Judith K. Laird: 1948 – 2024
It is with profound love and respect that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Judi Laird. Born on May 5, 1948, in Casper, Wyoming, she passed away on September 6, 2024, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, surrounded by those who loved her. She maintained her great sense of humor and faced the end with the same positivity, grace, strength, and love that defined her life.
We took time to process her passing and begin healing, wanting to honor her appropriately with words that truly reflect her spirit and the impact she had on all of us. While we shared the news on social media at the time, we realize some may be hearing about her passing only now.
Judi was the devoted mother of Jason and Damon Laird, embracing her daughters-in-law, Dee and Amber, as her own. She unwaveringly cherished and deeply loved her grandchildren, Sterling and Rogan, and step-grandchildren: Uriah, Bree, Aurora, Emilee, Jeremy, Ava, and Eli. A loving daughter to Charles and Barbara Poole, and a caring sister to Edward and Barbara, she was also a beloved aunt to James and Heath. She was married to, and later divorced from, Dallas Laird.
Family and friendships meant everything to Judi. Even when relationships were strained, she worked tirelessly to mend fences, always striving to keep loved ones together. She was a supermom, actively participating in her sons’ school events, driving them to countless hockey practices and games, and cheering from the stands. Jason’s and Damon’s friends always felt she treated them with respect, honesty, and humor, many seeing her as a second mother. She valued her lifelong friendships, and many supported her up to her passing.
As a city council member and eventually mayor of Casper, Wyoming, Judi served her community with passion and dedication. She believed in random acts of kindness and treating everyone with respect. Trusted and a great confidant, she didn’t speak ill of others. In times of difficulty, she was the person you wanted to talk to—comforting and encouraging perseverance, no matter how bleak things felt. These qualities served our community and her constituents well.
She made her home warm and welcoming, especially during the holidays when she transformed it into a place of beauty and joy. Beautiful inside and out, Judi always dressed with style and grace. She believed in showing up, never missing an opportunity to support and encourage others. Genuinely interested in people’s lives, she was a cheerleader for whatever they had going on. Kind and selfless, she was full of light, never asking for anything in return.
Judi had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh until tears filled her eyes and her sides ached. Her joy was infectious, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt welcomed and valued. She often said, “I try to only worry about things if and when they happen,” reminding us that many of our worries never come to pass. She had an extraordinary ability to trust that the good things she needed would show up at just the right time, demonstrating faith, strength, and power—qualities she had in abundance.
Despite losing her father at the young age of 11, navigating a divorce, and overcoming many health and life issues, Judi faced life’s challenges with unstoppable positivity and resilience. Later in life, after dedicating her earlier years to her family and community, she returned to school, showing us all that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. She received a degree in Interior Design and had a unique talent for making homes beautiful.
She was a phenomenal chef, and you could feel the love and care she put into everything she made. Her meals were more than just food; they were expressions of her affection and a way she brought people together. Family gatherings were filled with delicious aromas, heartfelt conversations, and, of course, laughter.
We are incredibly grateful to have had Judi in our lives. She was a remarkable woman who taught us to love, give, and persevere. She will be deeply missed by all who were touched by her warmth and positivity.
Mom, you were a blessing and a gift. Your faith, strength, and power continue to inspire us. We cannot wait to see you again one day.
In honor of her memory, please consider performing a random act of kindness in her name, continuing the legacy of love and generosity that she embodied throughout her life.
“There’s always room at the table,” Judi used to say; a testament to her inclusive spirit and open heart. Let us carry forward her example by showing up for others, trusting in the goodness of life, and embracing each day with style, grace, and genuine positivity.
Robert “Bob” Earl Forbis Sr.: 1939 – 2024
Bob was born to Allen T.C. Forbis and Vera Lorina Forbis at Francis E Warren Army Base Wyoming. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Bud McCloughan, in Cheyenne Wyoming. He graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1957. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Ann Buck. Bob and Pat were married on August 17, 1958. He attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie.
Bob was a man of many interests and talents, truly a jack of all trades. He engaged in housing construction, oil refining, service and hospitality, city government, and real estate. He is likely best known for his longtime affiliation with Kings Food Host across the Midwest and eventually as owner-operator of the Cheyenne. Wyoming franchise (aka “The Skillet Licker”). In the late 1970s and early 1980s he was city manager of Glenrock Wyoming and later, finance director for Rowlett, Texas. Later in life he worked as a licensed real estate agent in Wyoming and California.
He was a devoted family man who always tried to keep up with his four sons. With them in tow, Bob shared his love of the outdoors, fly-fishing, hiking, and skiing. He also loved to bowl, golf, and play poker. Bob found time to volunteer his time to the Boy Scouts, DeMolay, and coach Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He frequently stated that his greatest sense of pride was raising four successful sons. Bob was particularly fond of “spending quality time” with family and friends at the family’s cabin in the Wycolo-Fox Park region of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
Bob was an emeritus member of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities and past president of the Colorado/Wyoming Restaurant Association. He was also a member of the National Association of Realtors, Cheyenne Lodge #1 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Wyoming, York Rite Masons, and Korein Shrine Temple of Shriners International. As a Shriner, he was known as “BeBop” the clown. BeBop always looked forward to helping lead many Cheyenne Frontier Days parades. And in doing so, making the children who lined the parade route smile and laugh.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kristen Noelle; son, Richard Kent; and brothers, Dan Wunderlich and Dale Forbis.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pat; sons, Robert Jr, Timothy (Peggy) and Michael (Virginia); nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles (Jo Ann); sister-in-law, Helen Wunderlich; and cousin, Vici Foster.
Two celebrations of life are being held.
The first celebration will take place: January 11, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Hall in Modesto, California (800 Rose Ave.)
The second celebration will take place: June 14, 2025, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Cheyenne Shrine Club in Cheyenne, Wyoming (224 E. Iowa St.)
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shriners Children’s Hospitals in his memory.
Robert “Bob” Madsen: 1933 – 2024
Bob Madsen peacefully passed from this world very early on Thanksgiving morning at the age of 91. Bob was a long-term Billings resident residing at 2100 Green Terrace Drive. He was born May 5, 1933, to Earl and Gladys Madsen in Hartley Iowa. Bob had an older sister Shirley, and two younger brothers, Earl and John. The family moved a lot in the early years as Earl ran CCC projects and was later at Lt. Colonel in WWII serving mostly in Italy. Following the war, the family moved to Greybull, WY. Bob was the starting running back for the Greybull HS football team, a team that was runner up at State his senior year.
Bob attended the University of Wyoming, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation he spent a brief period working for Schlumberger and the Bureau of Reclamation, then he was drafted into the army spending time in Germany. Upon release from the military, he went to work for the US Federal Bureau of Reclamation. He met, dated, and fell in love with Peggy Parks, and the two were married in 1959 in Cody, Wy. They moved to Denver and were blessed with three children: Greg, Heather, and Mark. While in Denver, Bob earned an MBA from the University of Denver.
The family moved to Billings in 1966. Bob was employed with the Bureau until his retirement in 1988, where he served for many years as the regional planning director. Bob also invested in real estate and had a construction crew that built many homes, condominiums and apartments in and around the Billings area. Following retirement Bob purchased and managed four H&R Block offices in Northern Montana. He continued with that work into his early 70’s.
Bob was an avid runner, up to and including the Billings Marathon. He loved the mountains and collected many pieces of mountain and Western art. He was a student of history, politics and economics and was an avid reader. Most of all he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Bob was preceded in death by his spouse, Peggy (2008); and sister, Shirley (2022). He is survived by his three children: Greg (Susan) Madsen of Bountiful, Utah, Heather Norseth, Lakeport, California, and Mark (Wendy) Madsen of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Bob has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Bob was a good man and lived a rich, full, and abundant life. He will be missed!
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 7, which will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church- located at 7721 Badger Road, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Viewing will be at 9 a.m. with service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 7.
Delores J. Pullen: 1931 – 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Delores “Dee” (Bjerrum) Pullen, who peacefully left us on November 29, 2024 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Born on December 28, 1931, in Staplehurst, Nebraska to J. Lester and Mabel (Woodward) Bjerrum. Dee was a beacon of love and compassion, always extending a helping hand or a warm smile to those around her.
Dee was a woman of many talents, with singing and yodeling being among her favorite hobbies. She found great joy in sharing these talents with those around her. She would frequently volunteer at local VA homes, where her lovely tunes brought comfort and joy to countless residents. Her music continued to bring joy to those around her, after moving to Texas, at the weekly music jams in the retirement park. Dee and her late husband, Edward “Ed” Pullen, loved dancing and were part of a local dance group when they lived in North Platte, Nebraska. Their shared passion for music and dance was a testament to their loving bond.
Dee’s kindness and care were evident in her amazing family. She was a devoted mother to her children: Pamela (Russ) Anthony of Wellington, Colorado, Marty (Kathy) Pullen of Palmview, Texas, and Mary Ann (Scott) Nielsen of Papillion, Nebraska. Dee was also a beloved grandmother to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, Cathy Wittie; and her loving husband, Ed Pullen. Throughout the years, she instilled in her grandchildren the love for music, teaching them to play the guitar and sing, lessons they will carry forward.
In our hearts, Dee will always be remembered as a kind, caring, warm-hearted, and loving individual. Her greatest accomplishment was raising a beautiful family that continues to embody her values and spirit. She was a joy to all who knew her, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of those she touched.
We are reassured that she is now reunited with her late husband Ed and their daughter Cathy in eternal peace. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all those she leaves behind.
