Laura Anne Davis: 1962 – 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Laura Anne Giovanniello-Davis, who left us on August 3, 2024, at the age of 62 in Gillette, Wyoming. Laura was born on December 5, 1962, in Staten Island, New York. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend who brought warmth and laughter to many who knew her.
Laura had a deep love for the beach, where she found peace and happiness. She cherished spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved pet, Willow. Her vibrant spirit and kind heart will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Laura was preceded in death by her father, Corrado Joseph Giovanniello of New York; her sister, Lynn Ellen Giovanniello-Combs of Alabama; and her brother, Mark Stanley Coleman of Alabama.
She is survived by her mother, Valarie Joy Verhey of Akabama; her brother, Michael Corrado Giovanniello of New York; her two daughters, Amber Lynn Giovanniello of Wyoming and Angela Christine Giovanniello of Florida; and her three cherished grandchildren: Gianna Lynn Venters, Angelina Christine Venters, and Jaylen Marciano Venters, all of Florida. Laura also leaves behind her two nephews, Carl Lee Combs and Robert Eugene Combs of Alabama; her three nieces, Sharryl Lynn Combs of Alabama, Amaya Rowan Coleman of Alabama, and Tessa Ru Giovanniello of New York.
A viewing will be held at Gillette Memorial on August 9, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m., where friends and family are invited to say their final goodbyes.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Laura’s brother, Michael, and his wife, Donna Giovanniello, for their unwavering support and generosity during this difficult time. We are also deeply grateful to all the friends and family who have offered their time and resources in support of Laura’s family. Laura, you are loved and missed beyond words. We will forever cherish the moments we shared with you and hold them close to our hearts. May God rest your precious soul and bring comfort to the hearts of your loved ones during this time of grief. Rest in peace, dear Laura.
Dennis Thomas Poppleton: 1972 – 2024
Dennis Poppleton, 52 was called home by our heavenly father Saturday August 3, 2024, at NARM Coal Mine.
He was born March 2, 1972, in Spearfish, South Dakota to Stan Poppleton and Linda Poppleton Whites. He grew up in Gillette, Wyoming attending Twin Spruce Junior High, participating in football and basketball. He went on to attend Campbell County High School, graduating in 1990. He ran cross country for the Camels, he was also involved in bowling and was named Wyoming High School Bowler of the year.
He attended business school in Billings, Montana and Denver, Colorado, receiving his associate’s degree in accounting. He also attended Black Hills State University. In 1991, he started dating the love of his life Tammi and in 1992, they welcomed their first daughter, Dustine. Dennis and Tammi were married on September 23, 1995, in Gillette. They welcomed another daughter, Makenzie, in 1997, a son, Dylan, in 1999 and their final daughter, Alexis, in 2004.
Dennis started working at Belle Ayr Coal mine in 1996; he was a hard-working employee there for 23 years until 2019. In the fall of 2019, he started at Peabody’s NARM mine where he was working at the time of his passing. Dennis’s nickname given to him by his coworkers was “Smiley” because you could never find him without his trademark grin or smile.
Dennis and Tammi enjoyed making yearly trips to Las Vegas where they had spent their honeymoon. Bowling always remained a favorite hobby for Dennis with the family spending many nights at glow bowling. He also loved any chance he got to go creek fishing. However, he was more than happy and proud to put those hobbies aside to travel the state and country for his kids’ sports. From dance to gymnastics, football, baseball where he coached Makenzie and Dylan’s little league teams, basketball, swimming, track, soccer and hockey he was always there supporting them. Watching his kids doing anything made him so proud he would brag about them to everyone.
Dennis was a huge Colorado Avalanche fan. Cheering for them loudly at the TV at home or anytime they could get to Colorado to watch a game at Ball Arena. Dennis was also a Boston Celtics fan which led to many rounds of teasing between him and Tammi when they first started dating since she was a Chicago Bulls fan. Michael Jordan or Larry Bird, who was better? The Raiders and St. Louis Cardinals rounded out his favorite teams.
He is survived by his wife, Tammi, of almost 29 years; a daughter, Dustine (Josh) Hennigar; daughter, Makenzie; his son, Dylan (Lexus); and daughter Alexis; two granddaughters, Blakely and Presley who were the light of his life, his Strawberry and his Blueberry; his parents, Linda (Ken) Whites, Stan Poppleton; and a sister, Ryan (Casten) Larsen; sister-In-law, Pamela (Jeremy) Schillinger; stepbrothers, Steve (Michelle) Whites, Keith (Jeri) Whites; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jean and Marv Voss, Clarence “Babe” Heinen; great-grandmother Emerald “GG” Nation; grandparents, Ruth and Richard “Nanny & Poppy” Halbert; aunt, Nikki Bauer; and his paternal grandparents.
A celebration of Dennis’s life will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday August 17, 2024, at New Life Church in Gillette, Wyoming.
A memorial account has been set up at Campco Federal Credit Union. Please make donations under Dennis Poppleton Memorial account along with a GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/9427f497. All donations go to benefit his wife and children.
