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Obituaries: McFarlin; Thompson; Thwreatt

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Susan McFarlin

Susan McFarlin: 1946 – 2023

Susan McFarlin, age 77, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2023 in her daughter’s home where she was surrounded by loved ones.

Born on January 3, 1946 in Rushville, Illinois to Harry and Stella Hunter, Susan was one of eight siblings. Her brothers and sisters include Shirley Ann McCombs, Doris Ebbing, Kenneth Hunter, Donny Hunter, Linda Moon, Charles Hunter, and Larry Hunter.

Susan was the loving mother of Tammy (Mike) Starrett and proud grandmother to Brandon Starrett, Alysa (Cody) Hoskinson, Eva Starrett, Taylor Starrett, Madilynn Starrett, Alex Hoskinson, Harper Hoskinson, Roy Sullivan and Adam Sullivan. She also leaves behind her dear sister Nelda Schisler.

Susan’s proudest accomplishment in life was her family. She loved them fiercely and made countless memories with them throughout the years. Susan was known for her deep care for others; she loved hard and cared deeply. When she wasn’t spending time with family or friends you could find Susan baking for the neighbors, or gardening and feeding her favorite little creatures, the hummingbirds.

She was also quite active in her community as a member of the Red Hats, Havana Women’s Club and the Democrat Precinct Committee. Those who knew Susan will miss her dearly. Her kindness was infectious and her light will continue to shine through the memories she created with all those who were blessed to share in her life.

There are no services scheduled at this time. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716


Charles Thompson

Charles Thompson: 1939 – 2023

Charles Thompson, devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and soldier for Christ, passed away on May 3, 2023, at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming. Graveside Service at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Mt. Pisgah, and a fellowship to follow at Mt. Pisgah Reception Hall.

Charles was born August 12, 1939, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Charles Vernon and Flossie Thompson. He spent his days working the ranch with his family, tending crops, and working cattle. Charles enjoyed exploring the ranch and shared his love for his childhood adventures with his friends and family. Charles enlisted in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged for his service. Charles learned to fly; he enjoyed his time in the skies and passed that love for flight to his grandson Caleb.

Charles met Rosemary Taylor, also from Oklahoma, in Sheridan, Wyoming; Charles told Rosemary that when he saw her, he thought, “She is going to be my wife, but that hat has to go.” They spent their time together fishing and hiking in the Big Horn Mountains, fell in love, and married on November 26th,1968, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Charles and Rosemary lived in Utah and Colorado. In November 1972, Charles and Rosemary brought home their two-week-old adopted daughter Juliana. Two years later, Rosemary gave birth to Cherilyn. In 1977, Charles was transferred from Douglas, Wyoming, to Gillette, Wyoming, where the family resides today. Charles worked as a salesman, a construction laborer an equipment operator in the oil field. Finally, he retired from Eagle Butte Mine as an equipment operator.

Charles was the first certified fly caster instructor in Wyoming after being trained by Lefty Kreh, an American Fly Caster. Charles loved fly fishing, building fly rods, tying flies, and teaching others to develop the same love and skill for fly fishing. In addition, he worked as an advocate for maintaining Wyoming rivers and streams to prevent overfishing. Charles passed his passion for fishing to his daughters and grandchildren, Jordan and Jaired. In 2001, Charles became the Assistant Director of We Care Ministries. They traveled as a couple throughout the United States in their RV, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Charles and Rosemary loved being a part of We Care. They forged deep relationships with many people and touched hundreds of lives. After retiring from We Care due to Rosemary’s health, Charles developed a passion for cooking and smoking meat. He was planning a pig roast this summer with his family.

Charles is survived by his daughters, Juliana and Jon Critel of Moorcroft, Wyoming, and Cherilyn Thompson of Gillette, Wyoming; his grandsons, Jordan Thompson and Caleb and Anna Culp of Torrington, Wyoming and Jaired Culp of Gillette, Wyoming. As well as his sisters, Darlene Reeves, Jody Ailey, and Judy Watkins of Oklahoma. He is predeceased by his wife, Rosemary; granddaughter Kirsten Rose; and sister Twila Powell.

Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in Charles’s care of Gillette Memorial Chapel & Walker Funeral Home, 210 West 5th Street Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the website at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.


Earl Elvin Strnad: 1935 – 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Earl Elvin Strnad, who left us on May 9, 2023 in Gillette, Wyoming. Earl was a loving husband, father, and friend who will be dearly missed. He was born on November 27th, 1935 in Republic County, Kansas to his parents.

Earl’s marriage to his wife Donna Krause on June 16th, 1968 at Zion Lutheran Church in Phillipsburg began a beautiful union that lasted their lifetime. The family then moved to Fairbury, Nebraska where he built a career in the railroad industry.

Throughout his life, Earl always put family first. He loved spending time with them and sharing stories around the dinner table. He had a kind heart and showed compassion towards others. His sense of humor was contagious and he would light up any room he entered.

Sadly, Earl struggled with dementia for three years before passing away. Although his battle was long and tough, he faced it with resilience and strength. He inspired us all with his bravery and determination.

Earl is survived by his daughter Pamela Riley and her family. He also leaves behind many dear friends who will miss him greatly.

We take comfort in knowing that Earl is now reunited with his parents and free from the struggles he faced in life. While we mourn the loss of such an exceptional individual, we should also celebrate the joy that he brought to our lives during his time here.

Rest in peace Earl Elvin Strnad – your memory will forever be cherished by those who knew you.


Aiclynn Katie-Ann Thwreatt: 2023 – 2023

Aiclynn Twreatt passed unexpectedly before being welcomed to the world on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Parents Mike and Dattona are currently planning arrangements for Aiclynn. 

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