Steven Hollis Bakker: 1965 – 2023
Steve was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. He passed away in his home on Saturday, May 27.
He was an incredibly great uncle to his nephews and had a big heart.
He is survived by his nieces, Amanda Becker, Raelene Malson, Naya Turner, and nephew Colt Unger.
Steve’s wish was to not have a service but to be spread in California where he felt was home.
Venita Ann Bowles: 1948 – 2023
Venita Ann Bowles, 74, of Cheyenne passed away at CRMC surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 23, 1948, in Kansas to Charles and Patricia Clay.
Venita worked as a bookkeeper at Cheyenne Frame and Axle before retiring. She loved sewing and was an avid reader. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports and other activities. She also enjoyed hunting and fishing. She was also a long-time member of TOPS #115.
She is survived by her 3 children, Charles and Nicole, Carl Bowles, and Margaret Bowles all of Cheyenne; and 6 stepchildren, Rebecca and Alan Webb of Cheyenne, James Bowles of Indiana, Ruth and Todd Larson of California, Roseanna and Dean Brutsman of Cheyenne, Rachel and Brad Baker of Wheatland, Roxanna and Scott Workman of Cheyenne; and 23 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Venita was preceded in death by mother, Patricia Meierhenry; husband, James Bowles; stepfather, Louie Meierhenry; father, Charles Clay; and brothers, Charles and Donald Clay.
Services will be held at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel June 2, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.
Gene L. Carson: 1970 – 2023
Gene L. Carlson, 52, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed away on May 24, 2023 in Cheyenne, Wyoming at Davis Hospice Center surrounded by his wife, mother, a close friend and his two dogs, after a two year battle with brain cancer.
Gene was born on August 14, 1970 in Greeley, Colorado.
Gene graduated from Cheyenne Central High School. He was an automotive technician by trade for over 35 years. Gene grew up in a ranching environment where he became an avid roper and horse trainer.
Gene’s passion was drag racing where he excelled doing what he loved which included building his own race car. His hobbies included working on cars, gardening and cooking for his family and friends. Gene also enjoyed riding his Harley.
Gene is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Kelly Carlson of Cheyenne; his mother, Dianna Carlson of Cheyenne; and his brother Stacy Carlson and wife Jane of Eaton, Colorado; as well as uncles and several cousins. He is also survived by his loving pitbulls, Deuce of 12 years and Jewel of 6 years.
Gene was preceded in death by his sister, Billie Jo, who was born his third birthday.
Services will be Saturday, June 10, 2023, 2:00 p.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel with a celebration of his life to immediately follow at The Gathering Place.
James Lee Crawford Sr.: 1947 – 2023
Jim passed away surrounded by his family in Pahrump Nevada. He was born to parents Warren D and Alice J Crawford in Billings Montana.
Jim married Marlene Kainu on September 18, 1967 in Meeker Colorado. They were blessed with two children, daughter Tracy and son James Jr.
Jim served in the Army in Kitzingen, Germany.
After his military service he worked in the oil fields and coal mines from West Virginia to Wyoming. He spent several years working at Cordero Mining Co. in Gillette Wyoming, and at Newmont Gold mine in Elko Nevada in the safety department. When he left Newmont, he didn’t leave mining behind. He opened the family business Safety First Training and Consulting Services, Inc. in Elko teaching both mine safety in occupational safety.
Jim spent his free time hunting, fishing, ATVing, and bowling. Because of his love of music and dancing, he began calling square dances with fellow callers in Gillette Wyoming, and then became the club caller for the Sagebrush Spinners in Elko Nevada.
Jim and Marlene retired to travel south with their co-pilots, Jasper and Rascal, to enjoy the “no shovel required” weather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren Crawford and Alice Trevino; brothers, Jerry Crawford and John Trevino; grandson Taylor Layne Tornow; and grandparents Adolph and Bee Roat.
Jim is survived by his wife Marlene; children Tracy Thompson (Wells Nevada) and James Crawford Jr. (Red Lodge Montana); sisters Jane Trevino and family (Cibolo Texas) and Kathy Trevino and family (Tulsa Oklahoma); granddaughter Sara Marker and great-granddaughter Allison Marker (Gillette Wyoming); nephews Michael, Cory, and Justin Crawford and families; niece Dawnula Koukol, and extended Trevino family in Texas. He is also survived by Zane Coleman, who always brought a smile to Jim’s face!
A remembrance will be held on June 17 2023, 10:00 a.m., at the Elks Lodge: 114 Broadway Ave N., Red Lodge, Montana
“The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind.”
– Unknown
Leota “Lee” Maureen Messman: 1959 – 2023
Leota “Lee” Maureen Messman, 64, of Cheyenne, passed away at Davis Hospice Center surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on May 1, 1959, in Jamestown New York, to Alvin Sr. and Alva Jane McMahon Lloyd.
Leota grew up in Jamestown, New York with eight brothers and sisters. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1978. Leota met Kevin Messman in Rock Springs, Wyoming while visiting her sister.
She never used her return airline ticket.
They were married on June 28, 1986 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Leota worked for many years as a prep cook at various Cheyenne restaurants. She was a devoted and loving wife, avid gardener, an excellent cook, and was very proud of her cats that all lived to a very old age.
She is survived by her loving husband, Kevin of Cheyenne; siblings, Marth Foogde, Orchard Park, New York, Brenda Mullis, Concord, North Carolina, Robert Lloyd, Brocton, New York, George Lloyd, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Richard Lloyd, Forestville, New York; and many nieces and nephews.
Lee was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters, Jane Duffy and Betty Lloyd.
Leota will be buried at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Lakewood, New York.
Please consider a donation in Leota’s name to the Davis Hospice Center through the CRMC Foundation (214 East 23rd St.; Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 or this website).
The professional, caring and compassionate staff makes this amazing facility a Cheyenne gem.
Antone “Tony” Novak: 1936 – 2023
Antone F. Novak “Tony” of Cheyenne passed away Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Tony was born on June 30, 1936, to Anton F. Novak and Anna Marie Pivik Novak in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He married Juanita Twidwell Townsend on August 22, 1969, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They resided in Laramie, Wyoming.
As a young man Tony resided in Superior, Wyoming. He was active in Boy Scouts and attended the 1950 Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where President Truman and General Eisenhauer both spoke. Tony served in the Army National Guard for nine years. He graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1954 and attended the University of Wyoming where he studied Civil Engineering. In high school and college, he worked driving wreckers and oil delivery trucks. He also worked as a Roughneck and was employed at Seismic Operations and Yeoman Construction. Tony worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Civil Engineer for 21 years before taking early retirement in 1986. He then worked for the Albany County School District #1 for eleven years before retiring in 1998.
Tony and his wife moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2006. They became members of the First Congregational Church where they enjoyed attending Bible Study, Sunday Services and the fellowship and support of church members.
In Tony’s younger years he enjoyed riding his Harley, tinkering in his garage, hunting, fishing, and studying the Bible. The highlight of his day was watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Tony was witty, ornery, and charming. He loved his family and cared deeply for his friends whom he would help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Tony is survived by his children, Teri and Mike Brito of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Craig Novak and Rick Anderson of Palm Springs, California; and Brian and Kristi Novak of Maryville, Missouri; his grandchildren Elise and Erica Brito, Brittany Burdett and Neil Novak; and great-grandchildren Asher Love and Mavrik Novak.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Juanita; and youngest granddaughter Alyson “Aly” Novak.
A Memorial service will be held at Crossbridge Alliance Church (3504 Forest Dr., Cheyenne, Wyoming) at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2023. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Davis Hospice.
Matthew James Richmeier: 1981 – 2023
Matt Richmeier, 41, passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 25, 2023, in Denver, Colorado. He was born June 6, 1981, in Cheyenne, the son of Maynard and Sharon (Ryan) Richmeier.
Matt graduated from Cheyenne Central High School in 2000. Following graduation, he attended the University of Wyoming where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. While in college, he was an active member in the Sigma Chi Fraternity, serving as house manager and treasurer as well as the Vice President of the Student Alumni Association. He enjoyed Cowboy football and basketball. He also loved traveling, camping, and spending time in downtown Laramie with friends.
Matt moved to Cheyenne in 2005, working for OCI and later HCMS Group. He loved being outdoors, mountain trail riding, and skiing. He organized co-ed softball teams with friends and coworkers. Matt was the glue that held many different friend groups together. He was actively involved in Youth Alternative’s Special Friends program where he was a role model and a friend to kids in need. In 2010, Matt was named Volunteer of the Year. Matt moved to Denver in 2011 and pursued a career in software analysis and testing, most recently at Equus Software.
Matt loved music and had diverse tastes. He was an organizer of a local “Knights of the Turntable” chapter in Northern Colorado. He would sit and listen to any kind of music with anyone, enjoying every minute of the experience.
Matt was always ready to explore unfamiliar places and experience new things. He took trips to explore the beginnings of Country Music in Tennessee and Grunge in Seattle. He travelled to NASCAR tracks in Phoenix and Bristol and was planning a trip to Talladega. Anyone who knew him knew that he was a passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan.
Matt will be remembered for his smile and his witty, dry sense of humor. He had a presence that put people at ease and was a kind and thoughtful listener. Matt was a dear friend to many people, and a beloved brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin. He was a devoted son to his parents and a humble servant of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his father Maynard Richmeier; maternal grandparents Dudley and Isabel Ryan; and paternal grandparents Joseph and Mary Richmeier.
Matt is survived by his mother Sharon Richmeier of Cheyenne; his sister Jennifer (Richmeier) Reed; brother-in-law Jay Reed; and nephews Dylan and Alex Reed of Denver.
He leaves behind numerous paternal aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A rosary will be held Monday, June 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. A service for Matt will be held Tuesday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral with a reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus. Donations in Matt’s memory can be made to any charity as he was always eager to support the causes of those close to him.
Jeffrey Scott Rhoades: 1957 – 2023
Jeffrey Scott Rhoades, age 65, of Carpenter, passed away at UC Health Poudre Valley Hospital. He had lots of visits from family at the end of his life.
He was born on Oct 1st, 1957, in Smithville, Missouri to Duke and Sue Rhoades. Jeffrey loved playing in their band for many years, participating in the Wild Horse Race at Cheyenne Frontier Days in his younger years, and was a member of the Air National Guard. He loved to take his wife and girls to Missouri to visit the extended family.
He loved helping his family with the ranch, hunting camp, camping and jet skiing. He was passionate about maintaining their family business. Jeff, his father Duke, and twin brother, Jon always took the kids and grandkids to set tents.
He is survived by his beloved dog Repo; two daughters and their families: Jaime (Rhoades) Wiggam, spouse, Preston Wiggam, grandchildren Hanna and Wyatt Wiggam; Jessica (Rhoades) Streeter, spouse, Shawn Streeter, and grandson, Jackson Streeter; twin brother, Jonathan and spouse, Denise Rhoades, and mother, Sue Rhoades. His brother Lucas Rhoades, sister Sammie (Rhoades) Ridinger and spouse Phil Ridinger.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Jodee (Reeder) Rhoades; and father, Duke Rhoades.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 am Friday June 16, 2023 at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, 1900 E 19th St Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.
Barbara Royce: 1958 – 2023
Barbara Royce, 64, of Bullhead City, Arizona, died January 25th, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada surrounded by family.
Barb was born June 12, 1958 in Greeley, Colorado to Verlin (Max) and Marian (Poppen) Goforth.
In 1984, she married her husband, Richard Royce, and they celebrated 38 years of marriage together.
She was the middle child of 9 – 7 brothers and 1 sister. She worked for US West (Qwest) for 19 years and found a new career with the State of Wyoming Revenue for another 19 years. She took an early retirement to enjoy time with her family and travel, with Lambeau Field being one of the top priorities on her list being a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. Barb loved to play golf, camping and enjoying lazy days on her families pontoon boat.
She is survived by her husband, Richard; her son, Ryan; her 7 brothers; her mother; 11 nieces and nephews; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father Verlin (Max); her step-father, Woody; and her sister, Diana.
Services will be Saturday, June 3, 2023, 2:00 p.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel with a reception to follow at the Elks 660 in Cheyenne.
Theodore Richard Valdez: 1952 – 2023
Theodore “Richard” Valdez, aged 70, who had been struggling with an extended illness, passed away peacefully to his eternal life on May 6, 2023. Born on June 6, 1952 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Theodore will always be remembered by his nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Ricardo and Stella (Lujan) Valdez; and brother Anthony Valdez.
Theodore “Richard” Valdez was a devout man who lived his life dedicated to God and his religion. He will be remembered for his selfless service to the church and his unwavering devotion to his faith even until his last days. His passing is a great loss, but we take consolation in the fact that he has gone home peacefully to eternal rest
The Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church located at 314 East 6th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming on Friday, June 2, 2023, starting at 10:30 a.m.
A reception will follow the mass. For the reception guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Cheyenne at a later date.
To order flowers, please visit www.theprairierose.net.