Larissa Rainelle Jennings: 1991 – 2023
Larissa made the sun shine brighter on May 04, 1991 when she was born to John and Anna Jennings.
She went to Bar Nunn Elementary and Jefferson Elementary. She went to Dean Morgan Junior High where she became a cheerleader. She went to Natrona County High School and graduated from Roosevelt High School.
In 2009, she had her daughter, Taelor and in 2010, she had her daughter, Jaden. Her life revolved around her girls.
She worked at Community Health as a treatment plan specialist. She then went to work at WYOMS.
Larissa had the voice of an angel and all of her life, her passion was singing. She sang for her dad’s band. She also loved karaoke and even tried out for American Idol.
Larissa loved going camping, listening to music, and watching movies. She could frequently be heard quoting her favorite movies. She also loved spending time with her family and friends.
Larissa is survived by her two daughters, Taelor Jaylie Jennings and Jaden Cheyenne Burnell; her parents, John and Anna Jennings; her brothers, Sharrid Jennings and Jason Jennings; her sister-in-law, Amanda Good and nephew John Jennings; her grandparents, Kathy and Dean Jennings; her aunts: Lu Kasper (David), Mikki Roberts (Chris), Terri Isbell (Phil), Tammy Cherry (George), Dawn Lewallen (Tom), Carla Barnett (Zack), Destiny Tuttle (Ron), Tawny Benjamin (Mike); her uncle, Charles Doyle Jr (Krista); and her many cousins. She was also survived by her soulmate, Sheldon Evans and their dog Olivia.
Larissa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Roberta Doyle; her great-grandparents, Norman and Margaret Linder, and Hazel and John Jennings. She was also preceded by her aunt Jamie (Doyle) Thicke, who she was known to cause shenanigans with.
Larissa left this world unexpectedly on November 04, 2023. She left her family and friends with a hole that can be never filled but she is now singing with the angels.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m at Word Christian Fellowship Church. Directly following the service will be a reception to be held at the VFW.
Laura Christine Howe: 1975 – 2023
Laura Christine Howe, 48, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on November 13, 2023, in Casper.
Laura was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Dennis Allen Jay and Maysel Jean Penticoff on May 9, 1975. She went to high school at Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming, and graduated in 1993. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming in Psychology and a Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado in Psychology. She worked as a college professor for multiple online colleges and universities, helping develop the skills of future therapists across the country.
As the mother of a blended family, Laura touched the lives of all her children and grandchildren in a deeply meaningful way, as well as the lives of her brother and parents and other family members. Laura loved nothing more than spending time with her family enjoying the outdoors on a beach or mountain.
Laura is survived by her children: Nicholas Howe of Seattle, Washington, Madison (Daniel) Hemmer of Casper, Wyoming, Reagan Howe of Casper, Wyoming, Kristopher Howe of Boyd, Texas, Victoria (Jerod)Johnston of Casper, Wyoming; her parents Jeanie and Dennis Jay; and her brother Peter (Mollie) Jay, and niece Ivy Jay. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Theo Hemmer, Alexis Johnston, Chatriona Johnston, Mary Johnston, Jayden Cameron, and Ashley Cameron. Laura always felt fortunate and blessed to have the love and support of a very large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, former in-laws, and friends.
Laura is preceded in death by her grandparents, Lewis Marvin and Maysel Christine (Iversen) Penticoff; and Lloyd Jay and Virginia (Tucker) Jay.
Memorials may be given to the St. Jude’s or a charity of the donors choice.
Shirley Ann McCaskey: 1936 – 2023
Shirley Ann McCaskey passed away peacefully November 11, 2023 at Central Wyoming Hospice.
Shirley was born August 15, 1936 in Ansley, Nebraska to Elmer N. Bullington and Agnes C. (Hammeren) Bullington. She was later joined by younger brother Marvin Bullington. The family moved with Elmer’s construction career, eventually ending up in Casper, Wyoming.
After graduating from Natrona County High School in 1954, Shirley worked at Woolworth’s and in the Casper College Cafeteria. She later married Donald R. McCaskey in 1961. She became a stay at home mother when her children were born, Kevin R. McCaskey and Angela D. Miller. As they started school, Shirley worked serving hot lunch at North Casper School for several years.
Don and Shirley enjoyed square dancing for the Mavericks. Shirley also was an avid reader, especially of mystery novels, often starting and finishing an entire book in one sitting. She also enjoyed watching sports, word search puzzles and always had homemade baked goods in their home. Shirley also had a great sense of humor and had a lot of laughs along the way with family and friends.
When she welcomed two grandchildren, she took care of them for several years. They read many books, played many board games, went to the park or for walks, going to garage sales and craft fairs. She rarely missed an awards ceremony, school function or sporting event.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her brother; and her husband Don, after 60 years of marriage. She is survived by her children, Kevin McCaskey (Heather), Angela Miller; grandchildren, Zane R. Miller and Jacey A. Miller; dear friend Pat Oligmueller, all of Casper, Wyoming; numerous cousins; a niece; a nephew, and their families.
Cremation has taken place and services will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery, 80 Veterans Road, Evansville, Wyoming, 82636.
Donations may be made in Shirley’s name to Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions or Meals on Wheels.
Terrence Kevin “Terry” O’Brien: 1951 – 2023
Terry K. O’Brien (72), of Casper, Wyoming passed away on November 9, 2023 at Central Wyoming Hospice.
Terry was born in Pocatello, Idaho on March 17, 1951 to Raymond and Mary (Kelly) O’Brien, the seventh of eight children. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Casper, Wyoming. Terry attended St. Anthony’s School, Dean Morgan JHS, graduating from Natrona County High School in 1969.
He met his future wife Deborah Carr at NCHS, what started out as friends turned into marriage on August 12th, 1972.
Terry worked as a General Contractor most of his life. First as a partner with his uncle in O’Brien Construction and after his uncle’s retirement, he started O’Brien Contracting Company, which he owned until his forced retirement at an early age due to his battle with brain cancer. Terry is a two-time cancer survivor enduring two brain surgeries.
He was preceded in death by his mother Mary, father Raymond, sister Carol Sue, brothers Ray, and Patrick Kelly and one niece.
Terry is survived by his wife of 51 years Deborah; his son; Erin (Steph) O’Brien, their children; Tyler, Kaitlyn, Taylor, and Kaden; his daughter; Kelly (Nick) Grudzien, their children; Mia and Blake. Sisters; Francis, Kathleen and Maureen, and brother; Martin.
Services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at St. Anthony’s Church, 604 S Center St, Casper, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Blue Envelope Health Fund or Wyoming Dementia Care.
Harry “Dixon” Patterson: 1954 – 2023
Harry “Dixon” Patterson, 69, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on November 14, 2023 in Casper.
Dixon was born in Casper, Wyoming to Harry O. Patterson and Billie D. Asbury Patterson on September 13, 1954. He attended Natrona County High School and worked in retail sales for most of his life.
Dixon was a kind and thoughtful soul. He loved talking to people, even those he didn’t know.
He loved to dance. He could always be found dancing every Friday and Saturday night. He loved his sons more than anything. He was always excited to help with anything they needed. He always made himself available to help with anyone at any time. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he enjoyed spending time with them.
Dixon was proud of his country and proud to have served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corp.
Dixon is survived by his mother Billie Patterson; two sons, Brice Patterson (Melissa) and Todd Patterson (Crystal); grandchildren: Eric, Parker, Marlie, Cadin and Trustin; great-grandchild Jeremiah; sisters, Dayle Rose (spouse Jim and son Preston) and Debbie Clark (spouse Jeff, son Doug and daughter Barbara). He is preceded in death by his father, Harry O. Patterson.
The presentation of military honors will be held at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville, Wyoming on November 22, 2023 at 2:30.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warriors would be greatly appreciated.
Dixon – We will always love and miss you.
Walter Merle Smith: 1950 – 2023
Walter Merle Smith was born on April 18,1950 to parents Gloria “Billie” and Walter L. “Bud” Smith in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
The family moved to California when Walt was about five or six years old. There, Walt excelled in sports, playing football for Anaheim High School where he played half-back. The team won the CIF championship in 1967. Walt loved football and often talked of those days. He was very proud of that accomplishment.
In 1968 he met his wife, Vickie Lyles, who he would journey through life with for 54 years. Together they had four amazing children: Chez Smith, Walter Ryan Smith, Heidi (Dave) Vojnovich and Micah (Erin) Smith. And all because two kids fell in love, besides his wife and children, he also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren (soon to be 5). He also said good-bye to his baby sister, Donna Martensen; brothers Blake and Brian; and numerous nieces and nephews, all whom he adored.
In 2000 he and Vickie moved to Casper, Wyoming where he reunited with his mother and siblings.
Walt worked in construction and in sales. He loved people and could make strangers into friends without much effort.
Walt’s passions were fishing, treasure hunting, and gardening. He was known as “the tomato man” because of his generosity of sharing most of his garden’s harvest. But his most precious blessing was his family.
Walter will be missed every single day. Parkinson’s disease stole his later years, but he fought so hard until the very end, not giving up or giving in. He was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Linda Allen; and brother, William. He passed away on November 3, 2023.
There will be a celebration of life here in Casper on December 3, 2023 at “Occasions by Cory” 303 S. Wolcott from 11am- 1pm.
