Ronald Duane Cudmore: 1951 – 2023
Ronald Duane Cudmore, age 72 of Casper, Wyoming, peacefully passed away on August 16, 2023, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Born on March 27, 1951, in Mitchell, South Dakota, Ron was the second son of Russell Cudmore and Jean Nightingale. He grew up in White Lake, South Dakota, where he spent his formative years, graduating from White Lake High School in 1969. Ron’s life was a testament to his unwavering spirit, his devotion to family, and his passion for living.
At the remarkable age of 14, Ron embarked on his working journey, residing in Plankinton, South Dakota, for a brief period. He spent his high school summers working at a truck stop, earning $1.25 per hour while commuting to Kimball, South Dakota. Ron’s adventurous spirit led him to California, where he honed his culinary skills as a chef. However, after facing incidents involving stolen cars and robberies in California, he moved to Brush, Colorado to help his sister during challenging times.
In Colorado, Ron started his career in the Oil and Gas industry. He later followed his father to Gillette, Wyoming, where he resided until 1998. Throughout his career, Ron dedicated his efforts to Exeter Drilling, eventually transitioning to Nabors Drilling, among other drilling companies. He worked his way through various roles on drilling rigs, showcasing his dedication and skills.
In 1977, Ron’s world changed with the arrival of his only daughter, Heidi. His unwavering devotion to Heidi led him to remain single, focusing on providing for her. In 1998, Ron moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he established his home for the remainder of his life.
Motorcycles held a special place in Ron’s heart, and his passion for them persisted throughout his life. He even shared his love for motorcycles with his daughter, zipping her into his leather jacket when she was just a baby and taking her for rides around town. Ron also cherished his role as a grandpa, welcoming his first grandson, Tyler, in 1995, followed by granddaughter Haylie in 1999, and two bonus grandsons, Jacob and Trent, in 2010. He formed close bonds not only with his grandchildren but also with their friends, earning him the title of a second grandpa to many.
Ron’s retirement in 2012 was embraced by various home projects that showcased his resourcefulness and skill in repair and renovation. His love for watching stocks, fishing, gardening, shopping, garage sales, tinkering in his garage, and keeping busy with projects defined his days.
Despite receiving a lung cancer diagnosis in late February 2023, followed by a challenging 52-day illness, Ron maintained his resilience until his passing, leaving doctors puzzled. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell; mother, Jean; brothers, Jerry, Jim, and Rod.
Ron, a true family man is survived by his daughter, Heidi (Craig); grandchildren Tyler (Johanna), Jacob (Cassy), Haylie (Jaymon), and Trent; great-grandchildren Neil, Jay, Jaycee, and Colson Duane, who was named after Ron in June 2023; sister Darlene (Robert); brother Russell Jr (Lori); stepmother Alvina; nieces Jodi, Nadine, Brenda, Natalie, Amy, Sondrae, Ashley; and a nephew, Neil; as well as numerous cousins and friends.
Ron’s compassion and selflessness extended beyond his family, making a positive impact on the lives of many. His dedication to making the world a better place inspired all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, ability to fix anything out of nothing, his striking blue eyes, and his signature “Irish Goodbyes.”
He leaves a void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him, but his spirit will live on in the memories and stories that continue to bring smiles and comfort.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home, 600 CY Ave, Casper, Wyoming. Burial and committal will take place at Highland Cemetery, 1860 E 12th, Casper, Wyoming. A reception will follow at The Gaslight Social, 314 W Midwest Ave, Casper, Wyoming.
Ron’s family expresses their deepest gratitude for the love and support shown during this difficult time. His memory will forever be cherished, and his impact felt by all whose lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.
Jason Lucas Gormly: 1991 – 2023
Jason Lucas Gormly went to be a keeper of the stars on August 3, 2023, at the age of 31 in Casper, Wyoming. Jason was born August 9, 1991, to James Patrick Gormly and Janice Evangeline Gormly (Roybal) in Gillette Wyoming. Services for Jason will be held on September 2, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. at the Moose Lodge located at 2704 Hackathorn Ln, Gillette Wyoming 82716. With a meal to follow.
Jason started his adventures at an early age. First was a blue ford truck, a blue ford tractor, skies, sleds and fishing poles with his Daddy. He also enjoyed cooking and dancing in the kitchen with mom. He enjoyed riding in the blade with Larry Brannan and motorcycle rides with Marshall Little. When Jillianne was old enough to start following Jason around, they explored the 40 acres (about twice the area of Chicago’s Millennium Park) where they went on diamond mine expeditions and rode in a red wagon on a 6 percent grade road going as fast as possible. (Let your imagination do the work.)
When he started school, he made life friends who also enjoyed making Mom fear someone might die going down the hill only now they were using the cozy coup because it had a roll cage in their opinion. Jason enjoyed karate, running cross country, and playing with Wyoming pipe and Drum. He loved wearing his kilt, he always claimed the breeze was quite nice. When Jason left home, he traveled from Chicago to New York and down the east coast to Florida. When he finished that adventure, he took a job in Iowa city Iowa. He then moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and lived there for five years before returning home to Wyoming. The last four years of his life he worked for what is now called Rinker Quick Crete in Casper, Wyoming. Jason Lived life to the fullest, it wasn’t a good day until he made someone laugh or could help someone who he knew needed it the most. He also LOVED OLD PEOPLE; they told the best stories. They gave the best life advice after making you solve the problem yourself and then saying you should’ve done it this way. Jason loved being around children and watching them learn and grow, some even called him Uncle Nerd, Uncle Jason or Jay-Shawn. The bonds he made with them meant the most to him. He left us the reminder that above everything else family, faith, love, music and laughter are the most important things in life.
Jason is preceded in death by his grandparents; numerous aunts; uncles; cousins; and others who he loved. He is survived by his parents, James and Janice Gormly of Gillette, Wyoming; sister Jillianne Gormly-Smith; brother-in-law Kyle R.G. Smith; his nephews Jamie-Joe, Johnathan-James, Jarrod-Jude, and Jasper-Jay of Worland, Wyoming; adopted brother Christopher Donahue; adopted sister Elizabeth Neal; and their families of Gillette, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers we would like to make a special donation to the Abate Toy store so he can bring joy to children one last time in Gillette, Wyoming or plant a tree in his memory. Condolences May be sent to P.O. Box 3601 Gillette, Wyoming 82717.
Donations May be sent to Abate in care of 1504 Monte Vista Lane Gillette, WY 82717.
Diane Elizabeth Kowalski: 1952 – 2023
Diane Elizabeth Kowalski, 71, of Casper, passed away August 17, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family.
Diane was born February 16, 1952, to Nolan and Elizabeth “Betty” (Quinlan) Ouderkirk. She grew up in Casper, where she attended St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1970.
In 1972 she married the love of her life, Rob Kowalski. They raised their two children, Matthew and Megan, in Casper. Along with Grandma Betty, the family had many adventures traveling the country for soccer tournaments, vacations and family gatherings.
Diane became a grandmother in 2000 with the birth of her oldest grandson Christian, followed by his brothers Hunter and Brady. Granddaughter Siena joined the family in 2011. Diane loved spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow. She and Rob took the kids on many trips throughout the region.
Diane loved to read, a gift she inherited from her mother Betty. She worked for many years at Ralph’s Book Store in Casper, and collected books throughout her life. Her mother Betty helped start the Friends of the Library book sale, and Diane volunteered countless hours of her time as well.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Nolan and Betty Ouderkirk. She is survived by her husband, Robert Kowalski; son Matthew Kowalski of Denver; daughter Megan (Michael) Moore of Casper; grandsons Christian, Hunter and Brady Moore; granddaughter Siena Kowalski; and countless friends and family.
At Diane’s request, there will be no funeral service. However, a celebration of her amazing life will be held in Casper in the summer of 2024, when her family and friends can all gather in Casper.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Casper Humane Society in Diane’s honor.
Jeremiah Paul Roberts: 1992 – 2023
Jeremiah Paul Roberts went to be with God and fly with the angels in Portland, Oregon on June 10, 2023.
Jeremiah was born in Worland, Wyoming on May 6, 1992 to Roland Lee Roberts and Tina Rae (Gleason) Roberts. Jeremiah attended school in Worland, Cody and Gillette, Wyoming and later graduated from Cowley High School. After graduation, he lived in Powell, Wyoming before moving to Colorado. When he visited Oregon, he fell in love with the ocean and decided to move to Newport, Oregon before making his forever home in Portland where he lived until his death.
Jeremiah was a very outgoing person and a joy to be around. His silliness would make anyone laugh. He loved the outdoors, jade hunting, the ocean, fishing, and camping.
Jeremiah was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Bill & Hattie Gleason, Paul & Francis Mau; grandfather Bill “Bud” Gleasong grandparents Albert & Ruby (Lipps) Roberts; uncle, Rod Roberts; aunt Cindy Roberts and cousin Jonathon Sorelle.
Jeremiah is survived by his mother Tina (Dave) Barnett of Jeffery City, Wyoming; father Roland (Anna) Roberts of Gillette, Wyoming; brothers Sean Roberts of Canon City, Colorado, Brennan (Tashawna) Roberts, Karlton (Baylie Sparby) Roberts, Darren Roberts, all of Gillette, Wyoming; sisters Jayden (Andrew) Stephenson of Roseburg, Oregon, Kimberly (Chris) Savage of Upton, Wyoming, Kristin Roberts of Gillette, Wyoming; and grandparents, Dean & Lena Oberlander of Gillette, Wyoming; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The light of Jeremiah will be missed dearly by all of his family and friends.
Loretta Roberson: 1933 – 2023
Evelyn Loretta Roberson, 90, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 18, 2023. She died of natural causes after a short stay at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born June 6, 1933, to Harry and Lucy (Rathman) Evans in Keystone, South Dakota. She was the youngest of four siblings. She was raised in the Keystone and Custer area. After leaving school, she was employed as a telephone operator.
On December 11, 1954, she married Francis (Fritz) Roberson in Hill City. Together they had three daughters, Cindy, Vicky, and Charlene. They lived in South Dakota, Idaho, and Utah, finally settling in Wyoming. They moved to Gillette, Wyoming in 1972 at the beginning of the coal boom.
Loretta worked as a school bus driver for the Campbell County School District for 22 years. She was an active participant in bus “rodeos” and eventually became a trainer for other bus drivers.
After retiring, Fritz and Loretta returned to their beloved Black Hills hosting countless family and friends exploring the Hills and enjoying all it had to offer.
During her long life she enjoyed many hobbies including, leather crafting, bowling, hunting, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and traveling with Fritz. She especially enjoyed photography.
Loretta is survived by daughters Cindy Packard and Charlene Edwards (and their husbands); grandchildren, Kelly Daniel, Ja Packard, Jody Nester, and Lora Popkes; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter Vicky Reznicek; her parents; and siblings.
A family memorial service will be held, Friday, August 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel and will include live streaming. Condolences may be sent to Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 10th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 and also on their website.
