Jerri Lynn Young: 1947 – 2024
In Loving Memory: Jerri Lynn Young
Jerri Lynn Young, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Wolfe Living Center in Harah, Oklahoma, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was 77 years old.
Born in Deadwood, South Dakota, on June 1, 1947, to Betty Laura Lee (McClelland) Eskew and Jerry J.Eskew.
Jerri will forever be remembered for her sassiness, spunk, and unwavering love for her family. Her culinary skills were legendary, and she graciously hosted gatherings, filling homes with warmth and delicious meals. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her strength and tenacity inspired everyone around her. Jerri was not only beautiful on the outside but also had a radiant soul. She never left home without her hair and makeup done, always wearing a smile that brightened any room.
Those who knew her loved her. Her family was her pride and joy. Jerri’s love for her children and grandchildren knew no bounds. She was a beacon of love, laughter, and encouragement, always making time for heartfelt conversations and warm hugs. To those who knew her, she was affectionately called Mom, Momma Jerri, Momma Young, and Gram or Grandma—a testament to her special place in their hearts.
Jerri was preceded in death by her husband, John Thomas Young; her son, John Thomas Young Jr.; her daughter, Laura Lynn (Young) Lund; her brother, John Thomas Eskew; and half-brothers: Wayne Rodney (Bob) Eskew, William Cecil (Bill) Eskew, and Harry Jefferson (Bud) Eskew. She is survived by her children: Debbie (Jim) Tidmore of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Larry (Kandi) Young of Gillette, Wyoming. Her legacy lives on through her cherished grandchildren: Jimmy Alexander Tidmore, Anna Merie Tidmore, Tarren (Savannah) Young, Dalton (Sierra) Young, Alexis (Chris) Buness, Danielle Lund and Caitlyn Holm. Jerri also leaves behind her half-sister, Mary A Eskew Lowe; and sisters-in-law, Sheri (Eskew) Koenig and Sandy Eskew; along with half-sister-in-law, Alice Eskew.
Jerri Lynn Young’s impact on the world will forever resonate, and her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of life will be held on September 21, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1001 E Ninth St, Gillette, WY 82716.
Donations for the Jerri Young Memorial will be used to help remodel the therapy room at Wolfe Living Center in Harrah Oklahoma as they provided exceptional and loving care following the terminal diagnosis of brain cancer.
Aaron Bryce Burke: 1983 – 2024
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our son and brother, Aaron Bryce Burke, 40. He passed away on August 23, 2024, in Casper, Wyoming, as the result of an accidental fall in his home. A visitation is planned at the Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming, at 7p.m. August 29, 2024. Graveside rites will be held at Mount Pisgah Cemetery on Friday, August 30, at 2 p.m.
Aaron was born on November 23, 1983, in Gillette, Wyoming to Bill L. and Susan Burke. He was raised in Gillette where he attended Hillcrest Elementary School, Twin Spruce Junior High, and Campbell County High School graduating in 2002. He also attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie.
Growing up, Aaron was involved in many sports activities including little league baseball, junior league football, soccer, swimming, basketball, and karate. At 10 years of age, he became employed at the News Record as a newspaper carrier, a position he held until he was 14.
Aaron made his career operating heavy equipment and worked for several construction companies including McCoy Construction, Altfillisch Mining Services, and Weeden Construction. At the time of his death, he was employed by Black Hills Bentonite in Casper. Aaron had two motorcycles and enjoyed riding them throughout Wyoming and South Dakota. He was a frequent visitor to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Aaron will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his parents, Bill L. and Susan Burke of Gillette, Wyoming; his brother, Paul Burke of Moscow, Idaho; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn (Carrie) Burke.
Michael Wayne Means: 1961 – 2024
Michael Wayne Means, age 63, a Gillette native, lost his battle with cancer at home with his family by his side on August 27, 2024.
On February 6, 1961, Mike was born to Robert and Marjorie (Christenson) Means. He has two brothers David and William, Mike being the youngest.
He grew up in “small” town Gillette, where everyone knew everyone, before it truly became a boom town. Mike was eager to work, and left high school to begin his first job with Dunbar Well Service. Mike was proud to buy his first truck, a black and silver 1979 Ford F250. Mike met Martha Dove and her daughter, Erica in 1982, and soon after being married, in this union a son was born, Jerrod Scott Means. They later divorced. Mike then met his true love, Vickie Lowry, in 1986, and they have been together ever since. Mike had additional jobs throughout his life, however for the past twenty plus years he worked for DRM, as a backhoe operator, and then retired early.
Mike had many things he enjoyed doing in his free time. He would often spend time together with his loved ones, hunting, fishing, and camping in the Big Horn mountains. He absolutely loved the smell of pine trees and riding around for hours in his RZR. He was a devoted Chicago Bears fans his entire life.
He is survived by his wife, Vickie; two brothers, Dave and William (Cindy) Means; daughter, Erica (Justin) Wood; aunt, Deb (Nick) Bassett of Houston, Texas; aunt, Joan Dinsmore of Spavinaw, Oklahoma; stepmother, Penny Means; and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Mike is preceded in death by both his parents; grandparents; and his son, Jerrod. Mike was a good man, and will be greatly missed and was loved by many.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on September 8, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Cam-plex WPA Building.
Shirley Stevens: 1936 – 2024
Born October 1, 1936, in Boise Idaho to Howard and Juanita Bell. She was raised in Green River where her father worked on the railroad. Growing up she worked at the local movie theatre for many years. Which is where her great love for popcorn came from.
As the oldest of four children, she went to school and worked and cared for her father, who became disabled while she was yet a teenager. She married Bob Cady, and they had three children together: Gary, Shana, and Craig Cady.
She later met Larry Stevens, the love of her life. They married in Cheyenne on July 14, 1967. They had one child together, Paulanne Downey. After moving to Gillette in 1977, Shirley spent her days working for Triton Coal Company. She and her husband, Larry, then began their own venture and opened the barefoot Garden Center, a garden oasis in Gillette, after 15 years. She had the hardest job there; bookkeeping, babysitting, and city pool driver.
Shirley loved camping. She spent most every weekend in the Big Horns watching Larry fish. She always had a book nearby and loved the C.J. Box book series. She enjoyed church and bible study at Trinity Lutheran Church, then at New Life Church. Shirley loved the lord. She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Stevens; her sister, Betty Bundy; brother, Bobby Bell; and granddaughter, Heather Cady.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Patty Montgomery; her children: Gary Cady, Shanna Cady, Craig Cady and Paulanne Downey; her grandchildren: Jessica Cady, Larry Kenny, Eric Napalitano, Desiree Dierksen; and her furry friend, Wrangler, who stuck close by her side the last couple years.
