Edna Isabel Leger: 1942 – 2024
Edna Isabel Leger, 82 of Rozet, Wyoming passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 29, 2024. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Edna touched the lives of many with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering spirit.
Edna Isabel Gibson was born on September 18, 1942, in Miami, Arizona to Alice and Forest Gibson. She was the only daughter of 3 children. Older brother Vernon Gibson and younger brother, Danny Gibson.
Edna’s family moved around a bit with her father’s work. As a child, she went to Santa Rita Elementary in New Mexico. Her family then moved to Thorp, Washington where she would attend high school. Her escape was dancing and music, with dreams of having a family of her own. It was here she met Larry Ballinger. After a brief dating period, they eloped to Oregon City, Oregon and were married February 26,1959. They moved to Washington, New Mexico, Arizona then back to Carus, Oregon and bought a small farm to raise their five daughters. Edna canned everything she could, made bread every Wednesday, could cook like no other and would make a sewing machine sing. In 1973 the family would pack up and move to Rozet, Wyoming. She took a job with Deckers Food Store in the Bakery and in 1975 Larry’s Janitorial Service started. This business serviced The Carter Mining Company corporate, Rawhide, Caballo along with some apartments. When the opportunity arose to buy their own property, they bought 100 acres in Rozet and settled in. In 1979, New Years Day, a tragic house fire claimed their home but rebuild they did. After 25 years of marriage, they divorced.
July 1985, she met Gary Leger while she was a contractor for The Carter Mining Company Headquarters. She was giving the receptionist a break when in walked the man she would marry in 1986. They built a life filled with love, warmth, and mutual respect. In addition to raising their blended family, two grandchildren were added to the mix. In 2010, Edna retired and shortly after was diagnosed with diabetes, macular degeneration. In 2016, Gary and Edna spent 3.5 months in Alaska, a trip of a lifetime. She battled many health issues in the coming years but in the end, it was Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer that took her from us. Edna was a devoted and nurturing mother, always putting her family’s needs before her own. Her home was a haven of love and laughter, where everyone felt welcomed and cherished.
Edna had a passion for family, hunting, babies, sewing, gardening, softball and stock car racing, which brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Whether she was rocking a baby, making blankets, weeding her garden, playing catcher, screaming around a dirt track, hunting and fishing, or traveling with Gary, she approached everything with enthusiasm and dedication. Her creativity and zest for life were clear in everything she did.
Edna leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. Her impact on the lives of those who knew her is immeasurable. She taught us the importance of family, the value of working hard, and the power of a loving heart. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us.
Edna is survived by her husband of 38 years, Gary Leger; her children: Kim Harbison, Julie Ruff, Laurie Kuntz, JoAnn Gallagher [Vince], Tammy Robertson; bonus-daughter, Sarah Hayworth [Tony]; and bonus-son, John Leger [LeAnn]; her 27 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild were her pride and joy. She had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were loved by her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alice Ward and Forest Gibson; brothers, Vernon and Danny Gibson; stepdad, Eddie Ward; grandparents, Robert and Edith Hileman; great-grandsons, Kody Remington Flowers and Wesley Ruff; along with many other family members. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of Edna’s life will be held on March 11, 2025 at 10 a.m. Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming. Join us for refreshments following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy live on in our hearts forever.
Patricia Louise Litton: 1928 – 2025
A celebration of life for Pat Isenberger Litton will be held on March 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming, with burial and reception to follow. The reception will take place at the St. Matthew’s Parish Hall following the burial at Mt. Pisgah. There will also be a prayer vigil held on March 3, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel.
Pat passed away peacefully at Legacy Living on February 23, 2025. Born on August 26, 1928, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Samuel Earl and Lola Bernice (Carter) Eikenbary, Pat led a life filled with adventure and marked by resilience. Her family traveled extensively due to Earl’s work in road construction, and Pat attended 17 different schools before graduating from Beatrice High School in Nebraska.
After graduation, Pat attended Black Hills State College and earned an emergency teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in Northeast Wyoming in the fall of 1945. During one of her teaching assignments at Mondel School, she met a local cowboy, Bob Isenberger, whom she married in 1949. Bob worked on local ranches until 1956 when he got the opportunity to lease a ranch from Ollie Kane, leading to the establishment of LY Ranch.
Bob and Pat started their family with the birth of their son, Mike, in 1954, followed by Lee two years later. Tragedy struck in January 1972 when Bob was killed in a pickup rollover accident. Just two years later, in August 1974, Mike was also killed in a truck collision. Despite these heartbreaking losses, Pat was determined to keep the ranch running.
In 1977, Lee married Peg and began their life on the ranch where they worked and learned invaluable lessons from Pat. An exceptional stockwoman and astute businessperson, Pat generously imparted her vast knowledge to anyone in need, embodying a spirit of unwavering kindness and mentorship.
Pat’s legacy shines through her deep involvement in numerous local, state, and national organizations and boards. She held a fervent passion for children, cowboys, sheep, cattle, dogs, homemaking, and all things related to agriculture. Her dedication was most evident in her work with the Wyoming Wool Growers, where she proudly served as the first woman president. Pat was also a founding member of the National High School Rodeo Association Foundation and devoted an impressive 48 years as a 4-H leader.
Pat contributed her skills as a timer and secretary for the PRCA National Finals Steer Roping, high school rodeo, and various other rodeos. Additionally, she served as a board member of the Wyoming Board of Agriculture, Thunder Basin Grazing, Farmers Coop, and the University of Wyoming College of Ag advisory board.
Her immense contributions did not go unrecognized, as she received numerous awards throughout her lifetime. Among the accolades she cherished most were her inductions into the Wyoming High School Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame, along with being a proud recipient of the prestigious Quealy Award. Governor Sullivan also honored Pat’s remarkable contributions by declaring a day in her name, “Pat Litton Day,” celebrating her tireless dedication. Pat’s remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication leave an enduring legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
In 1980, Pat found love again and married Gene Litton. They spent the next 34 years together, filled with adventures and travels. For the last 10 years of their life together, they became snowbirds, purchasing a place in Arizona. After Gene’s passing in February 2014, Pat spent one more winter in Arizona before returning to Wyoming full-time. She moved into Primrose Retirement Community in Gillette to be close to family and later resided at Legacy Living Center from 2023 until her passing. She made many dear friends at both places.
Pat was blessed with three grandchildren from Lee and Peg: Bob (born in 1979), and twins Chris and Jessica (born in 1981). Gene brought 10 grandchildren into their family, creating a bustling and loving household.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Bob and Gene; her brother, Bob; her sister, Jerry; and her son, Mike. She is survived by her son, Lee (Peg) Isenberger; her grandchildren: Bob (Holly) Isenberger, Chris (Jackie) Isenberger, Jessica (Ray) Fertig; and her great-grandchildren: Tyzer, Tadlee, Tryce, Tripp, Adam, Jackson, Kendall, Cooper, Nora Isenberger, and Daniel, Caleb, and Josh Fertig.
Pat will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National High School Rodeo Foundation or the Campbell County 4-H Council.
Evelyn A. Rothleutner: 1938 – 2025
Evelyn Alta Rothleutner age 86, of Gillette passed away at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. A vigil service will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church with Father Steven Titus as celebrant.
On February 25, 2025, Evelyn Rothleutner was reunited with her beloved husband, John, when she passed away, surrounded by family.
Evelyn was born April 28, 1938 to Wilbur and Thelma Brown in Custer, South Dakota, the oldest of four children, including Edna, Jim and Joe. Her father worked for the railroad and they moved when his job made it necessary. Living humbly, Wilbur and Thelma raised their family in several communities in the region including Newcastle, Wyoming. She is survived by her four children: daughter, Debbie; son, Mike; daughters, Wendy and Jennifer; 18 grandkids; and 29 great-grandkids. She is also survived by siblings, Jim and Joe. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by husband, John; parents, Wilbur and Thelma; and her sister, Edna; and infant great-grandson, Marcus.
