Patricia Annette Caskey: 1953 – 2023
Patricia Annette Caskey, born Patricia Annette Towner, 65, went to be with her Heavenly Father in the early morning of Oct. 10, 2023, at 12:10 a.m. at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Patricia had suffered a cardiac event that was exacerbated by advanced-stage cancer. She was surrounded by many of those she cared for as she passed away peacefully.
Patricia was born on the evening of Feb. 23, 1958, in Gunnison, Colorado, and was raised by John LeRoy and Betty Jane (Roberts) Towner, where she enjoyed spending time on her grandfather’s farm in the Gunnison Valley (which she was quick to mention now lies underneath Blue Mesa Reservoir), and later moved to Jeffrey City, Wyoming, where she had many fond memories of spending time with friends and family, including her “tricycle buddy,” Becky Jo Roberts, and her brother, Charlie.
Patricia later returned to Colorado and graduated from Florence High School in Florence, Colorado, in 1977. Afterward, she attended the Clearfield Job Corps Center in Clearfield, Utah, which offered her the opportunity to attend the University of Southern Colorado (now Colorado State University – Pueblo). It was here she met her first husband, Peter Veach Dewees, who was also studying there, whom she married on Nov. 11, 1979, in Pueblo. From this union their three children were “hatched” — Ian Allen (born May 30, 1983, in Colorado Springs, Colorado), Sarah Jane (born July 19, 1985, in Colorado Springs, Colorado [don’t tell anyone!]), and Aaron Thomas (born Oct. 11, 1987, in Worland, Wyoming).
Patricia and Peter moved to Thermopolis, Wyoming, in 1985; to be closer to family, which included Betty Lou (Stewart) Fare, among others; then to Riverton, and later settled in Lander, Wyoming, in 1989. Patricia and Peter were divorced in Lander in 2000, at which point Patricia continued to live there and raised her children.
While living in Lander, Patricia continued to pursue her education, eventually earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Central Wyoming College. While working on her education and raising her very, ahem, “lively” children, she supported them by working in the heathcare industry with medically disabled people at Wyoming Life Resource Center, and at times with Community Reentry Services and Showboat Retirement Center in Lander; many times working two jobs at once. She finally retired from WLRC in 2021. Her work ethic was an inspiration to her children and those around her.
Later on in her life, her two grandchildren were born to her daughter Sarah; Samuel Allen Smith (born May 9, 2005, in Riverton, Wyoming), and Elora Lou Smith (born June 25, 2007, in Casper). Patricia doted on her grandchildren at every possible opportunity, and followed their every milestone with great interest.
Patrica also remarried during this era, marrying Gerald Michaelson Caskey on Sept. 21, 2016, in Lander, Wyoming. They remained at each other’s side, literally, to the very end.
Patricia enjoyed many hobbies in her spare time, including crocheting, cooking and canning. Many family members and friends enjoyed her homemade apple butter, peach jam, and many other canned goods, which frequently found their way across the United States. She also liked to travel whenever possible with her family, and spending time outside with them.
If she wasn’t outside with family and friends; she could be frequently found indoors shopping at any store that sparked her interest. This is a trait that, to the chagrin of their spouses, was passed on to her children. She also had a special place in her heart for animals, adopting many dogs and cats over the years and nursing them back to health.
The holiday season was a special time for her as well, which was further punctuated by Gerry’s uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus. She also appreciated a good laugh at any given opportunity.
She was preceded in death by many loved ones, including John LeRoy and Betty Jane Towner; Charlie and Mary Beth Roberts, William Boyd “Bill” Stewart, and Betty Lou Stewart-Fare; also preceded in death was an infant granddaughter, Lillian Piper Dewees.
She is survived by her husband Gerry, and family members Bill and Leann Griffith of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Robert “Bob” Stewart of Chico, California; Anthony and Rebecca Green of Washington; Charlie Roberts of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Howard and Marie Fare of Gillette, Wyoming; Glenn Towner of Rawlins, Wyoming; Linda and David Hardin of Casper, Wyoming; and Joseph and Amy Moore of San Antonio, Texas. Pat is also survived by her three children; Ian Dewees of Central Point, Oregon; Eric and Sarah Kraft of Casper, Wyoming, with grandkids Sam and Elora; Aaron and Amanda Dewees of Casper, Wyoming, ex-husband Peter Dewees of Casper, Wyoming, along with numerous nephews and nieces.
This obituary wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging her many friends, almost too numerous to name, whom Pat regarded as much as many regard family.
By Patricia’s request, there will be no funeral at this time; an informal memorial will be held in summer 2024 at a time and place yet to be determined. Cremation will be performed by Bustard’s and Jacoby Funeral Home in Casper.
Patricia’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to the ICU unit at Banner Health Wyoming Medical Center for their expert and compassionate care during Pat’s final hours, and also to Trac Pfeifer, PA at Lander Medical Clinic for his professional care and friendship to Pat over the years.
The Informal Memorial of Aug. 31, 2024, in Lander, Wyoming, location to be announced.
Daisy Marie Wright: 1942 – 2023
Daisy Marie Graham Wright returned to her Heavenly Father surrounded by family, just a day short of her 81st birthday on Oct. 12, 2023, in Casper, Wyoming.
Daisy was born in Wheatland, Wyoming, on Oct. 13, 1942, to Harold “Roy” and Cleta Graham, the fifth of eight children. After attending Wheatland High School, she married Melvin “Mel” Dale Wright on Dec. 24, 1961. Mel at that time was working for John Bell at the Iron Mountain Ranch.
Following their marriage, the couple moved to Bosler, Wyoming, where they would reside on the Bell Ranch, then the RO Ranch for the next 60 years. On Jan. 21, 2010, Mel passed away; Daisy in 2021 moved to Casper, Wyoming, with Dale and Marcella Wright.
Daisy worked alongside Mel on the ranch raising their four children. She would later work for the University of Wyoming Concessions, popping popcorn for athletic events. With her love of children, Daisy would move on to work in several childcare facilities in the Laramie area, including taking care of her grandchildren. She served 25 years in the Albany County 4-H as a club leader, along with the Albany County CattleWomen organization. The primary children were then served for year by Daisy who was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She was a very loving grandmother, and her home was full of their pictures.
Daisy is preceded in death by her spouse, parents, and siblings. She is survived by her four children: Dale (Marcella) Wright of Casper, Russ Wright of Douglas, Tracy (Don) Wiley of Mapleton, Utah, and Travis (Ranae) Wright of Laramie; also surviving are 10 grandchildren: Darin Skagen, Devin (Tara) Skagen, Adam Hansen, Randy (Morgan) Wright, Blake (Tai) Wright, Kyra (Freddy) Wright, and Tanner Wright, along with Ashley (Kayne) Hoff, Amanda (Justin) Post, and Megan Wiley. She was also survived by six great-grandchildren: Rocky, Riley, Payton, Ruby, Aurora, and Madison.
A public viewing will be Friday, Oct. 20, at Bustard & Jacoby in Casper, Wyoming from 5 to 7 p.m. In addition, a gravesite service will be at the Wheatland Cemetery at 11 a.m. in Wheatland, Wyoming. Sometime in the future a memorial service will be held in Laramie.
Russell Richardson Runyon: 1921 – 2023
Russell Richardson Runyon, 102, passed away on Oct. 2, 2023.
Russell was born Aug. 6, 1921, in New Albany, Kansas. He was the last of 12 siblings to survive.
He served in World War II and was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps. He served in China, Burma, India and Okinawa.
Russell retired after 32 years from Oilwell Division of US Steel Corp. in 1982.
He was a life member of the Elks Lodge, VFW and American Legion.
Survivors include daughter Debra Coates of Casper, Wyoming; grandsons, Brian (Shaun) and Russell (Lesli) of Casper; great-grandchildren, Finn, Gracie and Ryleigh; his daughter, Brenda Howard, and her husband Darrell of Katy, Texas; grandchildren, Lauren Forbes and husband Taylor of Boston, Massachusetts; Sarah Howard of Washington, DC, and Trevor Howard of New Providence, New Jersey.
A memorial service will be at Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.
