Leslie Christian “Chris” Carney, Jr.: 1964 – 2024
Leslie Christian (Chris) Carney, Jr., 60, passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2024 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Chris was born in Nashville, Tennessee on June 16, 1964.
Chris worked as a plumber for years and loved riding motorcycles and loved the Chicago Bears.
Chris is survived by his wife, Tamara (Garton) Carney of Cheyenne, Wyoming; his mother, Cynthia K. (Worrell) Carney of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother, William I. Carney of Cheyenne, Wyoming; sister, Sharon K. (Carney) Paino and brother-in-law, Paul C. Paino of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and nephew, Brentan W. Brown of Denver, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie C. Carney, Sr.; and sister-in-law, Nanette Y. (Roche-Smyth) Carney.
A Memorial Service will be held on January 18, 2025 at 3 p.m. at True Vine Community Church, 110 Central Ave., Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Sherry Ann Gibbens: 1941 – 2024
Sherry Ann Gibbens, our beloved mother, nana and wife, passed away on November 25, 2024 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, surrounded by her loving family.
Sherry was born on August 12, 1941 in Anadarko, Oklahoma to Leta (Loudermilk) Moore and Elton Kime. Tragically, her father was killed during WWII when Sherry was still very young, but she cherished many fond memories of her grandmothers, Onie and Ina, who played a significant role in her upbringing. Leta remarried Robert Moore, who became her second dad.
She attended high school in both Norman, and Blackwell, Oklahoma where she ultimately graduated. She received her medical technology degree from the University of Oklahoma. One of her proudest moments was when she was able to play the clarinet during the Rose Bowl parade with the Pride of Oklahoma marching band.
While working as a medical technologist, Sherry met the handsome young medical student, Bill, who lived across the hall from her apartment in Norman Oklahoma. It was love at first site, and they were married just five months later, on January 29, 1966. Their first daughter, Kathy, was born in 1968.
Later that year, they moved to Spokane, Washington, where Bill completed his internship. Their second daughter, Michelle, was born in 1969. The family was fortunate when Bill was transferred to Wethersfield, England instead of Vietnam, allowing them to embrace life overseas. They enjoyed many adventures throughout Europe, and, while in England, Sherry created many beautiful brass rubbings that adorned their home.
After returning to the United States, they settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Bill completed his residency. Their third daughter, Tiffany, was born in 1973. Sherry fully embraced motherhood, sewing dolls for her children, spending months constructing a doll house, and organizing neighborhood volleyball games, among many other accomplishments.
In 1976, the family embarked on their next adventure, moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Sherry quickly became involved in the community joining Civic League, PEO, PTA, and the CFD Western art show committee. She was actively involved with her children and their activities including Hands in Harmony, Girls Scouts, and dancing. Known for her sewing skills, she crafted prom and bridesmaid dresses, as well as a wedding dress, for her daughters. A talented gardener, Sherry continued to plant beautiful flowers even into her eighties. Sherry’s enthusiasm was evident in everything she pursued. She initiated a Spanish club in her home, learned to speak Spanish, and convinced Bill to live in Ecuador for 6 weeks for a full immersion experience.
Sherry cherished her grandchildren and great-granddaughter, making numerous birthday and graduation cakes. She learned to knit so that she could make baby blankets for her grandchildren. Just months before her passing, she insisted on making a baby blanket for her first great-granddaughter. Sherry and Bill were always present at their grandchildren’s school plays, sporting events and musical performances. Music was a significant part of Sherry’s life; she took piano lessons throughout her life and played the organ for the Methodist church and in various organ concerts. Their home was filled with pianos, organs, and musical instruments reflecting her lifelong passion.
Sherry was renowned for her holiday spirit. Each Christmas, nearly every room featured a perfectly decorated Christmas tree. She made every family member their own Christmas tree ornament every year. She even had a Halloween tree for her famous chili dinners while the grandchildren trick-or-treated.
Sherry lived a full and vibrant life, enriching the lives of those around her with her love. She is survived by her husband, Bill Gibbens of Cheyenne; and her children: Kathy (Bob) McCue, Michelle (Tim) Bush, and Tiffany (Nick) Healey. Her eight grandchildren are Jackson (Caitlyn) McCue, Madison McCue (Oren Long), Hannah Thomas (Michael Boyle), Benjamin Bush, Collin Bush, Cooper Bush, Ethan Healey, Juliann Healey; great-granddaughter, Daisy McCue; and brother, Bob Moore.
A service to honor Sherry will be held on December 27, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, Black Dog Animal Rescue, and the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.
Sally Elizabeth Viersen: 1942 – 2024
On November 22, 2024, after living a long and loving life, Sally passed away peacefully while sleeping. Born December 28, 1942, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ben; son, Jim (Randi); daughter, Jennifer; sister, Donna (Jim); many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces; and was preceded in death by her son, Joe and sister, Ilene.
Sally was an unforgettable presence. You could always count on her, no matter the day or time, she would be there for you. She had the ability to bring people together, and still does, through the memories of her that we share. She had this amazingly bright smile that no matter what kind of mood you were in, you couldn’t help but smile with her. She loved to laugh and could find humor in many things. A simple phone call could last for hours and everyone would leave in a better place.
Sally loved nature and found peace with tending her houseplants, planting her garden, bird watching or simply walking through the botanical gardens. One place she adored was Holliday Park, where she only lived across the street from. She was very passionate with every aspect of her life with her family being the most important. She loved to share her stories and had many anecdotes that would recall her knowledge of history. Once you got her telling stories she could not be stopped, but that was the best part.
Coming from a very large family she never ran out of love for all of us. If you’re family, then you were hers without question.
Janet Elaine Vondy: 1952 – 2024
Janet Elaine Vondy, cherished daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on November 27, 2024, in Casper, Wyoming. Born on August 19, 1952, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Janet’s life was a testament to resilience and joy, even in the face of challenges.
She attended Chaplin School and Opportunity School in Cheyenne, where her spirit began to shine brightly. Later, she became a resident at the Wyoming State Training School in Lander. Following the school’s reorganization, Janet returned to Cheyenne, where she was lovingly cared for by her parents. After the passing of her mother, she received support from Magic City Enterprises, and she eventually moved to Casper, where she found care and warmth at NOWCAP and later at All About Family. Janet thrived in these environments filled with companionship and understanding, which provided her the nurturing she needed.
Throughout her life, Janet embraced every moment with a profound enthusiasm that endeared her to all who knew her. Her outgoing spirit led her on joyful outings to parks, restaurants, museums, and the Denver Zoo where she relished in the world’s wonders. She had an unquenchable love for music and dancing, often celebrating life’s little victories with her friends at the group home. And no joyful occasion was complete without Janet’s favorite treat: chocolate, a simple indulgence that brought her immense pleasure.
Janet is survived by her loving siblings: Kay Martin of Albuquerque, Leona Wilkinson (Jim) of Cheyenne, and Lewis Vondy (Michelle) of Plymouth. Additionally, her vibrant spirit continues on through her five nieces, four nephews, and sixteen great-nieces-and-nephews, all of whom were lucky enough to share in her laughter and love.
She joins her beloved mother and father in eternal peace, leaving behind a legacy of joy, resilience, and connection that will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Those who were fortunate enough to experience Janet’s radiant spirit will carry her memory in their hearts, inspired by her ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
A memorial service to honor Janet Elaine Vondy will be held on December 5, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes, located at 1900 E 19th St, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Friends and family are invited to come and celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the joy she brought to so many.
Donations can be made in Janet’s memory to All About Family, 195 Pronghorn St, Casper, Wyoming 82601.
