Jacqueline Annette “Jackie” Chase: 1932 – 2023
Jacqueline A. Chase passed away peacefully at the young age of 90 on August 8, 2023.
Jackie was born Jacqueline Ramsey in St. Paul, Minnesota on November 13, 1932, where she eventually met the love of her life, for the first time, when a young sailor offered to walk her home one night when she was 15. Several years later, when on a date, the two met again and connected, as did their dates. Jackie married Leon Chase on November 16, 1957, and the couple had 55 years together until Leon passed in 2012.
Jackie and Lee also had five children together, which lead to many grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
In the summer of 1980, Jackie moved with her husband and one daughter to Casper, Wyoming, where she enjoyed planting gardens, camping, hunting, long motorcycle rides, dancing, and spending time with her friends at the Senior Center.
Jackie is survived by her children: Delores Parrott (Bill), Laureen Chase, Jackie Lee Burt, step-son Larry Chase (Deb); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lee; both parents; two brothers, one sister; and grandson Jason. She will join her husband at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery.
Ella Lillian Cronbaugh: 1926 – 2023
Ella Lillian Agee Cronbaugh’s soul returned peacefully to her Creator the afternoon of August 4, 2023. At the time of her death she was independent, quick-witted and had a closet of clothes with rhinestones to match her sparkling personality. She was always ready to jump in the car to go wherever. Ella unfailingly supported all of her families’ activities through prayer, pictures, phone calls, or attendance at events.
She was born to Ben and Margaret Agee on July 30, 1926 in Marengo, Iowa. She had an enchanted childhood with loving, devoted parents and extended family. When Ella was nine, her mother died and she was raised by her father, a kind and loving parent. Aunts and grandparents helped raise her in the big house on Court Avenue in Marengo, Iowa. Her cousins were like brothers and the entire town watched out for and encouraged her.
Her childhood was filled with antics such as drinking her milk at the dinner table like a kitten in a bowl, skating on the dining room table, keeping charge accounts at all the stores, and spending time outside playing jacks with her many friends. The only time she remembered her father saying no to her was when she wanted to take flying lessons! One of her favorite things was to stop at Peggy’s Soda Fountain for a cold hotdog for breakfast on the way to school. It was there that she developed a life-long love of ice cream. Put some chocolate on it and she was in heaven!
Ella was a good student, homecoming queen and on an All-State basketball team. She worked as a phone switchboard operator during high school and as a bank teller after her graduation in 1944. Many of her high school friends remained dear to her for the rest of her days.
She married the love of her life that she met in junior high, Max Cronbaugh, on September 10, 1945. Her father, Ben Agee, died shortly thereafter. She was quickly adopted into Max’s family. Once a city girl, she rapidly acclimated to farm life with the help of her wonderful mother-in-law and sweet sisters-in-law. She became an amazing cook and hostess.
She and Max had two children, Don and Margaret (Margo), who were the center of their lives. They played and traveled together all over the United States. They were at every activity their children were involved in. Ella loved being a mom. Max and Ella were church youth leaders and Ella was a 4-H leader for many years. Later in their life the couple traveled to Canada, the Netherlands and several countries in Europe. Most of all, the two of them established family values of doing your best, being honest, being kind, thinking of others first, and following God’s plan for your life. They were faith-filled and prayerful. After her husband died, she never got over missing him. They were truly soulmates and partners who never said an unkind word to each other.
Coffee time happened as often as possible in Ella’s life. She loved catching up with family and friends on a daily basis. Her interest in others’ lives and her joyful, engaging personality resulted in many friends. She cherished each and every one she knew.
In spite of her age she seldom lost a card game, particularly Nerts. She loved putting puzzles together, going to family celebrations, playing games, telling stories about her life adventures, and teaching her grandchildren how to make butterballs. She was always delighted to have conversations with her grand and great-grandchildren. Two weeks before her death she spent eight days with all 30 members of her family celebrating her upcoming 97th birthday. She enjoyed every minute and gave each of her 14 great-grandchildren a framed diamond painting she had made for them. She never quit smiling and loved every minute she spent with each person. She was the best of grandmothers.
Ella made the world a better place. It was her joy to serve in all aspects of church work. Her service on the County Health Board and her many years of volunteering at Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo were very important to her. She was an Easter Star member and sat as an election official for over 20 years. Whatever was needed she was always willing to help.
Ella was the epitome of a life well lived. She knew the secret to happiness was thinking of others before herself and to walk daily with the fellowship of God. He surely welcomed her with the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” She was a shining reflection of God’s love.
Ella is survived by her son Don (Leanne) Cronbaugh of Belle Plaine, IA and her daughter Margo (Larry) Bean of Casper, Wyoming; grandchildren: Calli (Nick) Walker, Abigail (Jesse) Kasper, Benjamin (Amanda) Cronbaugh, Joshua (Fedia) Bean, Amber (Michael) DeBernardo, Nathan (Molly) Bean, Nicole Bean; and great-grandchildren Camrynn, Phoebe, Reese, James, Oliver, Riley, Xavier, Mars, Cassius, Mia, Sullivan, Vincent, Marilyn, and Ella.
She will be joyously remembered at a celebration of her life on August 17 in Marengo at the First United Methodist Church (895 Court Avenue, Marengo, IA 52301) at 3:00 p.m. with a dinner/reception at The Red Barn (1404 G Avenue, Marengo, IA 52301) immediately following the service. There will be a video link for the service for all out-of-state friends and family (Remember: it is Central Standard Time). Please visit the Facebook page First UMC Marengo to view live-stream of the service. To honor Ella, memorials may be contributed to the Iowa Valley Schools, Marengo, or to Compass Memorial Healthcare, Marengo.
John Darrell Cross: 1937 – 2023
John Darrel Cross, 85, passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 6, 2023. He was born in rural West Virginia November 21, 1937 to Ernest and Evelyn Cross. He was one of six boys, one being his twin.
He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 16 along with his twin brother. He received an honorable discharge in California three years later. After his discharge, he joined the Menlo Park Fire District where he served until 1972. He injured his back and was forced into early retirement.
During his service, he met his “first and only love”, Vickie Bysheim. After dating for only six months, they were married on November 23, 1958 in Redwood City, California. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year. They had two children together; a son, David Lee Cross and a daughter, Cathrine Annette Cross (Ross).
After he was forced into retirement from the fire department, the family relocated to Wyoming. John had visited Wyoming on several occasions to enjoy fishing and big game hunting. He thought it would be a perfect location to raise his family.
John began studying for the real estate exam and obtained his license. While working in the field, it was discovered that he was a natural born salesman with the gift of gab!
In the early 80s, the oilfield boomed. John decided to hang up his real estate hat and enter into the oilfield. Having found success, he eventually opened his own office (Roughneck Incorporated) selling equipment. Eventually, the oilfield lost momentum and John closed his business to retire.
After retirement, he needed to find something to fill his days. Being a a fan of Toyota vehicles, John decided to become a salesman at Foss Toyota. He loved the interactions with customers and being a regular top salesman.
When he wasn’t working, John loved the outdoors. He would boat, waterski, fish, hunt, hike, garden or just sit in the mountains watching the wildlife. He also had an extensive collection of clown figurines that he accumulated over the years. He proudly displayed them in a curio cabinet in his home.
Dad always said, “I started out with nothing and received more than I ever dreamed of.” He was the life of any party! We will miss his charisma, sense of humor and wit.
John was survived by his wife Vickie; son, David (Tammy) Cross and their children, Tina (Tom) Burkett and Cynthia (Travis) Sides; daughter Cathrine (Scott) Ross and their children Tanner and Sydney Ross; brothers Dick Cross of Casper, Wyoming and Ralph Cross of Okeene, Oklahoma; as well as many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
The memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., August 18, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 710 East Second Street, Casper, WY, 82601.
Keith Karl Fare: 1962 – 2023
Keith Fare, 60, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023 in Casper, Wyoming. Keith was born on September 30, 1962 in Worland, Wyoming to Howard Fare and Janice Fare.
Keith was an Army veteran who loved to fish, float the river, spend time with his family BBQing and absolutely loved his Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs and NASCAR. Keith enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren.
Keith traveled across the country many times for his job, moving furniture as a lumper, when he lived in Illinois and Wisconsin. Keith and his family moved to Casper, Wyoming in 2014. Keith then worked for Power Services and worked in the oilfield for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandmother, Pearl Madeline Stroshal; daughter, Tina Fare.
Keith was survived by his first wife, Sherri Rettinghouse, and they were married in 1987. They had two biological children, Stephen (Laura) Fare and Wendy Moore and two step-children, William Day and Jeremy (Michelle) Day. Keith and Sherri divorced in 1994. He married his wife, Julie, in 1995. Together they had Madilyn (Nick) Fare and Nathan (Gabbie) Fare. Keith is also survived by brothers, David, Howard, and John; and sisters, Lori (Robert) Saemisch; Pam (Marty) Watson-Verway; Linda (David) Hardin, and 19 grand children.
The memorial service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2300 E 15th Street, Casper, WY 82609.
The family is especially thankful to Central Wyoming Hospice for their care for Keith and his family.
Robert “Bob” E. Hallcroft, Sr.: 1941 – 2023
Robert Earl Hallcroft Sr (Bob) of Evansville, Wyoming was welcomed into Heaven’s gates August 8, 2023, at the age of 82 after a hard-fought battle following a brief illness.
Bob was born January 1,1941 to Wayne and Pauline Hallcroft in Basin, Wyoming, the fourth of six children. In 1959 he graduated from Basin High School and married Sharon Lowe. Bob worked in a number of trades throughout his life. He worked as a carpenter, a railroad machinist, a lineman for Tri County Telephone Company and was an engineer for the Burlington Northern Railroad. After a back injury ended his job with the railroad, Bob pursued his true passion when he was instrumental in organizing the Greybull Recreation District. Even before starting the rec department, as a volunteer in his free time, he brought many state softball and little league tournaments to the Greybull and Basin area. He also coached multiple softball and baseball teams. He especially enjoyed coaching his 3 children, his oldest grandson and four granddaughters. One of the highlights of his life was coaching the Jade-ettes softball team who reigned as Wyoming state Champs from 1967 to 1971. Another highlight was coaching the BatBenders girls fast pitch team to 1998 and 1999 state championships. Bob became a member of the WY Softball Hall of fame as a coach in 2004. To add to this, the Jade-ettes were the first softball team to receive the honor in 2021.
Bob is survived by his children; Ronda (Rod) Howe of Shepherd, Montana, Robert (Bobby) Hallcroft Jr (Kristina), Kari (Bart) Olson both of Casper, Wyoming; siblings; Mary (Jim) Raffl, John Hallcroft both of Basin, Wyoming. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his wife of 46 years, Sharon; second wife Norma Deason, whom he was married to for 12 years; parents; Wayne and Pauline (Spargur) Hallcroft; siblings: Albert Hallcroft, Betty (Hallcroft) Winterholler and William (Bill) Hallcroft.
Most recently, Bob spent his time attending sporting activities of his youngest two grandchildren in Casper. Using his newly acquired technology skills, he was able to follow his great grandchildren’s sporting events on NFHS or GameChanger. He also enjoyed watching his beloved Dodgers on tv. Heaven has gained not only an angel, but a great coach!
Funeral services will be held at Bustards & Jacoby, 600 CY Avenue in Casper, Wyoming on August 25 at 10:00 a.m. This service will be livestreamed and can be viewed here: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=f0f4cbd5-0dc6-42d9-a794-d0dcef6e7ab5
Graveside services and internment will be at Donald J Ruhl Memorial Cemetery in Greybull, Wyoming on August 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at Greybull Recreation Center.
In honor of his great passion for sports, please feel free to wear your favorite sport Jersey.
Carleton “Carl” Harvey Key: 1937 – 2023
Born October 23, 1937 to Claude J. & Evelyn G. Key in Beaverton, Oregon. Died August 1, 2023 peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family.
Carl is survived by his wife of 67 years, Evelyn; three children: son Keith Key, of Casper, Wyoming, daughter Pamella (Wayne) Brown of Wichita, Kansas and son Ted (Connie) Key of Casper, Wyoming; seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Dana, Kayla, Kelsey, Jacob, Devin and Kyle; thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Carl was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Pam Key; brothers Scott and Kelly Key; mother Evelyn Key (Cichonski); and father Claude Key.
Carl graduated from Natrona County High School in 1955, where he was a member of the ROTC. After high school Carl worked several different jobs before joining the local carpenter’s union. Carl worked for Francis Nichols, John Pierce and brother Scott Key before starting his own construction company, Kewee Construction. Later, Carl partnered with nephew Mark Gardner in Platte River Builders. Carl retired from construction around 2008. He then went to work for Walmart around 2009 and retired from Walmart in 2018.
Carl loved to golf, camp and fish with his family. He cherished spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Carl loved arrow head hunting. His favorite place to be was at his mountain property and cabin. He and his wife Evelyn spent most of their spare time at their beloved cabin prior to its burning in the Sheep Herder Hill fire. Some of Carl’s proudest accomplishments include being Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 62, President of the Wyoming Home Builders Association and of course mentoring all of his children and grandchildren.
Carl was a great friend, husband, father and grandfather. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life will occur at a later date.
Victoria Lynn “Tory Beth” Rathbun: 1955 – 2023
Victoria Lynn Rathbun was born December 4, 1955 in Indiana. As a young teen, Victoria became a part of the Lund family as Tory Beth in Pierre, South Dakota and has been a member of the family since. Tory graduated from Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Minnesota in 1974 and from Platte Valley Bible College in Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 1978.
Tory was preceded in death by her mother Lenora Lund. Tory is survived by two sons, Christopher Rathbun (spouse Cheryl) and James Rathbun; four grandchildren: Aowyne, Kelsey, Devlin, and Konnor. She is also survived by her father Lowell Lund and four siblings: Nita Jackson (John Mark), Brian Lund (Lois), Vicki Grant, and Andrew Lund.
As a teen, Tory gave her life to Christ and particularly enjoyed youth group, youth rallies, and bible camp. During these activities she began lifelong friendships, and in bible college continued making lifelong friends she held dear to her heart. As an adult, Tori lived and worked a variety of jobs in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, continuing to develop deep friendships. Serving for several years on the Wyoming Governors Council for Disabilities was a source of pride for Tory where she served with thoughtfulness and passion.
With her own unique sense of fashion Tory dressed boldly in her own style and loved to created new looks. She loved to cook and never hesitated to try new dishes to share with family and friends. Tory was fiercely proud of and fiercely loved her sons, and is known by her family and friends as loyal, with a sharp wit, a good sense of humor, and positive attitude. When you spent time with her there was no question she loved you because she was vocal in expressing her love. In the face of physical and memory challenges in recent years, Tory never failed to express her love and appreciation to those around her. While we will never know the number of lives touched by Tory, she was a blessing to many.
Tory loved to attend church and worship with her church family. Her love for the Lord ran deep and she knew what eternity held for her; peace and rest in the arms of her Savior.
Tory Beth Rathbun will be missed by those who know and love her.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted for Victoria (Tory Beth) Rathbun at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at B.A.S.I.C Fellowship Christian Church, 719 East 3rd Street, Evansville, Wyoming (one block west of Evansville Town hall). Lunch will be available following the service.
Richard Pendleton “Rick” Beall: 1956 – 2023
Richard Pendleton Beall was born on May 15, 1956 in the state of New York. His parents were Pendleton Beall, Jr. and Leslie Perkins Beall. He was the eldest of four children. His father managed refineries for Texaco Oil, and as such the family moved from Mount Kisco, New York to Amarillo, Texas to Cherry Hill, New Jersey to Casper, Wyoming, and finally to Lockport, Illinois. Rick graduated from Lockport Central High School. He went to University of Wyoming for one year deciding instead to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Upon leaving the Navy with an honorable discharge, Rick made his home in Twin Falls, Idaho before finally moving back to Casper, Wyoming. He worked for the City of Casper, U.S. Postal Service, and at the time of his death was working for Austin Engineering.
Rick enjoyed designing and creating metal art, hunting, fishing, panning for gold, and camping with his family. He was loved for his sense of humor, quick wit, and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed his help. He enjoyed working for hours on projects in the garage, basement, and pole barn while listening to his favorite Rock n Roll songs. He loved to sing along with Muppet Treasure Island. Yet, his most favorite thing was to be at his cabin on Casper Mountain with his family or by himself with his beloved dogs Razor, Ginger, Atticus, Frieda, and Luna. This brought him peace and renewal.
Rick his survived by his daughter Heather; two sons, Nicholas and Tony; siblings, Liz Beall, Steve (Shawn) Beall, David Beall (Luis Aguilan); step-siblings, Patti (Alan) Cadiz, Peg (Dave) Gerber and David Burton; six grandchildren: Zane, Brooklynn, Drake, Ayden, Austin, and Isabelle; and five nieces: Dawn, Renee, Cady, Chloe and Tori.
Rick also leaves behind his former spouse and best friend, Tina Beall.
We loved Rick dearly. He was the best father, grandfather, and friend. Rick will be forever in our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held on Casper Mountain this summer.
