Monita Renae Crosley: 1965 – 2023
Our beautiful Monita Renae Crosley “Moe” or “Nita” passed away unexpectedly in her home in Greeley, Colorado on August 29, 2023 with her dog Bailey by her side. Monita was born on March 27, 1965 in Douglas, Wyoming to David Raymond Crosley and Charlotte June Harris.
Father deceased, mother still living. Monita graduated from Casper College with an associate’s degree in Social Work and went on to receive her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Wyoming in 2016. Monita was employed by Weld County Colorado Human Services, specifically in the Child Welfare Department of human services, where she worked tirelessly for and with children and their safe keeping. She was truly a soldier for children. Monita was loyal to her belief in God, faithful to her church, Foundations Church in Loveland Colorado, and had been baptized on February 27, 2022.
She had many friends and other family that felt her loving heart as well. Monita had a fire for life and she lived it to the fullest. Her love was inescapable and she spread that love far and wide! It would be easy to say that her biggest passion in her life was helping people, which she made a vocation of, but also allowing her caring touch to family and friends alike. She enjoyed riding her Harley Davidson across the country side, rain, snow or shine she could be seen riding down the highway. You could always find Monita dancing, whether it was at the club or on the front room carpet. She danced and sang to all genres of music; dancing seemed to be one of her favorite things to do. Monita you will be truly missed, but we will have some peace in our hearts knowing you lived so fiercely!
Monita is survived by her daughter Muirenn Buckles; son-in-law Joshua Buckles; grandchildren: Kody, Marcus, and Thomas Buckles; mother Charlotte June Travitz; sister Paula Jean Crosley; brother David Wayne Crosley; step-sister Terri Ann Lesmeister; best friend and “adopted” sister Jacci Warne.
Monita was preceded in death by her father David Raymond Crosley; step-father John Ralph Travitz; and step-brother Michael John Travitz.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Casper Clubhouse, located at 1032 E. L Street Casper, Wyoming 82601 (we rented the club house for the day, feel free to come earlier and stay a little later).
Monita’s Colorado friends & family are planning her Celebration of Life in Greeley for Wednesday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. at the Atlas Theater; 709 16th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631.
Ralph Wayne Cantrell: 1948 – 2023
Ralph W. Cantrell was born February 15, 1948, in Smithville, Tennessee, to Herbert Cantrell and Lillie (Farless) Cantrell. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family on September 5, 2023. He loved the outdoors from an early age. He spent many years hunting, fishing, and causing nonsense with his brothers and enjoyed playing football during his high school years. He got the nickname “Ruff” during his football playing days. He was the star running back and team captain for DeKalb County High School in Smithville, Tennessee. While a knee injury his senior year took away his chances of playing college football, he carried a love for the Tennessee Volunteers with him his entire life and enjoyed watching their football team play on Saturdays with his son and grandsons.
He met Debra Woodin after he moved to Wyoming for work and proposed to her two weeks later. They enjoyed 44 wonderful years together. In 1986, they welcomed their son Zachary; daughter Keri followed in 1989. The kids sports and other activities kept them busy and allowed Ralph to explore different areas across the United States and Canada. Nothing, however, was better to Ralph than beautiful Wyoming. The river was a special place to him; he spent many a happy afternoon throwing duck decoys for his chocolate lab Sammi who passed several years ago.
After Ralph moved to Wyoming, he worked in the oilfields as a heavy equipment operator before moving to pipeline welding, which he did for most of his working years. He was employed by Blackhills Trucking as a mechanic before moving to Source Gas in 1992. He was first an equipment operator and then became a welder until his retirement in 2014.
Ralph was a no-nonsense, no fuss man who deeply loved his family. His great joy in life was every moment spent with his grandsons Kale and Tell. He never tired of watching them play and hearing about their various shenanigans; he never missed a chance to tell them how much he loved them, and they felt the same about their Papa! Ralph was a quiet, devout man who could often be found reading his Bible and spending time doing his daily devotionals. His faith was extremely important to him.
Ralph is survived by his wife Debbie; son Zachary (Tara); daughter Keri; and his grandsons Kale and Tell. He is also survived by his brother Lewis (Peggy) and many nieces and nephews back home in Tennessee and across the United States. His nephew Reece has been reminiscing with Debbie frequently about his wonderful Uncle Ruff.
Ralph was a wonderful man who left a legacy of love with his family. While he is deeply missed, the family knows he is healthy, happy, and at peace. They enjoy imaging him riverside with his best girl Sammi, throwing the decoys and enjoying the outdoors.
The family will be gathering on Monday, September 11, 2:00 p.m., at Bustards Funeral Home reminiscing about Ralph; all are invited. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Ralph’s name.
Judith Ann Foote: 1948 – 2023
Casper, Wyoming resident Judith Ann Foote, 74, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Casper Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Casper, Wyoming.
Memorial services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 18, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Glenvil, Nebraska with Pastor Jonathan Jehorek officiating. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow the service at the church. Private Inurnment will take place at the Glenvil Cemetery. In honoring her wish to be cremated there will not be a visitation or viewing.
Judy loved her work and her people at Meals on Wheels in Casper. If you are so moved, please consider a donation in her name to the Natrona County Meals on Wheels Foundation.
Judith was born on August 31, 1948, to Elden and Evelyn Fitzke of Fairfield, Nebraska. Her story begins with Elden coming home from the Pacific Theatre in WWII and finding the love of his life and a ready-made family in the widow, Evelyn (Saathoff) Engel, and her two children, Jim and Steve Engel. They married and soon had Judy.
The family of five moved to a farmstead West of Fairfield, Nebraska where Judy participated in 4H and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1966. She then made her way to Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, Nebraska. While there she met her love, a Navy Corpsman, Daniel Fuss, Jr. They married and had a son named Daniel Fuss, III in 1969. Unfortunately, the echoes of the tours in the Vietnam War had followed Dan Jr. home and this marriage didn’t last long. Judy moved back to Fairfield, Nebraska and after five years she met and married Steve Foote, Sr. in 1975. Steve had two boys from a previous marriage, Steve and Wes Foote. Steve, Sr. adopted Judy’s son Daniel “Dan” and he then took the name Daniel Elden Foote. Judy, Steve, and the three boys mainly lived outside of Hastings, Nebraska on a country acreage. Judy had the difficult task of being a stay-at-home mother to the three boys. Steve purchased a sailboat and a trailer house that took them to Harlan County Reservoir for many fun weekends. They even took a family trip to sail the Gulf of Mexico. Judy remembers having to explain to Dan and Wes that they were not going to be allowed to take the two dead sharks and poisonous Rockfish that they had tried to hide in the car home with them to Nebraska! After seven years though, Judy and Steve divorced in 1982.
Being a single mom to Dan again, Judy worked as many as three jobs at one time to make the ends meet. Judy had a full-time job at the Adams County Weed Department in Hastings, Nebraska as the Office Manager and simultaneously the daytime adult sitter to the group of men in the department. With Judy’s hard work and the help of a supportive extended family, things worked out for Judy and Dan. Dan moved on to college at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and then moved out West to Casper, Wyoming. where he met his wife, Marilyn. Judy moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1990 and went to work at the Juvenile Attention Center, where she worked for the next 15 years. Judy was honored for her dedicated work at the Attention Center. She also went back to college during this time and graduated from Bellevue University with a bachelor’s degree at the age of 50!
When Dan, his wife Marilyn, and two young children (Kelsee and Natalee) relocated to Casper, Wyoming, after trying out stints in Lander, Wyoming, Billings, Montana, and Lincoln, Nebraska, Judy thought it best to be close by their family and moved to Casper, Wyoming. Judy found a work family as the accountant at the local Natrona County Meals on Wheels where she retired after 14 years.
If you ask Judy’s grandchildren, Kelsee and Natalee, she was a real-life princess during their childhood. They spent many nights at nanny’s house while Dan had a job that took him out of town and Marilyn worked overnight. Judy learned from her time as a single mom how important helping out family was to raising children and she excelled in paying it forward by being an extended parent to her granddaughters.
Judy was a long-time member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Glenvil, Nebraska and First St. Paul’s Lutheran in Hastings, Nebraska. She held on to her faith till the end. She was a fantastic mother, grandma, aunt and friend. She wrote out some last wishes a few years ago that she wanted to be realized upon her death and I quote: “Shed a few tears, but mainly rejoice, because this ol’ gal has had a fairly nice life”.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Elden and Evelyn Fitzke; her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Shari Engel; and brother, Steve Engel.
Judy is survived by her son, Dan (Marilyn) Foote; granddaughters, Kelsee Foote and Natalee Foote; sister-in-Law, Rita Engel and many nieces and nephews.
Thomas Ralph Jahner: 1954 – 2023
Thomas Ralph Jahner of Surprise, Arizona passed away on August 20, 2023. He was born on April 28, 1954 to Frances and Ralph Jahner in Dickinson North Dakota.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Frances Jahner and brother Michael Jahner.
He is survived by his sister, Suzanne Jahner (Sue) and brother, Charlie Jahner; nieces Michele Jahner, Jenifer Jahner and Katie Moravec; nephews Zach Jahner and Dustin Arellano; great-nephews Dylan, Bo; and one great niece Tatum.
Tom worked for Pacific Power in Casper and Laramie Wyoming until retirement.
Graveside services will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Dickinson, North Dakota on September 22, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
James “Jim” Kalkowski: 1941 – 2023
James “Jim” Anthony Kalkowski, 81, of Casper, Wyoming entered into eternal rest on September 6, 2023 in Casper, Wyoming.
Jim was born on December 31, 1941 in Loup City, Nebraska to Herbert and Arlene Kalkowski. He grew up in the sandhills of Nebraska and often shared fond memories of those years. He attended country schools as a child, helping his grandmother get the schoolhouse ready for the other children each day. He attended High school in Valentine, Nebraska until 1958, when he moved to Casper, Wyoming. He graduated from Natrona County High School in the class of 1959. Jim went on to earn an Associate of Business degree from Casper College and then entered the oil and gas Industry where he would work for more than 30 years. In that time he served various roles, but took great pride in leading the construction of two pipelines for Border Fuel Company, and ultimately finding his home working for Eighty Eight Oil Company as a Contract Negotiator and Scheduler. He retired from the True Companies in 2006 and dedicated the remainder of his life to his family.
From the moment Jim arrived in Wyoming, he was drawn to the mountains and lakes and vast open spaces. He shared many wonderful times with his family and friends around the campfire, fishing in sun and snow, riding dirt bikes and just taking in the awe of mother nature. Jim always had a witty saying to capture the moment and always brought a smile to every gathering. He was also a loyal Nebraska Football fan and eagerly awaited their games.
Jim was a man known for doing things his own way. He had a strong ethical base, and never wavered from what he believed in. He had a compassionate heart and made sure that his family knew how proud he was of them. He loved to teach us all the lessons he had carried on from his days on the farm, his Naval military service, and his hard work in the oilfield and professional world. He was a wonderful mentor whose wisdom will be missed.
We would be remiss not to mention Jim’s affection for dogs! He was often seen with a “herd” of dogs in tow – his own, his children’s and those of his friends. He knew them all by name and they all turned inside out at the sight of his truck – knowing they were going for a walk. Jim was in remarkably great health until the last months before his passing – giving his kids and grandkids a run for their money on the hiking trail or following on the ski trail.
Jim, Dad, Grandpa will be greatly missed. We are so grateful for all he shared with us and we know the world was a better place with him in it. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rogene; children, Vince (Mary Kay) Kalkowski, and Brandi (Stuart) Atnip; his grandchildren: Garrett & Aspen Kalkowski and Dallen & Ellise Atnip; his sister Veronica Morris; brother-in-law Ken Garrett; two beloved aunts, Evelyn Brush and Bonita Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he was very fond of. He also leaves behind his loyal dog, Kiya. Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father; and sisters Marjorie Tewell and Sandra Carr.
The family will be holding a private celebration of Jim’s Life for family and close friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Casper Humane Society. The family would like to thank the Hospice care team that helped Jim and his family in his final days.
For his all he leaves behind, as a final bit of wisdom, we share the words of a song Jim loved:
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid
Of the dark
At the end of a storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song
Of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed
And blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never
Ever walk alone
Bonnie Jean Lara: 1969 – 2023
Bonnie Jean Lara of Casper, Wyoming passed away on September 2, 2023. Bonnie was born in Casper, WY to Mark and Rosanne Lara on October 29, 1969. She attended high school at Natrona County High School and graduated in 1988. Bonnie went on to earn an Associate of Science degree in pharmacy technology from Casper College. For the past few years, she worked as an office administrator.
Bonnie lived a BIG life and capitalized on enjoying her family, her friends, and her hobbies. She was dedicated to her daughters and son-in-law and spent every moment she could with her grandsons. She was a tireless advocate for them. She was their rock. She was their guide. She was their protector. No words could describe the intensity of love she had for her family and they for her. Bonnie’s friends were a direct extension of her family, and many describe her as fiercely loyal where no one was a stranger. Her laugh was infectious and her sense of humor like none other. She often referred to herself as a “glamma” instead of a grandma. She could fill an entire room with good energy and laughter in a second. Her very presence was impossible to ignore.
Some of Bonnie’s favorite hobbies involved motorcycle riding, music, and dancing. She loved her Harley Davidson as much as she loved most people. She had a great passion for the open air and mountains where she would often ride with friends or even on her own to clear her mind and find her soul. Recently, Bonnie started playing the drums in her dad’s band and quickly caught on, becoming a favorite musician to watch for many in the community. Bonnie also loved supporting her sister’s band and would attend every show she could where she could be seen dancing and cheering Sue on with a “you guys rock!” When it came to dancing, she was unbeatable, and most could not keep up with her. She could glide across the floor like magic.
Bonnie is survived by her daughters Brianna Kumba (Jake), Bailey Bell, and Taylor Keller (Wyatt); her grandsons Gavin Kumba and Colton Kumba; her dad Mark Lara; her sister Sue Morrison (Jason); her nieces Cheyenne Morrison Lehnen (Pat) and Mackenzie Morrison; her brother Mark Lara; and her great- nephew Bowman Lehnen. She is preceded in death by her mom Rosanne Lara, who she missed dearly every day.
An interment will be led by Father Ray Rodriguez at Highland Cemetery located at 1860 E. 12th Street on Friday, September 15 at 1:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Occasions By Cory, located at 303 S. Wolcott Street in Casper, Wyoming.
Bonnie loved with her whole heart, lived with her whole spirit, and gave of herself with unmatched generosity. She will be greatly missed by many.
Mackenzi Jaede Rickman: 2007 – 2023
Mackenzi Jaede Rickman, “Kenzi”, a vibrant spirited young soul, left us September 4, 2023, at the tender age of 16. She was born January 14, 2007, in Casper, Wyoming. She brought joy and laughter to the lives of all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Kenzie’s unexpected departure has left her family and friends devastated, yet their hearts are filled with cherished memories of a remarkable young woman.
Kenzi attended Poison Spider School and was currently a sophomore at Kelly Walsh High School. She approached her education with enthusiasm and curiosity. Kenzi was especially excited about her photography class. She discovered a passion for capturing beautiful moments through the lens of a camera and expressing herself through artistic compositions, evident to all who saw her work.
Described as loud and spunky, Kenzi possessed an infectious energy that was impossible to ignore. She was known for her boisterous laughter and the ability to light up any room. Despite her vibrant demeanor, Kenzi had a heart so enormous that it overflowed with kindness and compassion towards others.
Outside of school, Kenzi found joy in pursuing many hobbies and interests. Skateboarding held a special place in her heart. Additionally, Kenzi loved spending time with her cherished sister, Madason. Their bond was unbreakable – they shared secrets, dreams, and countless giggles with their unique sisterhood.
Furthermore, Marcus held a special place in Kenzi’s heart as her loving boyfriend of 2 years. Their inseparable connection symbolized the depth of their relationship and their dedication to supporting one another through thick and thin.
Among Kenzi’s greatest accomplishments was being an incredible big sister. As the second oldest child born into a family of seven children, she embraced her role with love and devotion. Kenzi demonstrated unwavering support, guidance, and protection towards her siblings, ensuring that their bond would remain unbreakable.
Kenzi’s warm and caring nature extended beyond her immediate family. She deeply loved her maternal grandma, Kathy Kalten-Bach, who preceded her in death. Kenzi is survived by her mom, Amber and step-dad Kirk Dawson; father, Nick Rickman (Vern Engstrom), siblings, Madason Rickman, Ethan Dawson, Bubba Rogalski, Brodie Dawson, Lukas Rogalski and Paxton Dawson; her maternal grandpa, Ron (Marva) Letellier; aunt Ronda May; paternal grandparents: Pam (J) Bunderson. Her cousins Tristan, Raven and Rylee May also mourn her loss.
Kenzi’s departure has left an unmeasurable void in the lives of those who loved her. Her infectious laughter will echo in our hearts forevermore. While our grief may feel overwhelming today, let us find solace in celebrating Kenzi’s remarkable life. She will forever be remembered as a beacon of light with unwavering love for her family and friends.
May Mackenzi Jaede Rickman rest peacefully knowing that she touched every heart she encountered during her brief yet impactful time on earth.
The family created a GoFundMe account to assist in funeral expenses, which can be visited here.
Diane Rae Tice: 1937 – 2023
Diana Rae Tice, 86, of Superior and formerly of California and Wyoming, died Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at her residence.
Diana was born in Vallejo, California on July 25, 1937, the daughter of Raymond and Elsie (Epps) Wallace. She married Kenneth Tice on May 7, 1954, and they recently celebrated 69 years of marriage.
She loved to be outdoors. She enjoyed dirt bike riding, snow skiing, dune buggies, and traveling. She wrote poetry and was a published poet, with one of her poems published in Reader’s Digest.
Diana raised her family and helped her husband manage his business, KT Home Repair.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Edward Avila, Jr.; and brothers, Larry and Raymond Wallace.
Diana is survived by her husband, Ken; children, David (Cheryl) Tice of Desert Hot Springs, California, Cheryl (Bill) Faust of Bar Nunn, Wyoming and Laurie Tice of Superior; sister Sharon (Peter) Wright of Arizona; eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Following Diana’s wishes private family services will be held.
Ralph Zauner: 1945 – 2023
Ralph Zauner, 78, but usually acting like a teenager, passed away Sept. 8, 2023 in Casper, Wyoming. He was born Jan. 14, 1945 to Georg and Harriet Zauner in Richmond, Michigan.
A jack of all trades, but master of some, he led an interesting life. He told stories of his youth often, including being given a trunk on his 19th birthday from his mother, then joining the circus for a while, and working in the Ohio oil field for a very short amount of time.
He was interested in and worked with ham radios (N7CSO), worked in radio shops (including Hathaway Electronics in Casper), owned a burlesque theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, managed theatres for Commonwealth, then later United Artists in Kansas City, Missouri, Cheyenne, and Casper. He delivered and set up satellite dishes across Wyoming. Ralph worked for KTWO radio and other radio stations. He owned and operated toy/knick knack shops in Cheyenne and Rapid City, South Dakota. He also had side hustles that could make a little extra cash on the side here and there, along with being able to trade stuff for other stuff that only he seemed to find value in. In retirement, Ralph continued with his Ham radio usage and liked to build and fly kites.
He was married to Janet Burke in 1967, and had his sons, Ralph and Eric. They later divorced.
In 1985, he married the love of his life, Connie Muir. Together, they helped raise his boys. They ran movie theatres, (the Mile High Drive In, Terrace Drive In and the Beverly Twin Cinema). They traveled, they saw things, went to craft fairs and shows with their blow-up slides and bounce houses, and had fun doing it. They loved their hairy doorbells. They moved back to Casper from Cheyenne recently to be closer to family and friends.
Ralph is survived by his wife and best friend of 38 years, Connie; his sons; Ralph G. (Jennifer) of Casper and Eric J. (Tawna) San Antonio, Texas; his brothers: Al (Donna) Macomb, Michigan, and George (Pam) of Casco, Michigan; along with his three grandchildren: Heather, Laura and Joseph, all of San Antonio; longtime friends of almost 50 years Blob, Mike Reed from Rawlins, and many others too numerous to name that he has met along his interesting journey of life.
The family would like to thank all the staff and residents at Casper Mountain Rehab and Care Center for the care and friendship, and the nurses and aides at the Wyoming Medical Center for the care in his final days. Without nurses and aides, our time at the end would be very difficult.
Per his request, no services will be held and cremation will take place. In his memory, see a movie on the big screen and sit in the middle for the best sound.
