Brandon Scott Birgenheier: 1994 – 2023
On August 8, 2023, Brandon Scott Birgenheier lost his fight with depression and addiction. He is now at peace with his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
Brandon was loved deeply by his family and friends. He gave the greatest hugs. He was always able to smile, despite the demons he fought. He was charming, charismatic and an eternal light.
Brandon was pursuing a career as a pastor and did excellent in Christian studies and theology. Unfortunately he succumbed to his addiction and fell back into despair.
Brandon was born February 17, 1994, in Casper, Wyoming, to Katherine Palmer (Greene) and Steven Birgenheier. He was 29 years old.
Brandon is survived by: His wife, Brittney Birgenheier and his two daughters Kendyll and Ivy; his parents, Katherine Green, Steve Birgenheier; his uncle Mike Birgenheier and aunt Dawn Pittser; sisters: Kelly (Birgenheier) Starr, Mary Marsh (Clint), KatyMae Carlson and Jessica Palmer; brother, Michael Birgenheier; grandfather, Edward Birgenheier and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Eva Batey, Geraldine and Chuck ( Kelly) Blagg; and John and Joyce Pittser.
A celebration of life will be held, September 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., at Casper Community Church, 249 N Wolcott, Casper, Wyoming. Lunch to follow the service. Please feel free to bring salads, chips or desserts for the luncheon.
Glendol “Ray” Bush: 1938 – 2023
Glendol “Ray” Bush was born on December 17, 1938 in Herrin, Illinois to Lee and Opal Bush. He passed away August, 17, 2023 at Wyoming Medical Center.
Ray entered the Navy when he was 17 where he received his GED. He spent several years in the Navy and was honorably discharged. He worked most of his life being a mechanic, working in the oil field and driving truck. He loved hard work and giving his all to each job he held.
Ray was proceeded in death by his mom; his dad; his brother, Jim; his sister, Janet; and a granddaughter Rachael Bush.
He is survived by his wife Theresa; son Timothy (Gretchen); son Todd; daughter Tracie Ortiz; sister, Ruth Jones; six grandchildren: Mia Ortiz, TJ Bush, Diego Ortiz, Vincent Ortiz, Misty Bush Kneivel, and Kaitlyn Dooling.
A small service will be held the end of September at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery.
“Thank you Lord for this one, I’m looking for the next one.” Amen.
Kevin Kendall Hagan: 1955 – 2023
Kevin Kendall Hagan (68), of Mills, Wyoming, passed away on August 13, 2023.
Kevin is survived by his three daughters,Amber, Krista & Devin; five grandchildren: Annabelle, Riley, Aidan, Gracelyn and Paisley. He is also survived by his brother Randy Hagan who resides in Colorado.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marianne; and his other siblings, Cheryl, Dana and Lynn.
Kevin was a man of few words but one of many talents. He enjoyed tinkering with anything he could build and rebuild. He also enjoyed spending his time playing video games with his friends, children and grandchildren. When time allowed he could give you a run for your money in horse shoes and corn hole.
Kevin loved his family and friends very much and the world will be a lot more empty without him.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Edness Kimball State Park.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Humane Society or local animal shelter.
Deanna Kay Schaff: 1947 – 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deanna Kay Schaff (née Fritton), who peacefully entered into eternal rest on August 13, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born on April 3, 1947, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado and her kindness and generosity of spirit touched the lives of many.
Deanna was the third of five children born to Arthur and Deirdre Fritton in the eastern plains of Colorado where the family was raised on a wheat farm. She was a vivacious and studious child who was active in church activities and community events as well as the many home responsibilities that help support a farming household. Deanna graduated from Cheyenne Wells High School in 1965 and received her teaching degree from St. Mary of the Plains, class of 1969, in Dodge City, Kansas. After graduating, she moved to Denver, Colorado to pursue her teaching career.
While in Denver, Deanna worked as a paralegal while applying for teaching positions when she met her husband, Robert “Bob” Schaff. They were married on June 19, 1971. Deanna and Bob had two boys, Monte and Dean, within 19 months of each other and the young family moved back to the Fritton farm in eastern Colorado to raise their family, farm, and teach.
Deanna was a math teacher for all grade levels, but mostly for 7th-12th grade in the very small, rural Bethune School system. She also taught science classes and occasionally English. She drove approximately 35 miles to and from school each day, and often arrived early or stayed late to assist students with any issues they may have had with assignments, projects, and extracurricular activities. In 1997 she received her master’s degree from the University of Wyoming. Students say that she had the utmost patience for breaking down mathematical concepts and explaining problems in different ways that helped them understand and learn the material better. With her masterful skill for teaching and new degree she became supervisor for the Math Lab and subsequently division chair at Casper College. Later she was the director of the Tate Geological Museum where she oversaw the curation and events surrounding the Dee the Mammoth and Lee Rex excavations and acquisitions.
Deanna’s strategic mind not only served her well in her career but also in her hobbies as she was extremely good at winning card games, board games, and word games. She was a voracious reader, painted, played the organ, tried new recipes, and perfected old ones, and adored her dogs. She embraced nearly every adventure that came her way! She was active in Our Lady of Fatima Council of Catholic Women, had many friends in Casper and frequently connected with friends and family virtually as well. She loved her family immensely and spent a lot of time with her grandchildren and they spent a lot of time visiting her.
She is survived by her husband Robert Schaff and her two sons Monte (Trisha) Schaff and Dean (Jennifer) Schaff; as well as her grandchildren: Eric Lagergren, Alyssa (Steven) Schall, Austin (Kendra) Schaff, Anthony Schaff, and Zachary (Lynn) Schaff. She is also survived by her siblings, Daniel Fritton, Donna (Carl) Hund, David Fritton, and Deborah (John) McClave; as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by all her family, extended family, and friends, who are left with cherished memories of her kindness and strength.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Deirdre Fritton; and her sister-in-law, Jackie Fritton.
A rosary service will be held for Deanna at Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home on Monday August 21, at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at Our Lady of Fatima on Tuesday August 22, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Poudre Valley Hospital for their compassionate care during Deanna Kay Schaff’s final days.
Mary Evangeline Valdez: 1927 – 2023
Mary Evangeline Valdez was born on September 13, 1927 to parents John Francisco Santistevan and Semonita Arguello in Douglas Wyoming.
Mary spent her childhood lovingly helping her mother with many household chores and caring for her eight siblings. She met the love of her life, Robert, at the age of eighteen and went to live with his family in New Mexico for a brief period. After Robert was discharged from the Army they settled in Washington State.
Mary was a dedicated, hardworking woman. She worked for several years as a supervisor at Magi Inc in Brewster raising her family of three boys and daughter along the way. After retiring from her first job she then went on to care for her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Not one to let grass grow under her feet, she decided to go back to work and finally fully retired at the age of 83. She was loved and admired by all who knew her and her FEISTY spirit will be greatly missed.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Robert; son Robert Jr.; her parents; brothers Pat and Bill, ; sister Mae; son-in-law Tony; and granddaughter Angie.
She is survived by her son Ron (Vicki); daughter Jeanne; son Bernie (Jodi); nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will start at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2023 with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 3:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, Washington. She will be laid to rest in Douglas, Wyoming at a later date.
