William Earl Hockaday: 1968 – 2025
February 16, 2025, our beloved husband and father, uncle and cousin, William Earl Hockaday, passed away.
He was born February 6, 1968, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Vicki and Wayne Hockaday. He was the youngest of four children. He had a rough childhood, but he was still loved by many. He spent time in Colorado, Wyoming, and Oklahoma, in which the latter, he lived with his grandparents through his teenage years. He found stability in their home and had wonderful fond memories of his time there. He studied at the University of Oklahoma, then worked construction in California, where he would meet Mari and later have Caitlin.
As time went on, he would have another daughter, Ashley. In 1999, he met Tiffany Hyde, whom he would marry and have three wonderful children: Joshua, Sarah, and Rebekah.
They later divorced, and in 2016, he met the love of his life, Cynthia Liebschutz. They met online and quickly became friends. In 2018, they decided that it was time to see each other face to face, and that was it for them. They began life together 2019 when she moved to Casper, and eventually, Bill decided to make everything official by marrying her on February 2, 2022. Their time together was short, but it was filled with joy and many Adventures.
Bill is survived by his five children: Caitlin and her son, Romeo, Ashley, Joshua (big J), Sarah, and Rebekah; as well as his four stepchildren: Holly Molling, Alex Molling, Mariah (husband George) Terbeck, and Joshua Molling (little J). He is also survived by his brother, Allen and his wife, Jane; his sister, Gayla Stemming, her husband, Tony; and their son, Ethan; as well as his nieces, Lynn Cave and Katherine Hockaday (and their children) from his brother Ryan.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ryan. The family would like to extend gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Wyoming Medical Center ICU not only for the care and compassion that they extended to him but also extended to the family in this great time of loss. A go fund me account has been set up for Cynthia to help with funeral expenses.
Barbara Jean Miller: 1953 – 2025
Barbara Jean (Alkire) Miller, 72, passed from this life on Sunday, February 16, 2025, surrounded by family in Gillette, Wyoming. A celebration of life for Mrs. Miller begins at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, at the Abundant Life Church.
Barbara was born on January 1, 1953 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Anna Marie and Burt Lee Alkire. She was raised in Minatare, Nebraska with her five siblings. She married Larry Miller in 1979 in Gillette, Wyoming and where they made their home. They have three children: LeAnna Miller, Shawnna (Miller) Houser and Michael Miller.
She was a stay-at-home wife and mother who loved to care for her family. She enjoyed crocheting, painting, and drawing. She valued time around the table visiting or playing cards at family gatherings. A favorite of hers was listening and singing worship songs at church and at home. She and Larry together enjoyed Bible Studies and Barb was involved with the Secret Sister ministry at her church.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Larry Miller; three kids: LeAnna, Shawnna and Michael (Nicole)Miller. Her six grandchildren: Alysen “Niki” (Joshua) Schmidt, Payten(Victoria) Batalden, Branden Woodard, Katelyn Daniels, Elley Daniels.
She is also survived by her eight great-grandchildren: Jaden Schmidt, Zanden Miller, Caiden Schmidt, Brayden Schmidt, Asher Fraga, Neysa Lindsay, Westen Batalden, and Layken Batalden; her mother, Anna Marie Alkire; and sisters: Cheryl Biltjinits, Carol Biltjinits and Sandi Kotschwar; and many nieces and nephews.
Barb is preceded in death by her father, Bert Lee Alkire; her brother, Richard “Rick” Alkire; her sister, Linda Thompson; her brothers-in-law, Garry Miller and James “Jim” Kotschwar; her sister-in-law, Kathy Miller; mother-in-law, Mary Elsie Miller; father-in-law, Charles Edward Miller; her niece, Ashley Case; and many cousins.
Francie Ellyn Robertson: 1943 – 2025
Francine Ellyn Robertson (Quinn), 81, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on February 13, 2025.
Born July 21, 1943, in Casper, Wyoming, to Dorothy Wolfe, Francine’s life was marked by her extraordinary capacity to love and nurture others as well as a bit of orneriness.
After spending her early years in Denver with family and friends, Francine moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where she joined her mother, Dorothy and stepfather, Walter Quinn at age five. She graduated from Rapid City High School. She met her sweetheart, Dennis Fred Robertson, at a square dance. The couple married on June 18, 1961, beginning a beautiful journey they would share for decades to come.
Together with Dennis, they built their family life across South Dakota and Wyoming. They made homes filled with love in Rapid City, South Dakota, where their beloved daughters, Jennifer and Susan, were born. They then moved to Mitchell, South Dakota, welcoming their son, Joseph, and finally settled in Gillette, Wyoming.
Early in their marriage, Francine and Dennis deepened their life together through their shared Christian faith. They became active members of their church community at the First Reformed Church in Mitchell, South Dakota, and were members of High Plains Community Church in Gillette. Their spiritual journey enriched their family life, and they found many lifelong friends.
Teaching was more than a profession for Francine—it was her true calling and purpose. Even before earning her degree at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, in 1981, she found ways to teach and guide everyone around her. Teaching kindergarten through second grade at Rozet Elementary, she created a classroom filled with warmth and encouragement, touching the lives of countless young students.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis; and their three children: Jennifer Robertson (Katie, Jessica, Abigale, and TJ), Susan (Steve) Boothe (Adam, Jennifer, and Samuel), and Joseph (Joann) Robertson (Christopher, Joshua, Brittney, Bethany, Buddy, and Sabrina); and 25 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Walter Quinn; mother, Dorothy Quinn; and sister, Katie Hulstrom.
Those who knew Francine will forever remember her amazing laugh and the comfort of her warm hugs. She found joy in life’s precious moments: watching birds at Burlington Lake and Fishing Lake, spending time with horses, and loved going to the mountains to smell the fresh air with family. The excitement of a good rodeo always brought a sparkle to her eye.
Her legacy lives on through the students she inspired, the family she cherished, and all those whose lives were made brighter by her presence and unconditional love. In the last weeks of her life, she said, “I have lived a great life and have no regrets.” She will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at High Plains Community Church located at 3101 W. Lakeway Road in Gillette, Wyoming, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1 p.m All who knew and loved Francine are welcome to come and celebrate her life. Light refreshments following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Campbell County Health. 300 S. Burma Ave, Gillette, WY 82716.
