Passings

Richard B. Coley

Richard Bryson Coley, 68, died Aug. 26.

Coley was born in Gainesville, Georgia, in 1952 to Cherokee Chief Elder Leon and Rowena Coley

He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army during the Viet- Coley nam War. He worked at the University of Wyoming Observatory and retired from WYDOT after working seven years in the maintenance department in Rawlins.

He loved the mountains, hunting, fishing and reading a good book. He also enjoyed telling about his life in stories to his friends and family. Coley was known and loved by many – he will be missed.

There were no funeral services, cremation has taken place.

Larry Davis

Larry Davis, former Gillette Maintenance foreman passed away on July 4. No word on services at this time. Davis J. Keith Fowler

James Keith Fowler, 64, of Sundance, died peacefully at home Sept. 3.

Fowler was born April 5, 1956 in Williston, North Dakota. As a child, he and his family moved several times before settling in St. Paul, Minnesota with his mother and older brother. As a Fowler young man, he moved to Hulett, where he began working for the Wyoming Highway Department with Hulett Maintenance. Soon after that, he met and married his wife, Becky.

Fowler transferred to Sundance Maintenance and remained there until retirement in 2013 with 35 years of service to WYDOT. His wife, Becky Fowler, retired as the supervisor at the Sundance Port of Entry.

They loved to travel, especially to the island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, where they visited annually for the past 20 years. They also spent a lot of time camping locally after retirement.

Memorial services were held Sept. 19 at Clarenbach Memorial Park in Sundance.

Joyce L. Gallegos

Joyce L. Gallegos, 59, of Cheyenne passed away Sept. 2 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. She fought a difficult battle, was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

She was born May 31, 1961 in Cheyenne to Lee and Dorita Gallegos Sandoval. She married Dino Gallegos on Aug. 19, 1989 in Cheyenne.

She had worked for 24 years at WYDOT and was most recently a Highway Safety grant specialist. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cheyenne.

John L. Hayes

1933- 2020 John Leland Hayes, 87, of Cheyenne died July 16. John was born May 23, 1933, in Superior, Wyoming. Hayes was born to Ishmael and Prudence Ethel (Dunn) Hayes. They lived in Rock Springs where he and his sisters attended and graduated from Rock Hayes Springs High.

His parents divorced and each parent remarried, giving him the opportunity to live with each parent and step-parent six months of the year. His mom and stepdad, Charles W. Melbourn, had a small homestead south of Medicine Bow. Some of the happiest times he had were on the Lechie Ranch outside of Rock Springs. Here they would live a cowboy life and have those cowboy hard times. Those times, however, would make for great story telling much later down the road. He also spent time with his dad, stepmother, Louise Dudley, and his sister, Martha.

In 1951, John stepped away from the cowboy way of life and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended boot camp at San Diego Naval Station and was later stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. He was eventually assigned to the USS Bradford DD (destroyer) 545 and participated in many areas of combat in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954, and was distinguished with the Korean Service Medal, one Silver Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, the China Service Medal, the Korean Combat Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After being discharged, he moved back to Rock Springs but the ranch had been sold and no jobs were available. He moved to Laramie, Wyoming where he worked for the University of Wyoming agronomy farm, and the Western Public Service Company while studying as an engineering student. It was during this time he met his wife, Shirley Weinberger. Family legend has it that John first saw Shirley at a dance where he was playing in the band. He knew instantly he had to marry this dark haired, blue-eyed beauty, and after a whirlwind courtship, he indeed managed to convince her to marry him.

John and Shirley eloped to Kimball, Nebraska and were married in a ceremony attended by their best friend. They returned to Laramie where their first child, John Lee, was born. Following a change in jobs, the small family moved to Cheyenne to expand in both careers and family size. Now working for Land Air Inc., Kristie and Blayne were born.

Eventually John worked for the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, and was a cartographic engineer for several years, later retiring from Traffic with 34 years of service.

He lived the life of a traditional American cowboy. Brave, strong, compassionate and honest. He spread The Word and kept The Word. He gave his word and kept his word. He was a man with a solid hand-

shake and a helping hand. He worked for God, family, country and community. He didn’t mind what he said, but he said what was on his mind and he was always as quick to forgive as he was to correct. A story teller to friends and strangers alike, a follower of God and leader of his fellow man, and a positive reflection of God’s light on the world.

His granddaughter, Andrea, said that he showed her how to have fun. He was always singing songs to make her laugh and loved to eat ice cream with her. John has also adopted many children and grandchildren over the years, earning himself the name “Big John” as chaperone for Saddle Tramps Dances where he “knew all,” but “didn’t tell all.” Many of the young men have said he was their hero. He also chaperoned for the Cheyenne East High School marching band trip to Calgary, Canada (which came about due to his own initiative). The kids just loved him.

Always being active in the community and with three children, John was always doing something. While the children were growing up he managed the athletics team of the Cheyenne Junior League for several years, and continued on to serve as manager/coach of the Henry’s team in the Cheyenne Junior Babe Ruth League. He started, and was president of, the first East High Band Parents Club. He was president of the Cheyenne Saddle Tramps, cub master for Cub Scout Pack #124 Buffalo Ridge, and president of the Buffalo Ridge P.T.A.

Even as the children married and moved away, John stayed active in the community. He became a Past Master of Cheyenne Masonic Lodge No 1, a 32nd Degree Scottish Right Mason and a member of the Shrine. John held several masonic offices during this time. He was Colonel (president) of the Frontiersmen and served as Adjutant of the Frontiersmen for several years. Inspired with a love for rodeo, he was appointed Racing Secretary and Assistant Committeeman for the Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD), and in 1979 became a CFD Heels member. John was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1881 and American Legion Post #6.

In his final days, he was treated compassionately by nurse, Desiree Martinez and Gen E. Cotherman of Frontier Home Health and Hospice.

A Rose Croix service was held on July

Max Alan Kaser, 81, died Aug. 29, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 13, 1938, in Cheyenne, to Olive (Galliher) and Rolland Kaser. During his lifetime he lived in New York state, Beirut, Boulder and Denver, Colorado and Cheyenne.

In 1960, Kaser started as a draftsman at the Wyoming Highway Department, Kaser WYDOT’s predecessor agency, working hard to earn his license as a professional civil engineer, an achievement unheard of at the time without an engineering degree. He was progressively promoted to top positions in the Planning program, traveling throughout the state of Wyoming meeting with city and county officials as well as the Federal Highway Administration during the planning and design of I-80 from Laramie to Walcott Junction. He retired in 1991 after 30 years of service.

In 1982, Kaser followed his lifelong passion to become an ordained minister, allowing him to provide ministry as associate pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Cheyenne. After retirement from the Highway Department, he earned his bachelor’s degree at Colorado Christian University and completed graduate seminary studies at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. His ministry as interim and senior pastor took him to Kalispell, Montana; Spokane, Washington; and back to Cheyenne. Many in the Cheyenne community know him as Pastor Max more than any other formal title.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Max served on various community committees. He was a member of Heels and put in many volunteer hours at Cheyenne Frontier Days. He enjoyed performing with the famed square dance team Dazee’s Dancers. Kaser was a past Exalted Ruler of the Cheyenne B.P.O.E. He was also active in the Masonic Lodge in Cheyenne and served the Masonic youth groups, Job’s Daughters and DeMolay.

Services were Sept. 4 at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.

Larry “Jan” Jansma, 63, of Cody, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 29.

Jansma was born in Glendive, Montana, on July 3, 1957, to Augie and Alvina Jansma. He lived in Billings, Montana, where he met Cathy Washatko and they later married on Sept. 8, 1979.

They moved to Jansma Clark where they owned and operated Edelweiss Tavern and Campground. In 1990, they moved the family to Cody, where Larry worked for WYDOT engineering crew for more than 20 years.

They raised three sons; Derek, Jeremy and Kory. He enjoyed attending the many sporting events of his sons and spending time with his granddaughter, Zoe.

Jansma spent many hours fishing the Buffalo Bill Reservoir where he caught many trout. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and rooted for them anytime they were on TV.

His recent passion was his 1969 Cutlass Supreme and 1936 Chevy Master Coupe. He enjoyed cruising around in them and also traveled to several car shows where he won a few awards between the two. He had a green thumb when it came to gardening and everyone will remember his “Dilly Beans.”

Services are pending with Ballard Funeral Home in Cody.

In lieu of flowers, any donations will be put toward his granddaughter Zoe’s college fund. A celebration of life is planned for sometime in the spring.

Gary W. Riedl

Gary W. Riedl, 87, of Cheyenne, passed away on Sept. 15. He was born April 1, 1933 in Laramie to William and Orlena Riedl.

He graduated from University Prep High School and earned a bachelors and masters degree in Engineering Geology from the University of Wyoming.

Gary married Betty Riedl

Good on Aug. 28, 1955.

Riedl was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, and an engineering geologist for the old Wyoming Highway Department for 33 years before retiring. He served as Chief Engineering Geologist for five years.

Jack L. Russell

Jack Lionel Russell, 87, died Sept. 15, at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne.

Russell was born Aug. 29, 1933 to Carl and Annetta Russell James.

Russell graduated from Cheyenne High School and the University of Wyoming with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations. When he Russell was drafted he joined the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

He loved telling stories about his Navy days. The highlight for him was being out on the ocean at night and marveling at the beautiful sky and stars. It was a story he told over and over.

Russell retired from the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, as HR Program Manager.

He lived a full life refereeing high school basketball games and traveling with friends to out of state bowling and golf tournaments. Among his other journeys he traveled to Europe several times with his good friend Jim Roehr. This was another highlight of storytelling.

Graveside services were held at Beth El Cemetery Sept. 22. Those who wish may contribute to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Cheyenne.

Myriah M. Stinson

Myriah Marie Stinson, 42, passed away Aug. 31, at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota, from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Stinson was born Oct. 22, 1977, in Douglas, Wyoming, to Gregory and Carolyn (Rogers) Stinson. She was raised on Stinson the family ranch near Orin. She attended Douglas High School through the 10th grade and graduated from Saint Scholastica Academy in Canon City, Colorado, in 1996.

Stinson served her country as a medic in the U.S. Army. Upon her discharge, she received her college degree from University of Phoenix in geriatric health. At the time of her death, she was working at the Wyoming Highway Patrol Port of Entry in Gillette.

She was a free spirit who loved the outdoors and was happiest when she was in the mountains or at the lake. Her heart was overflowing with love for animals, especially dogs. She always had a special connection with all of her pets, including many bum lambs and calves on the family ranch.

She was a true patriot. She loved her country and the wide-open spaces of her home state of Wyoming.

She was an avid Denver Broncos fan and loved her Wyoming Cowboys.

She had courageously chosen to be an organ donor. Because of this, a little part of her will continue to live on.

A celebration of life was held Sept. 11 at Washington Park in Douglas. Burial was in the Douglas Park Cemetery.

Shirley A. Samuelson

Shirley Ann Samuelson, 62, died Aug. 24 in a tragic accident while at work on Teton Pass.

Samuelson was born the daughter of Arvid F. Samuelson and Margaret Bateman Samuelson on April 25, 1958 in Blackfoot, Idaho. She was the oldest of three Samuelson children. By the age of two, she was already her daddy’s helper with his mechanic’s talent. She loved getting under the car with her daddy and handing him tools.

Samuelson graduated from Blackfoot High School and attended Nursing School and became an LPN. She worked at many hospitals over the years and loved taking care of people.

She was on the Wyoming Search and Rescue team for many years. She worked at Simplot Mountain Mine in Soda Springs, Idaho; at Smoky Mountain Mine in Wyoming; and at the oil fields.

At the time of her death she worked as a heavy equipment operator for WYDOT in Jackson.

As a female for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Samuelson was part of an exclusive club. She was the only heavy equipment operator in Jackson and one of only six female heavy operators in District 3. She worked as hard as any man and was so proud of that fact.

Samuelson died on Aug. 24 when she got out of the street sweeper she was operating on WYO 22/Teton Pass to speak to a coworker. The sweeper rolled downhill and struck her. Her coworker was uninjured.

This November would have been her third year on the Jackson crew and she had been entrusted to plow the ever challenging Teton Pass due to the more than three decades of operating heavy equipment that she had under her belt.

She loved going to the Cache County Fair with her sister and competing against men in the backhoe competition. She took the grand prize for many years. She loved all animals especially her many horses and dogs. She loved hunting every fall to fill her freezer and loved picking berries and making homemade jam for her family. She was also an excellent seamstress.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Funeral services were held in Thayne on Sept. 5 at Schwab Mortuary. She was laid to rest next to her father in Annis, Idaho at Annis Little Butte Cemetery. n