Alan Lothian Dow, Jr.: 1953 – 2024
Alan Lothian Dow, Jr. (better known to friends and family as “Big Al”), 71, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming after battling several years of health issues. He spent the last two years of his life living at Shepherd of the Valley Rehabilitation Center in Casper. He so desperately wanted to go home, but God had other plans. He made many wonderful friends during his time at Shepherd and made sure to give the nurses a lot of grief.
Al was born on January 12, 1953 to Alan L. Dow Sr. and Stella (Juroshek) Dow in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was the first born and his two sisters later followed. The family spent the early years of his childhood living in Rawlins, Thermopolis, and Pinedale due to his father’s career with the Wyoming Game and Fish. Alan spent many summers with his dad, sisters, and friends stacking hay around the state. He learned to love the Wyoming outdoors from his father where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, dirt biking, and snowmobiling in the Wind Rivers and the Big Horn Mountains. A fond memory for Alan was enjoying his mother’s home cooking.
The Dow family returned to Big Horn, Wyoming when Al was in junior high. This is where he finished his education graduating from Big Horn High School in 1971. The nickname “Big Al” came from his stature, as he stood at 6’ 8” and his size could be intimidating. He played basketball and football and was an accomplished athlete. He attended college at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN on a basketball scholarship and then transferred to Sheridan College where he finished his basketball career and majored in Liberal Arts. He married Shelley Peterson, of Sheridan, in 1976 and from that union came his only son, Lucas, in 1980. While living in Sheridan, Al had a career with Frito Lay and later Metz Beverage. The couple divorced in 1982 and Al moved to Gillette where he continued working for Metz Beverage for many years. He later married Marie Coleman in 1994 and they divorced in 1999. He then made a career change in the early 2000’s and became a car salesman with Energy Dodge, Great Western Auto Brokers, and White’s Mountain Motors, where he retired in 2016. He established a loyal customer base due to the relationships and trust he built with people.
Al was ornery, had a big personality, and quite the sense of humor. He always had a good story or joke to share. He loved making others smile and laugh, leaving an impact on all who crossed his path. He was a people person and spent much of his free time refereeing basketball. If you played basketball in Wyoming in the 80’s or 90’s, it’s likely that “Big Al” refereed one of your games. He was a respected basketball official and traveled the state to officiate everything from 1A-4A. For over a decade, Al was voted in by coaches to officiate the State Basketball tournaments and developed numerous friendships across Wyoming.
Al enjoyed riding motorcycles, tinkering on dirt bikes, fishing, collecting Winchester rifles, watching Westerns and Law & Order, frequenting the car wash, and socializing with friends. Some of his favorite fishing spots were Lake DeSmet and Kearney Lake. He was very proud of his grandsons and was known to give them $2 bills and handfuls of candy every time he saw them.
Al had a deep love of Big Horn, Wyoming where some of his best childhood memories were spent growing up at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. He was proud of his family origin and made sure his grandsons knew the Dows were pioneers of the area. He often told stories of his family ancestry, which is still on display in the Bozeman Trail Museum along with his great-great-great grandfather, Jack Dow’s, surveying equipment. He shared his love of the Big Horns with Lucas by teaching him how to ride motorcycles up Red Grade and Penrose Trail. They also spent a lot of time at Park Reservoir and Little Goose Canyon. Alan showed his grandsons “Dow Street” in Sheridan and shared the story of Jack Dow, one of the first surveyors of Sheridan. The street name serves as a legacy for the family.
Cremation has taken place. Al’s ashes will be spread at Lake DeSmet, Kearney Lake, and a small urn will be buried next to his father at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Big Horn, Wyoming at a later date. Al was saved and baptized at Roadway Alliance Church in Gillette and is now pain free and rejoicing in heaven with his Lord & Savior.
Al is survived by his son, Lucas (Cinnamon) Dow of Sheridan/Casper, Wyoming; two sisters, Aleta Dow of Clark, Wyoming and Audrey Carpenter of Clark, Wyoming; three grandsons: Corbin Dow, Cooper Dow, and Camden Dow, all of Casper, Wyoming; niece, Amber Clearwater of Sheridan, Wyoming; and nephew, August Dow of Powell, Wyoming. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alan Dow Sr. and Stella Dow and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life to honor Alan Dow will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 25, at First Baptist Church, 3179 Big Horn Avenue, Sheridan, Wyoming. A reception with coffee and desserts will be held at the church after the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, a “Big Al Memorial Fund” is being set up to provide scholarships for new basketball referees in Wyoming to purchase officiating equipment. Donations can be made to Lucas Dow at 1920 Elkhorn Valley Drive, Casper, WY 82609.
Betty Ann Armstrong: 1945 – 2024
Betty Anne (Marosok) Armstrong, 79, of Sheridan, Wyoming passed away on November 5, 2024, surrounded by caregivers and family at Davis Hospice Center. She was born on February 5, 1945, in Sheridan, Wyoming to Anton “Briz” and Betty Marosok.
Betty Anne was a 1963 graduate of Sheridan High School. Her talent and passion for dance resulted in being selected as Miss Sheridan County and first runner-up for Miss Wyoming. After moving to Cheyenne in 1973, she worked at Buttery Food & Drug, Key Bank of Wyoming and Trinity Lutheran Church and School. She also enjoyed teaching ballet and tap dance classes from her home. Betty Anne loved traveling the country visiting her children and grandchildren. She cherished her brother and her friends. Her vivacious sense of humor and inquisitive curiosity often led her and her closest friends on weekend adventures of drinking coffee and chasing events on her police scanner. Betty Anne treasured her bell collections which consisted of bells that family and friends gifted her from all over the world.
She is survived by her three sons: John Harrison (Jessica) of Sheridan, Tyler Harrison (Kim) and Robert Armstrong (Desirae) all of Cheyenne; eight grandchildren: Madison (Zach), Benjamin, Keaton, Christin, Allyson, Ryder, Wyatt and Evelyn; three great-grandchildren: Enzo, Juniper and Winter; and her cousin, Phyllis Ann Sorahan-Silla of Sheridan. She was preceded in death by her loving brother, Jack; mother, Betty; and her father, Anton “Briz.” A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Aaron Albert Heater: 1971 – 2024
Aaron A. Heater, 53, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed November 1, 2024.
Aaron was born March 11, 1971 in Fort Collins, Colorado to Penny Plumley and Russel Heater.
Blessed to have shared his life is his son, Carson Heater; stepmom, Jacque; sister, Annette; half-sisters, Holly and Heidi; half-brother, Kelvin, and their families. He also leaves behind other extended family and friends.
Aaron attended Greeley Schools and graduated in Cheyenne, Wyoming. From his early years of walking the junkyard, making up stories of the wreckage, to working on garage doors with his close friend, everything always involved tools or cars. His careers in the auto industry, ranged from working in All’s Body Shop, being an insurance adjuster and recently parts manager at O’Riley’s. An avid car enthusiast, Aaron found solace and happiness in the world of automobiles. He had a remarkable knowledge of cars and often shard his passion with friends and family
Aaron was the proud father of Carson Heater, who was truly the light of his life. Every moment spent with Carson was a treasure to Aaron. He took immense joy in watching his son grow and thrive. Aarons genuine kindness touched the lives of many. He had a special gift for making people feel welcomed and valued, and his laughter was infectious. His ability to listen and provide support made him a cherished friend to those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help with Aaron Heaters Memorial Fund, c/o Carson Heater, 5008 Ridge Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009
Memorial place and time will be announced later.
Christine Elaine McCleery: 1987 – 2024
Christine Elaine McCleery passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming surrounded by those that loved her most. Christine loved her family and friends and had an unwavering love for the Dallas Cowboys. Her smile and personality were infectious to everyone she met and knew.
Christine is survived by her son, Jayden M. Shockley of Cheyenne, Wyoming; daughter, Mia R. Hughes of Webb City, Missouri; grandparents, Elaine (Hank) Beaudoin of Vancouver, Washington and Pam Pierce of Brennan, Washington; parents, Janet Price of Cheyenne and Patrick (Joy) McCleery of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming; brothers, Ryan (Jessica) McCleery of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Glenn (Victoria) Smithey of Torrington, Wyoming; sister, Kelly Jackson of Russell, Kansas; niece, Isabella McCleery of Sundance, Wyoming; nephews, Jayden Moser and Bailey Fehlbert of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Christine is preceded in death by her grandparents, Forrest and Karen McCleery and Alan Pierce; aunt, Christine McCleery; and nephew, Michael McCleery.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the of Summer of 2025 at Rob Roy Lake.
