Arlene Christensen: 1934 – 2023
Arlene Christensen, longtime Scottsbluff resident, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2023, at the age of 88.
Arlene was born to Earl and Doris (Kindvall) Fritz in New Raymer, Colorado on November 24, 1934. She attended Egbert High School and worked in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming before moving to Scottsbluff where she worked many years for LE Harding and Sons (American Colloid) and many more years at Walmart.
In her youth, Arlene enjoyed playing softball. She pitched for the Twin City Bel Airs and coached girls’ softball. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching football, basketball and baseball. She also enjoyed working in her yard and spending time with her granddaughter and great granddaughters.
She is survived by her daughter, Terry Robertson of Phoenix; granddaughter, Katie Robertson of Cheyenne; great-granddaughters, Emma and Madison of Cheyenne; sisters: Darline Butler of Wyoming, Mildred and James Meroney of Kansas, Karel Smock of Colorado; and brother, Wayne and Virginia Fritz of Arizona.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marcia; and brother, Frank.
She will be buried alongside her parents in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.
Leah E. Green: 1928 – 2023
Leah Green, 95, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, peacefully passed away, Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Pointe Frontier Assisted Living Facility in Cheyenne.
She was born Jan. 9, 1928, in Cooperstown, North Dakota. A funeral service will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, in Cheyenne, Thursday, November 16, at 10:00 a.m. Burial service will be held in Valley City, North Dakota in the spring.
She is survived by her son, Bob Green of Valley City, North Dakota; daughter, Karen Kelley of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandson, Christopher Kelley and his wife Rachel; great-granddaughters, Nora and Tatum Kelley; sister-in-law, Eva Steiner; and many nieces and nephews. She will be laid to rest, with her family at Memory Gardens.
Jean Hodgson: 1935 – 2023
Eleanor Jean Hodgson, also known as Jean, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2023, at the age of 88 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was born on October 1, 1935, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Clinton and Eleanor (Ermine) Barlow. Jean was a devoted Christian, known for her generosity and kind heart.
Jean had a fulfilling career as a healthcare provider, both privately and at Pointe Frontier in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She dedicated her life to caring for others and making a positive impact in the community.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Jean remained humble and focused on her family.
She is survived by her loving children: Blake Hodgson and his wife Robyn of Old Town, Maine; Beth Hodgson of Lingle, Wyoming; Brenda Hodgson-Spaulding and her husband Greg (Kiki) of Oakland, Maine; Brian Hodgson and his wife Kathleen of Lowell, Massachusetts; and Burt Hodgson and his wife Terri of Littleton, Colorado. Also, sisters Kathryn Lough and Ruth Brown; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Jean’s educational journey included obtaining her GED. She believed in the importance of continuous learning and personal growth throughout her life.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no memorial service held for Jean. The compassionate teams at Schrader Funeral Home in Wyoming, and Badger Funeral Home in Massachusetts, where she’ll be laid to rest next to her dearly departed husband Fredrick, is assisting the family with the necessary arrangements during this difficult time.
Jean’s departure from this world leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.
Allen ‘Danyl’ LeViege, Jr.: 1952 – 2023
Allen (Danyl) LeViege, 71, passed away at Davis Hospice Center on November 5. He was born April 14, 1952, in Marksville, Louisiana to Dorothy Jacobs and Al LeViege and raised by parents Jeff Doss and Thelma Doss.
He was survived by his wife Peggy LeViege (Regeth); his four children: Dorian Doss, Danyl Doss, Desirea Snyder and Doria Jensen; and 14 grandchildren.
Beverly G. Nelson: 1956 – 2023
Beverly Germine Nelson, 67, of Cheyenne, passed at Davis Hospice on November 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 2, 1956, in Houston, Texas to Edith Jackson and Odes Foster.
Beverly enjoyed, more than anything, spending time with her family. She also liked music, teaching, cooking, sewing, crocheting, gardening, and bird-watching. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother and loved by everyone that met her. To know Beverly was to love her and her smile and laugh were contagious and unforgettable. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she spread happiness wherever she went. Her ascent to heaven leaves a void in our lives here on earth. We will miss her immensely, but our love for and memories of her will live on in our hearts forever.
She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Dennis of Cheyenne; children: Cory Guillory of Cheyenne, Tisha (Kevin) Darne of Portland, Tiffany (Darrell) Cornett of Cheyenne and Abby (Josh) Logan of Cheyenne; four grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Edith (Jack) Jackson and Odes Foster; brother, Taylor Wayne Foster; sisters, Barbara Hudson and Betsy Sue LaBlanc; daughter-in-law, Heather Guillory; and grandson, John Guillory.
The funeral will be a private ceremony with only close family present.
Isiah Mayes Jr.: 1955 – 2023
Isiah Mayes, Jr. (Ike), 68, passed away on November 5, 2023, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of Eleanor Patricia Mayes. They shared 46 years of marriage together.
Isiah was born September 21, 1955, in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Isiah Mayes, Sr. and Alberta Mayes. The family moved from New Mexico to Aspermont, Texas, then to Pampa Texas. The family moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1965 where he finished grade school and graduated from Tucson High School in 1972.
Isiah served in the U.S. Army for one year, then transferred to the U.S. Air Force where he retired in 1995. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, he worked at Chadwick Dining F.E. Warren AFB for five years, from there he worked at Veterans Health Administration U.S. Department of Veterans from 2005 until he retired in 2021.
Isiah was a member of the American Legion; he loved all sports and liked visiting the casinos. He will be remembered for his loyalty and his dedication.
Isiah is survived by (wife) Eleanor Patricia Mayes; (son) Richard Alphonzo (Toya) Mayes; (mother) Alberta Mayes; (three sisters): Hattie Rowden, Sharon Harris (Raymond), Lorie Mayes; (one brother) Bobby Mayes; three grandchildren and one great grandchild; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Isiah was preceded in death by his (father) Isiah Mayes, Sr.; and (brother) Robert Mayes.
In honor of Isiah, a funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 15 at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, 1900 E. 19th St., followed by a 2:00 p.m. interment at Cheyenne National Cemetery, 8611 Hildreth Rd.
Tracy Alan Pedigo: 1956 – 2023
Tracy Alan Pedigo, 67, of Cheyenne, died on October 29, 2023 in Cheyenne.
He was born on October 23, 1956 in Wichita, Kansas. He and his family moved to Missouri when he was five years old. He graduated from high school in Loose Creek, Missouri. In 1974, they moved to Colorado. In 2021, he moved to Wyoming to be close to his children.
Tracy had three children with his wife Susan: Danielle, Nick, and Krystal.
He had many jobs throughout the years including a plastics technician at Woodlands Plastics, selling and repairing musical instruments at a local music shop, and landscaping for his sister Michelle’s business. He then spent the rest of his working life taking care of his mother, Imogene.
Tracy was a musician that could play any instrument he could pick up. He enjoyed learning about computers and how they worked; as well as taking them apart and maybe getting them back together. He had various collections over the years and a love for old antiques. He will be known for his humor that he used even during tough times.
He is survived by his younger sister Michele; his children: Danielle, Nick, Krystal, Devony, and Livia; his nieces, Alicia and Jackie; his nephew, Brandon; and many grandchildren.
Tracy was preceded in death by his mother, Imogene; and his father, Robert Pedigo.
Christopher Newell Sharkey: 1943 – 2023
Christopher “Chris” Newell Sharkey, of Cheyenne, has been excused from the dinner table of life. He is now free to go and play with his friends for eternity.
After kicking cancer’s butt for the last dozen or so years, Chris decided to be magnanimous and let cancer take a win. He was born in Los Angeles on September 17, 1943, to Miles and Cristine (Worrall) Sharkey. He was the middle child of seven (and you know what they say about the “middle child”). He did a tour in Vietnam and enjoyed it so much he went back for seconds. After flying more than 500 missions and earning 27 air medals he eventually moved on from the Marines (but always kept that personable Marine Corps charm). He was an entrepreneur at heart, always looking for an opportunity to involve his business acumen. A short sample of some of the industries he dipped his toes into: candy distribution, carpet cleaning, window coverings, liquor store owner, and blackjack dealer.
He was also a dad. A tough dad at times. Ok, most of the time. But as he aged, he softened up just enough to let his six children (from his first marriage to Pamela Grady) and his thirteen grandchildren know that he loved them and was proud of them. They, in turn, loved him very much and appreciated all his life lessons, even if they took a while to understand.
Aside from his children and grandchildren, Chris dearly loved his wife Jane, their dogs, every episode of Dateline and strong margaritas. Chris would light up at any opportunity to tell a story. If it was one of his countless jokes, or making incredibly inappropriate observations about strangers, he relished his ability to inspire a laugh and he could hold the attention of just about anyone for the length of a story, some of which were actually true.
A certified Roman Catholic, Chris would always end his dinner prayer by pounding the table and proclaiming “God Bless Everyone! No Exceptions!” And always looked forward to heading to a better place when the time was right and followed the “Good Lord’s plan”.
His faith brought him to a place where generosity of time and spirit were at the forefront of his mind. He traveled on missions all over the world. From South America to India and all stops in between he looked for and found opportunities to serve the underserved. He understood that “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.”
Chris was survived by his second wife, Jane Noble Sharkey of more than 21 years. Chris has requested his pallbearers be six members of the Green Bay Packers football team, just so the Packers can let him down one final time.
Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 20, 2023, in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Burial and Military honors to follow at the Cheyenne National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts please donate to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, 800 Southwest Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007. Website: https://www.cheyenneanimalshelter.org/
We love him and will miss him every day. No Exceptions!
Christopher Smith: 1973 – 2023
Christopher (Chris) B. Smith, 50, passed away at home, on October 25, 2023; his wife by his side.
He was born in June, 1973 to David and Theresa Smith in Denver, Colorado.
Chris was employed by Bish’s RV and had been in RV sales in Cheyenne for over 25 years. He will be remembered by friends, coworkers, and customers for his endearing nature and love of RV sales. It was greatest joy.
He loved elk hunting, camping and caring for his small farm.
He is survived by his wife (of 22 years), Angela Smith; mother, Theresa Smith; sister, Rhea Manning; brother, Casey Smith; one niece and five nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, David N. Smith.
There was private Celebration of Life for family and friends.
Michael R. Stephens: 1938 – 2023
Michael Richard Stephens, 85, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, 2023, with his loving family at his side.
Mike was born on August 18, 1938, to Clifford and Viola Stephens in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. The family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where Mike graduated from Cheyenne High School and met his wife of 65 years, Ruby Mae Richards.
After a stint in the army and the birth of two children in Cheyenne, Mike embarked on a journey that would bless him with two more children and take him to Altus, Oklahoma, and Santa Maria and San Diego, California, eventually returning to Wyoming and Colorado. He worked as a switchman and brakeman on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad for 25 years, where he lead the local workers union. He also owned and managed numerous successful businesses throughout his life.
Mike balanced pursuing his passions and caring for his family.
His love for the cowboy life was well-known. Over the years, he could be found behind the chutes at Frontier Park, eagerly awaiting his turn in the Wild Horse Race at a Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo.
Mike lived with a thirst for adventure, which included skillfully refinishing a small boat for fishing excursions off the coast of San Diego, learning to fly his plane, and riding his Harley alongside friends. He learned to kayak, tackled Colorado rivers and the Grand Canyon via raft, and taught his children to catch brookies on the Encampment River in Wyoming. He dedicated two unforgettable summers to transporting mountain climbers traveling from Anchorage to the Alaska Range and completed an epic hike (slog) to the Mint Glacier Hut in the Talkeetna Mountains.
In his retirement, Mike stayed active by constructing a barn with his two hands, traveling with his family to New York, Nashville, Italy, Panama, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, and Mexico, and driving the Alcan Highway route from Colorado to Talkeetna, Alaska not once, but twice.
With a razor-sharp mind, old soul wisdom, and quick wit, Mike delighted in imparting kernels of philosophy such as, “sometimes it’s better to be lucky than smart,” “if it doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger,” and “don’t tell me why you can’t; find a way that you can.” Even in the most challenging circumstances, Mike would say, “I feel like a million bucks!”
Mike and Ruby, his wife of 65 years, worked hard to build a wonderful life filled with love for family above all else. Mike’s generous and humble spirit will be missed, but Mike’s big cowboy heart will continue to beat in the lives of his family and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sister Joan Brummond and her husband Leroy; and grandson Stephen.
He leaves behind his wife, Ruby; children: Julia (Dave), Melanie (Mike), Cliff (Gabi), and Kathie (Austin); grandchildren: Shane, Alixon, Mateo, and Michael; and his brother, Casey and his wife, Terri. Mike loved and was thankful for every one of his nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at The Gathering Place, 1900 E 21st Street, Cheyenne, on Saturday, November 11 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Instead of flowers, please consider a contribution in his name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Ronald Keith White: 1943 – 2023
Ronald Keith White, 80, of Cheyenne, passed away at Davis Hospice Center with his loving wife by his side.
He was born October 4, 1943 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Keith, as he was known to his friends and family, lived a wonderful life full of many adventures. After graduating from Maysville High School Keith joined the U.S. Army and was eventually stationed in Izmir Turkey, NATO headquarters.
After receiving his Honorable Discharge, he returned to his home state of Missouri and worked in the service department at a local car dealership and there met his future wife, Ila Rhei Shampnoi. They were married in 1966 and shortly afterwards moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Keith worked in a car dealership while learning the real estate and insurance business and becoming an agent.
Later in his life, Keith returned to the military but this time as a civilian and was very active in the installation of the Peace Keeper Missile system at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. During this time Keith received recognition as the “Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award” recipient for “Outstanding Munitions/Missile Maintenance Civilian Manager of the year” which was chosen from the entire United States Air force.
During this period Keith found time to earn his pilot’s license and start one of his great loves, flying. Not only did he fly but became involved in building planes for he and Ila Rhei, who also received her license, to fly together on many adventures.
Keith was involved in many organizations throughout his life and was fully dedicated to each one. He was first and foremost a Christian. He then became a Master Mason and Past Master of the Burns Lodge in Wyoming. He became a Shriner and assisted with raising money for the Shrine Childrens Hospital. He was a dedicated member for Cheyenne Frontier Days and served on the Heels group and the Contract Acts committee. Other groups include the Cheyenne Sheriff’s Posse, Cheyene Rifle and Pistol Club, and past President of the Cheyenne Shriners Club.
It is impossible to sum up a person’s life in a short space, but suffice it to say that Keith White was a dedicated friend, advisor, outdoorsman, and husband who will, by leaving, create a void which will take many to fill. However, his friendship and spirit will be here guiding all who had the opportunity to call him friend. He will be missed in our community.
Keith is survived by his wife, Ila Rhei; two great-nephews; other family members and too many wonderful and dedicated friends to list. He was preceded in death by his parents J. Ray and Lucinda White; a brother; and two sisters.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Cheyenne Shrine club 224 E. Iowa street, for support of the Children’s Hospital Travel fund.
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