William “Bill” Apostolou: 1949 – 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Andrew Apostolou, beloved husband, father, grandfather (Papou), brother, uncle, friend, and an American Hero. Bill, 75, was born on May 31, 1949, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Bill grew up in Cheyenne, with his younger sister, Kathy. As a young child, he was devastated by the sudden death of his father, Andy Apostolou. A few months later more tragedies struck the family when his Uncle, Andy Georgios died, followed by the death of his cousin, Angelo Georgios, who was killed by a drunk driver on Highway 287. His family commitment resulted in long, lasting love between them. His Aunt Toula became the monarch of the family and Bill became the head of the household at an early age and a strong protector of his sister.
He attended Cheyenne East High School and was an amazing basketball player. He joined the U.S.M.C. right out of high school with several of his best friends. Bill proudly served three tours in Vietnam with the Marine Corp, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. His valor earned him two purple hearts. His service was a testament to his strength, resilience, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we hold so dear. He carried the sacrifices of his service with dignity, inspiring all who knew him.
Upon returning home, after being hospitalized, he began his career as a deputy sheriff of Laramie County. He went on to study at Laramie County College and graduated with honors. That same year he married his best friend and the love of his life, Ida Mae Conine. They found true partnership with each other, and they endured many trails in life. She was his steadfast partner and greatest supporter.
He joined the work force in 1971 at the U.S. Postal Service and remained until his retirement. Bill was a devoted father to his two children: Andrew “Andy” and Angela, and grandfather, “Papou,” to Marie Irene, Joseph Andrew, Hayden William, and Mason Nicholas, [who] were his greatest joys. His love, stories, laughter, and lessons will continue to guide them. Bill’s devotion to his family was most evident in the special bond he shared with his granddaughter, Marie, whom he helped raise with steadfast love and care, His role in her life was that of a mentor and protector, offering her a safe and nurturing home while always respecting the love of those closest to her. Bill spent many years coaching their various team sports and teaching them about survival in the great outdoors and took them on many fishing and hunting trips.
Later in life, with his life-long buddies and new friends, they began a Hunting group with Veterans. They took several Veterans Elk hunting, some of whom had never been. On October 17, 2017, this was one of Bill’s greatest experiences when he shot his first 6-point Bull Elk. And became a famous story to be told for many years and each year it got a little more exciting depending on who was telling the story, whether it was Ilo Harris, John Parr, Troy Guimond, Joe Reichard, or David Hansen.
He was a dedicated member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where his grandfather and uncles helped lay the foundation, he served on the Parish Council, and various other committees, and assisted with several Greek Festivals. He was also a member of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church. His generosity and commitment to these causes reflected his deep value and sense of community and compassion. He lived a life defined by courage, love, and unwavering devotion to his family and country.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ida Mae (Conine) Apostolou; his sister, Kathy (Billy) Adams; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Hickman) Conine, and Dawna (Conine) Hill; brother-in-law, Jim Conine; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Andrew W., and Irene Apostolou; several loving uncles and aunts; cousins, Angelo and Gussie Georgios, Carrie Nafus Gasch, and Gary Martoglio; and brother-in-law, Tom (Honey) Conine, and his best friend, Richard McIntosh.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to his doctors and nurses and close friends who supported him with his health issues. Those who knew Bill will remember his warm smile, quick wit, and quiet strength he brought to every room he entered. He was a man of unshakable principles, faith, and boundless generosity, always ready to teach, lend a hand, or give a listening ear.
Though he is no longer with us, the legacy of William (Bill) Andrew Apostolou will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. May his Memory be eternal, knowing his life made a difference.
The Trisagion will be held on Tuesday, January 7, at 7 p.m., at Schrader’s Funeral Home. Services will be held on January 8, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 501 West 27th Street, at 12:30 p.m., with internment at the Cheyenne National Cemetery located west of town on Hildreth Road.
Donations can be made to Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian Church, 9505 Hynds Blvd., Cheyenne Wy, 82009; Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 501 W. 27th Street, Cheyenne Wy, 82001; or UniWyo Federal Credit Union, C/O William Apostolou Educational Fund at 5249 Yellowstone Rd. Cheyenne WY, 82009.
Nancy F. Prosser: 1949 – 2024
Nancy Flinchum Prosser lived an extraordinary life and was a true Wyoming cowgirl! She loved horses and the western way of life. She was smart, determined and fearless. There was nothing that she could not do! Nancy Prosser, 75, of Cheyenne, Wyoming died on December 31, 2024.
She was born on January 29, 1949, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her parents were Jim and Nancy Finchum. Her father was a newspaper editor, and her mother was a homemaker. She grew up in the Dallas, Texas area. She moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming at the age of 12 years old. She attended Carey Junior High and then East High School. It was at East High School where she met Ed Prosser who became her husband on January 16, 1971. Ed Prosser, a well-known rancher and businessman, was the love of her life.
Ed’s family owned the Chalk Bluffs Ranch, and Nancy was a perfect fit for the Prosser family. Her daughter was born in 1971. They lived in Wheatland for the first two years and then moved to the ranch headquarters in Cheyenne where her son was born in1975. Nancy worked on the Chalk Bluffs Ranch and raised her children for several years. She then started a part-time position at Taco John’s International as a receptionist. After that, she worked alongside her husband at A&C Feed. Nancy also worked in Cynthia Lummis’ Cheyenne office serving the people of Wyoming while Cynthia was Wyoming’s US Representative.
Nancy was very active in her community where she found so many friends. She was an active member of PEO serving as President several times. She was active in Laramie County Cowbells and Cheyenne Frontier Days W-heels. She was also a founding member of the Cowgirls of the West. In 2006, she was honored as the Cowgirls of the West Hall of Fame Inductee. Later, she served as a board member for Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.
Nancy was a successful horseman who bred, raised and showed Paint Horses in the American Paint Horse Association. She was the secretary for the Wyoming Paint Horse Association and put on several successful horse shows in Cheyenne. Nancy will always be remembered for having an eye for good horses!
Nancy was very proud of her Native American heritage. She was a registered tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Ed; sister, Suzy Deger (Tim); daughter, Jackie (Todd) and son, Brent (Dana). She had five grandchildren: Dawson Parker (24), Caitlin Parker (21), Evan Prosser (18), Jocelyn Parker (15), and Luke Prosser (14).
Funeral services will be held at the Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 7 at 11 a.m. in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A family reunion will be held during the summer. Donations to the Cowgirls of the West in lieu of flowers will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be mailed to Cowgirls of the West, PO Box 525, Cheyenne WY 82003.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world a better place! Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.
William James Rooney: 1953 – 2024
Will Rooney, 71, of Cheyenne Wyoming, passed peacefully surrounded by family at UC Health Poudre Valley Hospital after a sudden and unexpected battle with cancer (although some may say it was “broken heart syndrome” after the loss of his beloved wife, Jenny, not even two months prior).
William James Rooney was born to Thomas and Ruth Rooney on September 3, 1953, in Jackson Michigan. Will graduated from Parkside High School and Jackson Community College. In 1980, he met his best friend and the love of his life, Jennifer Lynn Jablonowski. Jenny and Will were married for forty-four years.
Will retired from the United States Postal Service, and truly loved being a mailman. Even in retirement, going to get the mail was a highlight of the day. Will valued family and friendships above all else. Will would tell anyone who would listen how he was the luckiest man in the world to be married to Jenny, and that his children Tom, Megan, and Sean were his greatest accomplishment. He often emphasized that he loved his children equally, although a favorite joke was that Megan was his favorite daughter (“she didn’t have a lot of competition”).
Will and Jenny decided to move across the country to Cheyenne, Wyoming to be closer to their grandchildren and to be a part of their daily lives. Nothing brought Will more joy than spending time with his grandchildren and watching their activities. Will’s best friends Lou, Mick, Cal, Chip, and Eric were lifelong friends. Will enjoyed attending sporting events (especially his favorite Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions), watching sports/yelling at the TV, golfing, bowling, trips to the casino with Jenny, driving an hour to run a non-urgent errand, freebies (“if it’s free, it’s for me”), black and white western TV shows, and laughing at his own jokes.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He will be dearly missed by son, Tom (Courtney) Rooney; daughter, Megan Rooney (Todd Waters); son, Sean (Sarah) Rooney; grandchildren: Michael (Caitlyn) Breedlove, Trenton Rooney, Patrick Rooney, Owen Rooney, Lily Rooney, Taylor Morgan, London Morgan, and Tripp Lingelbach; and great-grandchildren: Eleanor Breedlove, Eliza Breedlove, and Ozzy Breedlove.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 10, at 10 a.m. at the Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. A reception will be held at The Gathering Place immediately following the service. A celebration of life in honor of Will and Jenny will be held at noon on April 19, 2025, at Grand River Brewery in Jackson, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Animal Care League (animalcareleague.org).
