean were married on December 30, 1978, a very cold Nebraska day.
Stephanie is survived by her husband, Dean Wright; her daughter Annie (Justin) Cowger; grandson, Zach Cowger; and bonus grandkids, Josh, Marcus, and Alex; brothers, Curtis (Cheryl) Grandstaff and Clay Grandstaff; brother-in-law, Darrell (Janie) Wright; sisters-in-law, Karen Farrell, Kathy (Lauren) Shirley and Denise Wright; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends.
In 1982, Stephanie and Dean moved to Bayard where they made their home until moving to Laramie in 2022 to be near their daughter, Annie, and her family. Stephanie and Dean enjoyed many years of water-skiing at Hawk Springs Reservoir. When Dean began bowling in a league, Stephanie faithfully went to watch him in Scottsbluff and the tournaments in Denver. In 1983, Stephanie became disabled, but you would not have known it as she drove around Bayard, Scottsbluff and Gering pursuing her favorite hobby, shopping, and boy could she hide her purchases from Dean! Although she was no longer able to continue her career as a hairdresser, she was a proud hairdresser to the end, complimenting and visiting with her nurses about their hair. She loved the Wyoming Cowboys, and she watched everything they did, while Dean remained loyal to the Nebraska Cornhuskers; it was a good thing they had their own TVs!
Stephanie and Dean’s family was completed with the arrival of their daughter Annie in 1986. Stephanie was a devoted mother and never missed attending any of Annie’s events. Annie was her world. When Stephanie became Nannie to Zach she was thrilled and always made sure there were treats at the house for him.
A rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. on October 28, 2024, a memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bayard, Nebraska. Private family inurnment will be October 29, 2024 at the LaGrange Cemetery in LaGrange, Wyoming. Steph embraced everyone as they were, and in honor of that spirit, the family requests casual clothes attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Newman Center at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Laramie. Stephanie appreciated the visits from Sandy and the students from the Newman Center.
