Garrett Lane Cestnik: 1996 – 2024
Garrett was born June 28, 1996 in Casper, Wyoming and passed away November 28, 2024 in Greeley, Colorado.
Accepting the loss of someone you love is never easy, but saying goodbye to our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend is the most challenging thing our family has ever experienced. Although Garrett was taken from us far too soon, Garrett overcame every trial and tribulation he was faced with. He fought hard and persevered through hardships most of us will never understand. His kind heart and sweet soul touched everyone who was lucky enough to know Garrett. His sudden passing has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.
Garrett had so much potential. Despite everything he had been faced with he remained strong, determined, and optimistic about his future. He was a source of hope and support for others. He cared deeply for his family and close friends, there is nothing he wouldn’t do for those he loved. Garrett was especially close with his mom, Tina and grandma, Cheryl. He trusted them with everything he had. Even when Garrett had nothing, he would have given the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Garrett’s empathy knew no bounds.
Some of Garrett’s joys in life were: riding his dirt bike, fishing, golfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, gaming, cooking and spending time with the people who loved him the most. His greatest childhood memories are hunting in Dubois at the family cabin with his dad, Chad and his grandpa, John and riding dirt bikes with his brothers, Chris and Hunter, and his little sister, Presley. Growing up, Garrett loved snowboarding and skateboarding with his lifelong best friend, Riley. They shared an unbreakable bond his whole life.
Garrett also had a passion for music and art, his creativity was so beautiful. Most recently, Garrett got to experience seeing one of his favorite bands, live in Las Vegas, $uicide Boys. Their music resonated with Garrett and helped him through some of his darkest times. Attending this concert made one of Garrett’s dreams come true, and we are so thankful he got to experience that trip before he passed.
After graduating high school in 2014, from Natrona County High school, he went on to work for Exterior Innovations, doing landscaping and lawn care, for three years. He enjoyed this job, being able to work outside and working alongside his best friend, Riley, was perfect for Garrett.
He then went on to learn the trade of concrete from his dad, Chad, at his company C&R construction. Garrett looked up to Chad his whole life, Chad taught him the value of hard work and sacrifice. Something neither of them will ever forget.
In March of 2022, Garrett moved on to Helmerich & Payne, Drilling Contractors, as a roughneck. He traveled to North Dakota every two weeks for his hitch. Some of Garrett’s proudest moments came from the rig. It pushed him to his fullest potential and Garrett took extreme pride in his work. During his first hitch in North Dakota, he was introduced to Adam. Adam helped Garrett break into the roughneck life. Adam became Garrett’s mentor and very close friend. Their friendship remained strong even after moving to different rigs.
Most recently, he moved to rig 517 in Greeley, Colorado, where he developed some of his best friendships. He bonded quickly with his crew and looked forward to returning to the rig.
Garrett’s ultimate goal for his career was to move on to offshore drilling rigs. He was pursuing this when he passed. His stepdad, Walter and stepbrother, Ollie, influenced Garrett’s interest in offshore drilling.
As we mourn the loss of our precious Garrett, we take comfort in knowing that Garrett is at peace now and no longer fighting. He was a bright light in this dark world, he never let the things he had experienced harden his heart. We are beyond grateful for our time with Garrett, even though it was far too short. Rest in Peace, our precious GarrBear. We will never forget that big smile or your tender heart. Garrett’s light will shine on through his family.
He is survived by his parents, Tina Cestnik and Chad(Kylie) Cestnik; his siblings: Chris, Hunter, and Presley; grandmother, Cheryl Loomer; grandparents, John and Kathy Cestnik; aunt and uncle, Kris and Libby Rose (Sophia Rose).
Preceded in death by stepdad, Walter Crabtree; grandpa; Ron Loomer.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024 at The Gaslight Social, Casper, Wyoming
Please join us in celebrating Garrett’s life, and remembering the man he was.
Arrangements are under the care of Stoddard Funeral & Cremation & Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3205 W 28th St, Greeley, CO 80634.
Flowers are appreciated, and donations may be made to the 12/24 Club, Casper, WY and Oilfield Helping Hands. https://oilfieldhelpinghands.org/donate/.
Jillica Sue Hinchen: 1973 – 2024
Jillica Sue Hinchen, 51, passed away at home on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Jillica was born in Grass Valley, California on August 31,1973, to Barbara Hinchen and Arlon Hinchen. Jillica moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1979, attending Willard, East, and Centennial.
Jillica graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1991 and then Casper College in 1998. She went on to cosmetology school and then had a career with the Post Office. Jillica gave birth to the love of her life, Zarryn Taylor Hinchen, in June of 1995. The two of them shared a special bond and a love for one another that only a single mother and her only son understand.
One of her greatest joys was singing; no matter what she was doing, you could always catch a tune coming from Jillica in the form of a hum, whistle, or a full-blown chorus of one. Jillica’s singing voice was one-of-a-kind. Jillica will be remembered fondly as a kind, compassionate, and caring soul. Jillica will also be remembered for her incredible sewing talents and her ability to not only turn a phrase but extend it by a few sentences and sprinkle a few curse words in for good measure.
Jillica’s family was her greatest treasure; she loved her son more than anything in the world, and it showed with every single card she wrote to him; a mile long and packed to the brim with her love. Jillica’s mother and her sisters, Tyaka and Suddin were her greatest confidants, supporters, and inspiration for her many works of art and acts of love. Jillica could always count on her father, Arlon, in any situation and knew that he would show up with compassion, love, and honest advice.
Jillica was preceded in death by her sister, Suddin Hinchen; her grandparents, Evelyn and Charles Hinchen; her cousin, Penny Hinchen.
She is survived by her parents, Barbara and Arlon; child, Zarryn (Tawni) Hinchen; sister, Tyaka Marsh; niece, Maddyson Marsh; along with her aunts and uncles: Ann Klein, Mary Weinrich, John (Sue) Weinrich, Teresa (Randy) Waldron, Holgar Hinchen; and her cousins: Christine Hinchen, Holgar Hinchen, and Crystal Hartford. Finally, she is survived by her rescued companion animals, Bosco and Barkley, along with a sea of treasured friends. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from; Jillica had so much love to give and loved people deeply and fiercely, always encouraging them to be their best.
Per her request, there will be no services or celebration of life at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation to Casper Humane Society in Jillica’s name and honor.
Gail Lorraine Rankin: 1946 – 2024
Funeral service for Gail Rankin will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Family Life Church with Pastor Andrew Carsrud officiating. Burial will follow in the Gillette Mt. Pisgah Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the community room at the cemetery. Visitation and gathering will be on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, 5 to 7 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel.
Gail Lorraine Rankin, a beloved matriarch passed away from this world on December 3, 2024, in Gillette, Wyoming, with her family by her side. She was born on January 21, 1946, in Walla Walla, Washington to Edgar A. and Dorothy (Moore) Beck. As a young girl the family moved to Upton, Wyoming where she attended school. A graduate of Upton High School in 1964. Gail met and later married Douglas (Pudge) Rankin on April 6, 1968, in Upton, Wyoming.
She managed Rankin Ranch Beef in the early 80’s, before moving on to medical records for Pioneer Manor Nursing Home from 1986 to her retirement in 2011. Through Pudge and Gail’s union came their three children: Shonna, Scott, and Chad.
Gail enjoyed her spare time playing cards in various clubs, crocheting, and decorating their home. She also enjoyed spending time in her yard under the hot sun with her flowers as well as camping and boating at Keyhole Reservoir with her family. Being together was one of her biggest joys and filled her heart. She found the most joy while watching her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids in various activities, including the ultimate snack bag and Diet Pepsi. She will forever be their biggest fan.
Her adventures included State Basketball tournaments, various cruises, a trip to the National Finals Rodeo, and numerous trips to Branson, Missouri, and the Black Hills of South Dakota with grandkids. She also made a memorable trip to the New England States during fall foliage. With every experience, Gail embraced the world with open arms, inviting her family and friends along to share in the laughter and adventure, always engulfing them with her opinionated sass.
Gail is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Pudge; her brother, Larry Beck; and her devoted children: Shonna (Chris)Jones, Scott (Julie) Rankin, and Chad Rankin. The delights of her life include her cherished grandkids: Kayla (Ed) Krcil, Tyler (Misty) Jones, Jordan (Kev) Lewey, Trey Jones, Alisa (Matt) Costello, Chloe, Rylie, Russel, Lacie, Zade, and Zeb Rankin and 12 great-grandkids, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Dorothy Beck; her father and mother-in-law, Harold and Dorothy Rankin; her step-mother-in-law, Nadine Rankin; her sister-in-laws: Catherine Beck, Cindy Nicholson, Debbie Heiman, and Chris Rankin; and her brother-in-law, Martin (Bimbo) Rankin.
As we come together to celebrate the life of Gail Lorraine Rankin, we remember a remarkable woman who lived fiercely, loved deeply and never wavered from her unconditional love. Pudge always referred to her as spoiled and stubborn, and she held that true to the very end. Her remarkable journey has touched many, leaving an imprint that will endure for generations. A memorial has been established in Gail’s name to benefit the Dementia /Alzheimer’s Unit at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.
