Joshua Destefano: 1974 – 2025
Joshua passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack, February 15, 2025. Joshua was born in Incirlik, Turkey, U.S. Military Installation Base. He was a beautiful 9lbs, 6oz baby boy; the joy of his parents.
He grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming and was involved in baseball, wrestling and judo. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia to complete his schooling. He left behind friends that he continued to keep in contact with throughout his life. He completed his schooling in Georgia, graduating from Eagle’s Landing High School. Joshua completed some college, but no degree. He was married in 1995 in Georgia, and was the proud father of his only child, a daughter.
Joshua was married a second time which ended in divorce; however, they remained best friends until his death. He was successful and opened his own car dealership in Marietta, Georgia. He eventually moved to Florida where his father lived to be close to him during his fight with cancer. After his father’s death he remained in Florida, Joshua remained in contact with his friends in Georgia and often went to visit. What was solid in his life was his great love for his mother whom he called almost every day without fail no matter where he was. We enjoyed many precious visits, trips and vacations together and also other family members. He was loved dearly by his stepfather, Mark, who encouraged Joshua through his highs and lows. Joshua found true happiness in his later years and was living it until his death.
He will be greatly missed; our hearts are broken. A special thanks to Robyn in Florida and Gabriella in Georgia for your support in this difficult time.
Joshua is survived by his mother, Christina Pacheco- DeLucia; stepfather, Mark DeLucia; daughter and aunts: Betty Sandoval, Lottie Kemp, Stella Carabajal, Millie Vigil, Shandy DeStefano and Tery Sandy; and many cousins who loved him very much.
Joshua was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jose and Elizabeth Pacheco and father, Andrew S. Destefano; and grandfather, Lewis A Destefano.
His final resting place will be in in Chacon, New Mexico.
Earl C Cates Sr.: 1926 – 2025
Earl Calvin Cates was born September 14, 1926, to Fred and Myrtle (Morelin) Cates in Ellsinore, Missouri. He departed this life on February 10, 2025, at the age of 98 years in Cushing, Oklahoma.
Earl was one of twelve children; he was raised in Cushing, graduating from Cushing High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma A&M University. He served in the United Stated Navy, serving during World War II.
Earl enjoyed playing golf, raising goats and real estate development. He was formerly of Casper, Wyoming, where he started Arrow Realty.
Survivors include his wife, Zadith; two children, Judith Kopetzky of Shelby, Nebraska and Dwane Cates of Pheonix, Arizona; one sister, Rose McKeown of Stillwater; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by one son, Earl Cates, Jr.; and siblings: Glen Cates, Ernie Cates, Melvin Cates, Bud Cates, Carlos “C.W.” Cates, Zora Lamb, Elvie Cates, Azilee Cates, Ada Cates and Opal Cates.
A celebration of Earl’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Godofredo’s, 209 E Broadway, Cushing.
Betty Kay Green: 1937 – 2025
Betty Kay (Michelena) Green, 87, died peacefully on February 18, 2025. Betty Kay was born on July 22, 1937 in Buffalo, Wyoming to Sebastian Michelena, a Basque immigrant sheep rancher from the Navarra province in Spain, and Anna (Kraen) Michelena. Betty Kay was the sixth child of twelve. Her siblings were Joe, Sabie, Kathleen, Jean, Martin, Santiago, Sebastian, Juaquin, Mary Louise, Peter, and Marcina. Betty Kay was proud of her large family.
Betty Kay grew up in Arvada, Wyoming. She earned her Registered Nurse degree from the Presentation School of Nursing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Incarnate Word College.
Betty Kay entered the United States Air Force in 1961 as a Second Lieutenant and retired in 1981 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Some of her assignments were in the Philippines, Germany, and Japan. Betty Kay was a Flight Nurse in the Vietnam War for 2 1/2 years. She received the Air Medal for Hazardous Duty and other medals while serving our country.
Betty Kay married Dr. Ronald Green, Air Force Physician, in 1972 and they served our country together until Betty Kay’s retirement from the Air Force. Betty Kay and Ronald lived in several States before retiring permanently in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1993, where they lived until Betty Kay’s death.
Betty Kay lived a full life and loved every moment. Betty Kay loved to travel to foreign countries, eat ethnic foods, and hike. Betty Kay and Ronald hiked in every State and 24 countries.
Betty Kay is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dr. Ronald Green; several brothers and sisters; step-daughters, Barbara Lyons and Leslie Green; four grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center healthcare providers, the staff with the Veterans Home Based Primary Care Program, Cottonwood Creek Memory Care Unit , and Eden Hospice for the wonderful care provided for Betty Kay.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty Kay’s name to a charity of your choice.
Craig Hiett: 1951 – 2025
Craig E. Hiett, 73, of Cheyenne, died February 17 at home surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born on November 11, 1951, in Sidney, Nebraska, to Lester and Doris Hiett. Craig lived on the family farm in Peetz, Colorado, until he left for college. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado.
In December of 1982, Craig became a franchise owner of AAMCO Transmission, opening his first shop in April of 1983 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Later, he purchased a Meineke Muffler franchise and added three more AAMCOs in Colorado. Craig remained a franchise owner until his passing. Craig was an active member of the Cheyenne community. He became a member of Kiwanis on June 7, 1994, joined Toastmasters in 2003, and remained a member of both until his passing. When Craig was not participating in Kiwanis or Toastmasters, he loved traveling with his wife on their motorcycle or sports car, playing golf, and woodworking.
Craig is survived by his wife, Laurie (Hickman) Hiett; children: Joslyn (Tate) Reyes and Nate Hiett; and stepchildren, Brandon (Portia) Peterson and Brittney (Ryan) Goude; his grandchildren: Cora and Grant Reyes, Cayden Hiett, Lauren and Taylor Peterson, and Finnegan, Dekker, and Connlan Goude; brothers, Brad Hiett and Kurtis (Diana) Hiett; niece, Lauren; and nephews, Brandon and Brett. Craig is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Doris.
Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on March 15 at 1 p.m. Those who wish may donate to CurePSP at curepsp.org/scientific2025.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”
Anthony Joseph Klissus III: 1939 – 2025
Anthony Joseph Klissus III of Cheyenne passed away on February 11, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was born January 20, 1939 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Tony enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1956. In September 1957 he married Joyce JoAnn Paddock in Lucedale, Mississippi and she joined him serving a successful 20-year Navy career.
Tony is survived by his son, Anthony J. IV and his wife, Cynthia A, of Ridgecrest, California; and their sons: Neil of Annapolis, Maryland, Nathan of Port Orchard, Washington, and Nolan of Shoreline, Washington. He is also survived by his son, C. Mark and his wife, Kasumi and their daughters, Michaela and McKenzie of Ridgecrest, California.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony J. Jr. and Eleanor C.; his wife, Joyce JoAnn; and his brothers, Paul, Jack, and Richard.
A Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. on Friday February 21 with the Funeral Mass at 9 a.m. Saturday, February 22, at Church of The Holy Trinity, 1808 Hot Springs Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming. A committal service will be held at Olivet Cemetery in Cheyenne, Wyoming immediately following the Funeral Mass.
Kenneth Patrick Krov: 1961 – 2025
Kenneth Patrick Krov of Cheyenne, Wyoming — beloved husband and father — learned to fly February 18, 2025. He was born July 31, 1961, in Omaha, Nebraska to Franklin and Arlene Krov (Hale). He was the second born of three children. He moved from Nebraska to Colorado when he was a child. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Denver Colorado.
He went on to marry Pamela E. Ruckman on May 29, 1981, and they had two children, Amanda and Andrew. Ken was a dedicated employee and spent many years at both Star Precision and Loaf & Jug. He enjoyed spending his free time gardening, collecting collectibles, listening to Pink Floyd, building his backyard pond, watching car shows, cartoons, grandchildren, and his dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela; his two children, Amanda Krov (Cody Sturgis), Andrew Krov (September Peterson); grandchildren: Ryder, Rylee and Rylynn; and two sisters, Terie (Phil Ongna) and Gena Krov.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents.
There will be a remembrance service for the family and friends at a later date and time.
Larry Leroy Lone: 1946 – 2025
Larry L. Lone (lllthefirst) was born on April 19, 1946 to Magnus and Esther Lone in Bemidji, Minnesota. He was the youngest of 10 siblings and the only one born in a hospital. When he was age five, the family moved to Englewood, Colorado where he attended school and graduated from Englewood High School. A short time after graduation Larry enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the Seabees. He chose the navy thinking he would not have to go to Vietnam but that is where he was sent with some other friends. He was at the Tet Offensive and in DaNang. Larry didn’t talk much about those days but I do know he believed he was serving his country and talked about how much he loved the people of Vietnam.
Upon completing his service he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and he went on a three month tour of this country which he often talked about. He wanted very much to have a family but when things didn’t work out exactly like he thought, he turned this desire completely over to God and not long after, he met his wife, Susan, with whom he spent almost 51 years. They had four beautiful children who love the lord Jesus and have been a blessing to him.
Larry was self employed and had a business called Emmaus Grader Service. He fixed driveways for people in Bailey, Colorado for 25 years. He was well known and even when a hard rain would wash out the driveways he would go back and fix them. His word was his contract. His youngest daughter, Linnea, would ride in the motor grader behind his seat.
After 18 years of inactive duty Larry re-enlisted in the Navy Reserves as an E6 petty officer. During this time he served in Desert Storm in Guam and in Okinawa. Putting in his 20 years was quite a major accomplishment. He finally retired in 1998. In 1999 he moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming. At that time he was driving truck with his son Karsten and was old not to go back to Bailey because Susan sold the house to their daughter and moved with their other daughter, Amalie, to Cheyenne. Larry never said anything about that move but in his heart we think he really missed the mountains.
Larry never complained. He always figured out a way to be happy in all things. When his son. Lars got involved in the legislature, it was an exciting time. He loved driving Lars’ 6x military campaign truck around the town for him. In 2022 Larry heard a word from the lord to start walking around the Capitol and to pray for those leading Cheyenne. He never missed a Friday until he fell ill. He was a fighter until the very end. Larry never complained of pain or the things he had to endure. He always thought of others before himself. When asked what his calling in life was his answer was to take care of Susan. He lived the life he believed God desired of him and tried to emulate Christ in all his actions. On February 17 at 5:30 a.m. Larry threw off his mortal body and put on his immortal body and was clothed in the righteousness of his lord, Jesus Christ!
Larry was preceded in death by Magnus and Esther Lone; brother, Sonny Boy; Adry and Willy Anderson; Barbara and Conrad Johnson; Philip Grimm, Roger Shields and Gayland Mischke (brother-in-laws); plus nieces and nephews. Those here who remember Larry are Susan; his four children, Karsten and Adriana Lone of Thornton, Colorado; Lars and Dahlia Lone of Carpenter, Wyoming; David and Amalie Sauceda of Beaver, Oklahoma and Larry and Linnea Riebschlager of Keensburg, Colorado; as well numerous grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also has seven siblings: Joanne Shields, Jeanette Mischke, Marlys Grimm, Arnie Lone, David Lone and Ron Lone; plus numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
Services will be at Harvest Time Christian Fellowship Church, 4700 Ocean Loop, Cheyenne, on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Reception to follow at the VFW Post 1881. Larry will be interred at the Cheyenne National Cemetery. He will be awarded all the honors due a Veteran of Foreign Wars.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Dunamis International, PO Box 1284 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 and mark for Nepal students. https://givebutter.com/jFfr1G (Legacy Builders: Dunamis International) Larry supported this organization for 30+ years and sponsored six Nepalese students.
Linda Lou Wille: 1948 – 2025
Linda (Brookes) Wille, 77, of Cheyenne passed away on February 19, 2025, at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne.
She was born on January 23, 1948, in Springfield, Illinois and grew up living all over the globe following her father’s various duty stations in the Red Cross. In addition to starting her life in Illinois and graduating from high school in Webster Grovers, Missouri, she spent time as a child living in Kodiak Alaska (before it was admitted to the union as a state) and Stuttgart Germany (during the time the Berlin Wall went up). She went on to attend Knox College, spending summers in Japan, visiting her parents, where she met the love of her life. After college graduation, she took her first teaching job in Encampment, officially becoming a Wyomingite in 1970.
She married Don Wille, of Laramie, Wyoming, in June 1971. Early in their marriage, she and Don spent two years living in Melbourne, Australia, traveling throughout Australia and New Zealand. After returning to the states, Don joined the Air Force, bringing even more states to her list of places she had lived.
She was a devoted wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother. Her family was her world. She was a lifetime educator. In addition to teaching high school Math in both Wyoming and Australia; she also taught tax courses for H&R Block, while working for them as a tax preparer for many years. She was an accomplished crafter and passed those talents on to her children. Later in life, she absolutely loved spending time babysitting her son’s dog Max. Never was there a trip too small for her to gleefully take him for the weekend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth (Betty Jane) and Theodore P. Brookes, Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Don; daughter, Larissa (Chad), of Nashville, Tennessee; son, Brian (Ariane) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; numerous nieces and nephews; four grandchildren: Casey, Mitchell, Amelia, and Violet; and one great-grandson, John.
The family will have a private interment at a later date. Condolences may be left online at www.schradercares.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any of the following in Linda’s honor: American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), or PBS (www.pbs.org).
