Michelle Raenae Bennett: 1980 – 2023
Michelle Raenae Bennett, 42, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette Wyoming.
Michelle was born September 16, 1980 in Gillette Wyoming to Julia Beth Schaefer and Thomas Theodore Theunissen. Michelle graduated from Campbell County High School and attended a few classes from Gillette College.
Michelle married Lucus Scott Bennett on June 9, 2001 and they had two wonderful boys together, Mason and Hudson Bennett. She took pride in raising her sons.
Michelle loved nature and enjoyed hiking with her son. She had a big heart for animals and would take any chance she got to help or save them. Michelle also loved traveling. Her favorite was to San Diego where she could enjoy the beach or whale watch. Michelle loved music and would drive around singing at the top of her lungs to her radio.
Greatful to have shared her life are her husband, Lucus Bennett; sons, Mason Bennett and Hudson Bennett; parents, Julia and Victor Carpenter and Thomas and Tina (Cates) Theunissen; sibling Joshua Theunissen; sibling, Tracey Schulz; grandmothers, Bette Schaefer and Arlene Theunissen; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a couple grandmothers.
She was preceded in death by sibling, Chelsea Theunissen; sibling, Tommy Carpenter; and other loved aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
There will be a potluck style gathering in Michelle’s honor at 109 Richards Avenue on September 16, 2023 between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Thomas George Ogg: 1940 – 2023
Father Thomas George Ogg died on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Monument Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was preparing to golf with friends and better his recent years record 92 score achieved the day prior when he accidentally fell and incurred fatal head injuries.
He was born on November 30, 1940, to George Harper Ogg and Lena (Salzman) Ogg in Worland, Wyoming. Fr. Tom grew up working on the family farm north of Worland with his four brothers. He was an active FFA member participating on a state champion poultry judging team and serving as a State Officer. He attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1962 with dual BS degrees in Agronomy and Vocational Education. He recognized his true vocational call and entered St. Thomas Seminary earning a MS in 1964. He was ordained a Catholic Priest forever for the Diocese of Wyoming on May 25, 1968 at the home parish of St. Mary Magdelene in Worland. He was delegated to acquire advanced education in counseling and returned to UW and earned a PhD in Counseling. In his tenure of active service to the Diocese of Wyoming, Fr Tom had parish assignments in Rocksprings, Glenrock, Laramie, Powell, Gillette and Sheridan. Additionally, he served as the State Vocations Director, assisting many people to discern their life’s calling and recruited several men to serve as Priests. He served as the national President of the American Association of Vocation Directors in 1982. Fr Tom was motivated to serve the World Wide Marriage Encounter program and in semi-retirement from parish assignment, was elected to international levels of leadership and traveled frequently to facilitate growing this organization. His tireless farm-raised work ethic was only surpassed by his dedication and faithful service to God, his Church and his unselfish and genuine passion for helping people.
Fr Tom was preceded in death by his father George Ogg Jr; mother Lena Salzman Ogg; brothers Ken and Paul Ogg; sister-in-law Cindy (Paul) Ogg; and nephew Leo Ogg.
He is survived by brothers Matthew (Mary) Ogg and Bill (Patti) Ogg; sisters-in-law Shirley (Ken) Ogg and Yvonne (Paul) Ogg; nephews Robert Ogg, Gerald (Cari) Ogg, Mark Ogg, Michael (Beth) Ogg and Wilson (Brittany) Ogg; nieces Monica Ogg, Melissa (Joey) McBride and Alena (Todd) Standley; grandnephews: Cade McBride, Eric McBride, Charlie Ogg, George Ogg and Henry Ogg; grandnieces Cailin Ogg, Leah McBride, Maysa Standley, Madi Standley, Merideth Standley and Morgan Standley; Many Ogg and Salzman and extended family cousins, Worldwide Marriage Encounter Leaders, Clergy and Friends dearly loved by Fr. Tom.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday September 8, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming with Bishop Steven Biegler officiating. The Funeral Mass may be livestreamed. Check website www.stmatthewswy.weconnect.com for details.
A vigil service and celebration of life will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday September 7; at St Matthew’s.
Inurnment service will be at 4:00 p.m. Friday September 8, 2023 in Riverview Memorial Gardens in Worland, Wyoming.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Diocese of Cheyenne for the Wyoming Priest Retirement Fund/St. Josephs Society and Worldwide Marriage Encounter – Fr. Chuck Gallagher Fund, wwme.org.
Taylor David Sutter: 1991 – 2023
Taylor Sutter age 32, formerly of Gillette and Laramie, Wyoming passed away suddenly on Monday August 28, 2023, while vacationing in Gillette. During the past several years Taylor worked as a botanical scientist in Owensboro, Kentucky and in his spare time he loved to grow organic plants and mushrooms.
Taylor was loved by everyone he touched, and he lived for being outdoors, camping and fishing and spending time with friends and family. Taylor is survived by his parents, Beverly and David Sutter; sisters, Stephanie Sutter, Diana Sutter, and Caitlyn Sutter; niece, Violet Vaughn; and grandmother, Betty Tooley.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Martha and Bernie Sutter and his maternal grandfather, Charles Tooley.
In honor of Taylor, a celebration of life is being planned in Gillette on September 14, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time at the Peregrine Global Services Office training room, located at 640 N. US Highway 14-16, Gillette, WY 82716. There will also be another service in Indiana later with the details forthcoming. Please, no gifts or flowers are necessary – just kindness and love in Taylor’s name.
