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Obituaries: Clark; Connell; Fleming; Preston

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James (Jim) Clark

James (Jim) Clark: 1939 – 2025

James (Jim) Clark, born on June 12, 1939, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Burt and Alice Clark (Stevens), passed away peacefully in his hometown on January 14, 2025. A devoted family man and dedicated professional, Jim’s life was marked by his commitment to both his career and his loved ones.

Educated at Cheyenne High School, Jim graduated in 1957 and subsequently embarked on a remarkable journey in his professional life. He spent many fulfilling years at Walton Motor Company before dedicating his services to the Cheyenne Fire Department, where he served from 1963 to 2000, 37 years, ultimately retiring as Assistant Chief. His dedication to public safety and community service left a lasting impact on those he worked alongside and protected lifelong firefighter friends.

Beyond his career, Jim was known for his adventurous spirit and diverse interests. He found joy in snowmobiling, fishing with his cherished friend Roy Krause at Dave Creek, and spending time at his beloved cabin, affectionately known as Lake Creek Hilton. As a member of the Oak Spokes Car Club and the Moose Lodge, Jim nurtured his lifelong passion for classic cars and trucks. He often enjoyed attending auctions and sharing coffee with his lifelong friends, savoring the moments that brought camaraderie and connection.

Jim is survived by his sister, Patsy Stevens; and his children: Bryan Clark and fiancé, Brenda, Kevin Clark and wife, Emily, Brenda Barrajas and Cindy Rogers; along with his grandchildren: Paul Clark, Breanna Clark, Chad Kolkman, Chandra Thompson, Aleisha Wiley; and four great-grandchildren. Jim also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom carries a piece of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Clark; mother, Alice Seaver; and father; his brothers, Butch Clark and Kenny Clark, Sr.; and his sister, Joyce Preston. 

A memorial service to honor Jim Clark will be held on March 8, 2025, at the Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne, Wyoming, starting at 10 a.m. The service will celebrate the life of a man who spent his days in service to others, surrounded by love and respect from his family and friends. Jim’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.


Luann M. Connell: 1934 – 2025

Luann Connell, 90, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025. 

She was born on August 14, 1934, to Peter and Kate Bekkering in Holland, Michigan. Her parents, older brother Al (Elvin), and younger sister Marilyn preceded her in death. 

Luann is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, Alex Connell. She is also survived by her children: Kim Parker (Jim), Kay Irwin (Randy), Kris Connell-Johns (Doug), Kathy Dillmon, and Tom Connell; her grandchildren: Jenny Deeder, Brent Parker, Brandy Kuno, Mindy Poulton, Todd Irwin, Michael Johns, Stephanie Dillmon, Candice Dillmon, and Tommy Connell; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. 

Luann and Alex were married in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 10, 1952. Soon after, they relocated to Cheyenne where Alex was stationed at Warren Air Force Base. They designed and built the family home, with their own hands, which featured a bedroom for each of the five children, huge brick and stone fireplaces, and lovely gardens front and back. Alex’s craftsmanship and Luann’s decorating talent made for such a beautiful home that it has been featured in several home tours and articles through the years. 

Together, Alex and Luann built a large and loving family that spans five generations. Despite losing her own mother at a young age, Luann instinctively knew how to be the most wonderful mother and grandmother anyone could have asked for. She taught her descendants the importance of family, building traditions, and enjoying life. Luann was known for being very skilled at making stained glass windows and art. Thanks to her teachings, some of her daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters have also learned to create glass art. She also shared her love for finding, collecting, and restoring antiques with her family. Everyone knew “Lucy” for her fun character, her flair for always dressing so nicely, for having a new necklace for every day of the year, and for her constant kindness. 

Luann’s family will forever remember her love and the strong bonds she nurtured among them. Her legacy lives on in the love and traditions she instilled in her family and the memories they created together. She will be deeply missed. 

Services will be held at Wiederspahn Radomsky on January 20 at 2 p.m.


Anne Marie Fleming: 1952 – 2025

Anne Marie was a beloved sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend to all who knew her. Anne moved from her home in New York to Cheyenne in 1978 and courageously formed a new and beautiful life out west. Anne worked a number of jobs throughout her years in Cheyenne before retiring in 2020 from the Wyoming Liquor Division, including work at the American National Bank, the Little America Hotel, the Hampton Inn, and the Farmer’s Market. At these jobs, and through various crafting groups and classes, Anne developed many long-term, close friendships with people who became her Wyoming family. 

She was knowledgeable about Cheyenne’s history over the years and enjoyed events in the community at the county library, the Laramie County senior center, the Farmers Market, and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. A woman of many talents and hobbies, Anne generously treated her loved ones to handmade gifts on many occasions throughout their lives. Her nieces and nephews can almost decorate an entire Christmas tree with the yearly ornaments “Aunt Annie” made them. 

Anne was a prolific crocheter and knitter, donating many of her works to charity, and later in life developed more traditional art skills like drawing, watercolor, and oil painting. Anne was talented, but humble, and often won blue and purple ribbons at the fair when she entered her projects. She enjoyed tracing her roots through genealogy and had an unparalleled knowledge of English literature. Anne was more introverted in nature, but carried about her a quiet strength, a sense of humor, and a kind spirit she showed to those who knew her. She will be greatly missed and her memory will be cherished. 


Joyce Elizabeth Preston: 1940 – 2025

 Joyce was born on October 21, 1940, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Bert Powhatten and Alice Elizabeth (Stevens) Clark. Joyce came from humble beginnings. Her father left when she was two, and Alice raised the children on her own. Joyce looked to her Uncle Pete Stevens as a father.

Joyce was one of five children, with two older brothers — Kenneth Clark, and James Clark, one younger brother — David “Butch” Clark, and a younger sister — Patsy Stevens. 

Joyce met Ron through a mutual friend. Their first date was in 1958 at a CFD rodeo. Joyce had trouble finding a parking space, and was 30 minutes late, luckily Ron waited for her. Ron and Joyce eloped to Fort Collins a year later. Their parents weren’t pleased but true love proved them wrong. Ron and Joyce were married for 66 years. They moved to a small trailer at Horse Creek. Ron worked for GW Sugar Co. and they created a wonderful life together. They have three daughters, Debra Joyce Sullivan (Clay) of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dedra Kay Myers (Doug) of Water Valley, Alberta and Della Ann Preston (Paul James) of Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

Joyce and Ron enjoyed drag racing and she loved to drive fast cars. She raced her new 63 Ford Falcon, that she still has. They also snowmobiled most winter weekends when they lived at the Horse Creek mine and made many friends playing in the snow.

Joyce was full of energy, always doing something in the house, yard, or shopping at Walmart. She painted her house in 2023. Joyce loved to tease her friends and family about sports teams and anything else she could find that bothered you.

Ron and Joyce moved to the Y Cross Ranch in 1977. They made lifelong friends with many hired hands and one special hand, Tandy King became a part of the family. Joyce was always working hard to make a nice home and was a very good cook. She loved trying new foods and was always clipping out recipes from the newspaper. Her favorite snack was Lays Potato Chips, and a Coke.

Joyce was active in the Horse Creek Community and always was there to lend a hand with showers and parties, also helping with the Horse Creek reunions. She was an active member of the Laramie County Cowbelles.

Joyce was the school bus driver for years loved and cared for the kids. After retiring she worked at the Laramie County Circuit Court as a bailiff and loved her court family.

Joyce enjoyed traveling to places like Tennessee, Alaska, Saratoga, Estes Park, Victoria BC, Kaycee, and many trips to Alberta to see her Canadian family.

 Joyce was patriotic and always flew the American flag, she had everything a person could imagine that was red, white, and blue, including T Shirts and cowboys boots.

Joyce loved the rodeo and wanted to attend every Cheyenne Frontier Days. She did not have as much energy in 2024 but still was able to go to most of the rodeos. If there was a rodeo to go to, she was there. She even enjoyed a few performances at Calgary Stampede and the NFR.

Joyce loved Ron so much she took great care of him when he had some health issues. Ron returned the favor and cared for Joyce the last few months taking her tea at her request, even though it was often too sweet or just not hot enough. Ron and Joyce enjoyed a special bond with each other, you could catch a special look between the two. It was beautiful to see how they loved each other.

Joyce will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews. They always had a special place in her heart.

Most of all Joyce loved her grandkids: Chase Andersen (Sarah Golding), Jordyn Andersen Hillyer (Daniel), Brittany Myers Topilko (Chad), Kaylee Myers Rowley (Shane), Braden Myers, and Randi Lenderman. Great grandkids, RaeLee Andersen, Rowyn and Riley Topilko, Levi and Colton Rowley. Her biggest smiles were always with her grandkids. Joyce also leaves behind her dog, Brooke, who will also miss her. 

Joyce was predeceased by her mother, Alice Seaver; her brothers, Kenneth and David Clark; and son-in-law, Gary Andersen.

Joyce passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on January 11, 2025 we will all love and miss her so much, until we meet again.

Services will be at the Happy Jack Country Church, 1055 Happy Jack Road, Cheyenne, Wyoming on January 31, 2025 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the cfdvcf.com.


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