Over 1.3 million readers this year!

Obituaries: Petty; Sturgeon; Thomas

Obituaries are a complimentary service of County 17. To order a free or custom obit, please follow the link at our obits page.

Kenneth Dee Petty Jr.

Kenneth Dee Petty Jr.: 1975 – 2024

Graveside service for Kenneth Petty will be held at 12:30 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2024 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota with military honors. Kenneth Petty passed away at the age of 48 on March 30, 2024, at Campbel County Memorial Hospital unexpectedly due to a heart attack.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Petty of Gillette, Wyoming; his children: Payton Petty, Kenny and Alyssa Petty of Arizona; Bethany and Jeremy Hill of Gillette, Wyoming; Jordan and Clay Hamblin of Ft. Collins, Colorado and Braedon Isbell of Fort Collins, Colorado; his grandchildren: Christian, Kace, Creed, Blakely, Orion, Oliver. He is also survived by his Marine brothers and sisters; and his best friend, Aaron Kenderick of Homax; and cousin, Brandon Farkas of Taft, California; as well as his brother Will Petty and his sisters Elizabeth, Christina, Crystal.

Ken was born November 14, 1975, in St. Louis, Missouri to Barbara Wells and Kenneth Dee Petty Sr.

He graduated Woodruff High School and joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18. He served seven years and six months, which he received National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Certificate of Commendations, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

After the Marines, he was a full-time worker and a loving father; everyone that knew him called him a friend. He was always a loving and caring person and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Ken loved his family, friends and everyone who came in his life. He loved spending time with his family, and they would enjoy many family outings and BBQs. He enjoyed spending his time with his grandchildren and his daughter Payton (8 years old) the most he was a big kid at heart, and he will be missed.

He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Petty Sr. and his grandparents.


Tami Lynn Sturgeon

Tami Lynn Sturgeon: 1969 – 2024

Tami Lynn Sturgeon, 55, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away tragically and unexpectedly on March 24, 2024. 

 She was born in Ekalaka, Montana on March 13, 1969 to Gary and Kathleen Tobin. 

Tami grew up in Gillette, Wyoming and spent much of her early years with dear family friend, Cathy Argue. Tami was always a natural caretaker. With love and devotion, she focused much of her time helping take care of her little sisters, Teri and Tina. 

 Tami’s life truly began on March 13, 1993. On her 23rd birthday, she met the love of her life, John Sturgeon. The two were married on December 10, 1993. After many years of difficulty in starting a family, they welcomed their twins, Calvin and Samantha on November 27, 2000. Tami was a devoted wife and mother. Many years were spent watching Calvin and Samantha play hockey. Tami never missed a practice or a game. 

 Tami worked for nearly 16 years as a paraprofessional at Conestoga Elementary School in Gillette. She enjoyed working with children and those in need, and loved sharing stories and photos of her family and dogs with her dear coworkers and friends. 

 Tami and John spent most of their time outdoors. She loved visiting the Davis Ranches in Camp Crook, South Dakota. Many years they enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, camping and riding the back roads. She loved planting flowers and feeding the neighborhood deer and antelope for the last 10 years. Tami was happiest outside spending time with the people she loved. Above all, she was so proud of her son Calvin, as he studies at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine to become a physician, and her daughter Samantha, (in addition to) her son-in-law Philip, as they begin to build their life in Tennessee. 

 Tami is survived by her husband of 30 years, John Sturgeon; her son, Calvin Sturgeon; her daughter, Samantha Henry and son-in-law, Philip Henry; her mother, Kathleen Tobin and Lee Smith; her sisters: Teri and Mike Atkin, Tina Thomas, Becky and Cliff Edwards; her sister-in-law, Kathy Miles; lifelong friend, Jennifer Davila; and her nieces and nephews: Tiyanna, Tevyn, Taylin, Chaycee, Carter, Turner and Brian; in addition to many other loved ones and friends. 

 Tami is preceded in death by her father, Gary Tobin; her uncle, Jack Willson; and many other loved ones. 

 Tami will be missed deeply every day by all who love her. 

 A celebration of Tami’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024 at High Plains Community Church in Gillette, Wyoming with Pastor Dan Knust officiating. Memorial donations can be made to Conestoga Elementary School.


Elvie Ray Thomas: 1989 – 2024

Elvie passed unexpectedly at the age of 35 in an accident that occurred on March 29, 2024 in Gillette, Wyoming.  

A loving father, caring son, and devoted friend, for those who know and love him, his charm and character will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Related