Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Brenda Jean Bush

Publisher — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000

In Loving Memory of Brenda Jean Bush

Publisher Sat, 12/27/2025 - 19:00

Brenda Jean Bush, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on December 8, 2025, in Saratoga, Wyoming. She was 69 years old.

Brenda was born on December 28, 1955, in Washington, D.C., to James and Sylvia Bush. She carried with her a lifelong appreciation for family, nature, and music, shaping a life filled with warmth, curiosity, and quiet joy.

Brenda is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Day; her son, Jared Cofer, and his partner, Lindsay Barker; and her daughter, Hilary Rafalovich, and her husband, Marco Rafalovich. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Abigail, Asher, and Ayla, each of whom brought her immense happiness and pride.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sylvia Bush, and her brothers and sister-in-law, James, Joseph, and Joni Bush.

Brenda found her greatest peace outdoors—floating rivers under wide skies, soaking in hot springs, and enjoying live music and concerts. Whether surrounded by family or immersed in nature, she embraced life with an open heart and a deep appreciation for simple pleasures.

Brenda will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of adventure, and her unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

In Loving Memory of Penny Anne Kramer

Publisher — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 04:30:00 +0000

In Loving Memory of Penny Anne Kramer

Publisher Sun, 11/23/2025 - 05:30

Penny A. Kramer, 68, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, with her beloved son by her side. She was born on October 26, 1957, in Longmont, Colorado and later graduated from high school in Arnold, Nebraska in 1975.

Penny proudly joined the United States Navy, where she served her country with honor. After completing her military service in 1982 she moved to Wyoming and discovered her calling in nursing through dedication and compassion and commitment. She became a registered nurse, touching countless lives with her care, strength and gentle heart.

Penny ‘s greatest joy was her son, Tanner Kramer, the light of her life. The bond they shared was extraordinary. Penny and Tanner loved traveling together, especially going on cruises and taking vacations to explore new places. Their adventures created some of the most treasured memories of her life.

She has survived by her son, Tanner Kramer, her brother Jeff Kramer (Tina), her brother Steve Stotts, her niece’s Casey Gottfried (Tony), and Carrie Forsyth (Jake), her nephew Joshua Kramer, her nieces, Jennifer Higgins (Joshua), Kristin Johnston (JT), Kayla Boylan (Sean) and her cousin Mitch Watson (Kelly) along with several other nieces and nephews and cousins who cherished her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her mother Joyce Stotts, and her father Jack Kramer, her brother Johnny Burl Kramer, her grandmother, Hazel Watson and her Aunt Lindy Wyrick, and her Uncle Gary Wyrick.

Penny will be remembered for her generous spirit, her steady strength and her unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

May she rest peacefully and be forever remembered with love.

In Loving Memory of Susan Margaret Briggs

Publisher — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In Loving Memory of Susan Margaret Briggs

Publisher Sat, 11/15/2025 - 07:00

Susan Margaret Briggs, whose kindness and beauty graced the world for 73 years, found her peace on November 5, 2025, at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne. Her final moments were shared with her three cherished daughters, Margaret, Jackie, and Sarah.

Susan was born in Rawlins, Wyoming, on May 31, 1952, to Margaret (Boam) and Jack McAndrews. Susan was a longtime resident of Hanna, Wyoming. Despite a few early years in Colorado, it was in Hanna that she found her greatest happiness, living a full life with her family and friends.

From a young age, Susan’s nurturing spirit was evident. She lovingly doted on her younger brother, Billy, foreshadowing the wonderful mother she became later in life. Growing up, Susan spent most of her time with her beloved grandparents and aunt, as well as her cousin, Glen. This period filled her life with special and lasting memories. Among her favorite activities was traveling “out North” with her extended family. On one such trip, she broke her collarbone and had to take a bumpy, painful ride back to town in her Grandpa Boam’s pickup. This memory was a perfect testament to her tough-as-nails character.

Susan found the love of her life in Dwight, her husband of 42 years. Together, they raised three daughters. The couple loved hunting, fishing, and camping with their girls, especially at North Brush Creek and Turpin and Seminoe Reservoirs. Facing her fear of water, Susan came to love spending long days on the family boat and always packed the heartiest coolers to satisfy her family.

Susan made her daughters feel special by treating them with fairness and never missing a school event. She reveled in dressing her children for Halloween and school parties, attending field trips, and watching Christmas concerts. With her close friend, Mary Angel, she cheered for her daughters during countless sporting events. Susan also made her children feel important by showcasing her talents in the kitchen and cooking their favorites, including Thanksgiving dressing, fried walleye, and tuna casserole.

Susan and Dwight were overjoyed with the births of their three grandchildren, Jason, Mackenzie, and Landon. Each grandchild cherished precious moments with their grandmother and was devoted to her until the end of her life. Susan’s final days were filled with humorous and loving stories of her grandchildren while they held her hands and recalled their most treasured memories.

Some of Susan’s favorite pastimes included those spent with her Aunt Ruth (Sister). The pair loved rock hunting, eating at Bel Air in Rawlins, drinking coffee on Sister’s porch, and shopping at Pamida and Alco. They also shared a love for cats, but Susan found her most genuine love for animals in her dogs, Little Girl, Jake, and Charlie. During her last days, Susan spoke of being reunited with all three of them. She also loved taking care of the “Elmo kids” and was especially fond of her nephews, Brandon and Jared, for whom she opened her home for days and weeks at a time, and her “nieces,” Shana and Amber.

Susan has been reunited in Heaven with her husband, Dwight Briggs; her beloved grandparents, particularly Jake and Margaret Boam; her parents; her aunts, Ruth and June; her uncles, Carl and Ronnie; various extended family members; and two nieces. Susan will be deeply missed by daughter Margaret Fortuna (Kevin) of Green River; daughter Jackie Jones (Clif) of Hanna; daughter Sarah Jones (Rick), north of Hanna; grandson Jason Dreher of Salt Lake City; granddaughter Mackenzie Jones of Rock Springs; grandson Landon Jones of Rawlins; cousin Glen; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; two brothers and a sister; her beloved cat Driveby; and friend Sandy Combs of Hanna.

Funeral services for Susan are Wednesday, November 12, at 2:00 pm at the Hanna Baptist Church. A 12:30 viewing will precede the ceremony, and a graveside service will immediately follow the 2:00 service. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at the Baptist Church once Susan is laid to rest.

In Loving Memory of Rex Raymond Rudd

Publisher — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000

In Loving Memory of Rex Raymond Rudd

Publisher Sat, 11/01/2025 - 21:00

Rex Raymond Rudd, 80, of Medicine Bow, entered into his eternal rest on October 27, 2025 at the Chapman Hospice Home in Casper, Wyoming.

Rex was born on April 11, 1945, to Alvin Sylvester Rudd, Sr. and Catherine Irene Rudd (née Ford) in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Rex spent his childhood in Letcher, South Dakota and graduated from Letcher High School in 1963. He enrolled in the Army ROTC program at South Dakota State University - Brookings for two years before enlisting in the United States Navy and going through the submarine program at New Groton, Connecticut. Initially, he served for four months on the submarine S.S. Burgara, before choosing to transfer to the heavy cruiser, the U.S.S. Saint Paul. Much of his service on the Saint Paul was spent in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of North Vietnam. For his tireless work as a cook, Rex earned the Saint Paul’s sailor of the month once in 1968.

Upon returning to the United States, he was stationed at Widbey Island Naval Air Station in Widbey Island, Washington. Rex was discharged from the Navy in 1971 after four years, eight months, and one day of service to his country.

Rex began working as a heavy equipment operator at Arch Minerals Corporation in 1973 and worked there until his retirement in 2011.

Shortly before his matriculation at Arch, Rex met Kathy Kennedy, whom he married in 1975. They had two children: Barry, born in 1979, and Bridget, born in 1984.

Rex joined the American Legion in 1972 and was passionate about helping veterans, children and youth, and anyone in need for the duration of his time in the organization. He served on the post, district, and department levels. He immensely enjoyed Legion get-togethers. Moreover, he always made himself available for funerary honors for his fellow veterans.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his son, Barry (Jolene) and grandchildren of Newnan, Georgia; his daughter, Bridget, of Rio Linda, California; his brother Alvin “Butch” Rudd Jr. (Lois) of Spearfish, South Dakota; his brother-in-law, Jim Porter, of Webster, South Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Beverly Porter, a brother-in-law, Craig Kennedy and several aunts and uncles.

Rex’s proudest moments were his son’s graduation from the United States Air Force Academy in 2001 and his daughter’s graduation from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006. He enjoyed time with several family pets over the years, especially the black cat, Nicholas, who lived to be 21 and was adept at helping Rex push snow. Most of all, Rex always treasured his time with his younger brother, Butch.

Rex will be missed by all who knew him, and we are grateful that he instilled a sense of service, compassion, and love for others in all of us.

A service with military honors will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota, at a later date.

In Loving Memory of Kenneth L “Kenny” Campbell

Publisher — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In Loving Memory of Kenneth L “Kenny” Campbell

Publisher Sat, 10/04/2025 - 10:00

Kenneth L. “Kenny” Campbell, age 74, of Elk Mountain, WY, formerly of Newark, Ohio, passed away September 30, 2025. He was born July 25, 1951, to the late Walter and Ruth Campbell.

Born and raised in the Newark area, Kenny was a member of the Licking Valley class of 1969. A US Army Veteran, he worked for many years at Jeffries Supply Company in downtown Newark. After leaving Jeffries, he became a plumber and worked alongside his father-in-law and brother-in-law at Dixon Plumbing until a double knee replacement led him to early retirement. He then became a full-time grandpa and often shuttled his grandkids to and from school.

Kenny and his wife, Pam, followed their daughter and her family to Wyoming in 2016, first living in Medicine Bow and eventually settling in Elk Mountain. Kenny was an active member of the Medicine Bow Senior Center, where he enjoyed coffee, donuts, and Wii Bowling every Wednesday with his team, the “Bow Rollers,” and playing dominoes every Friday. He also logged thousands of miles around the state of Wyoming watching his grandkids play high school sports, and sharing his opinion on missed calls by referees. He proudly wore his “Miner Grandpa” shirt during their events and traded it for a “UW Grandpa” shirt when they graduated. He was a member of the Elk Mountain Community Church and also enjoyed spending time with his friends in Elk Mountain.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pamela Campbell, daughter and son-in-law, Courtney and Steven Priest, granddaughter Mackenzie Priest (Rayce Ward), grandson Cody Priest, sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Glenn Henry, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Russell and Hattie Dixon, brother-in-law Brian (Candy) Dixon, sisters-in law Jenny Dominguez, Becky Rhodes, Diana (Jeff) Irvin, special cousin and wife Tom and Peg O’Reilly, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his special cousin, Bill Peyton.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Elk Mountain Community Center (former school) on Sunday, October 5th, at 12:00 p.m. with lunch to follow. Funeral Services will follow in Newark, Ohio, on October 13th with burial at Smith Chapel Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Laramie (WY) for their care of the entire family during a difficult time. Donations may be made in honor of Kenny to: Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Dr., Laramie, WY 82072

In Loving Memory of Twila Mae Hawbaker

Publisher — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In Loving Memory of Twila Mae Hawbaker

Publisher Sat, 07/05/2025 - 07:00

October 21, 1946 — June 22, 2025

Twila Mae (Cloyd) Hawbaker passed away June 22, 2025, at the age of 78 in Rawlins, Wyoming, surrounded by her family after a short battle with health issues.

Twila was born October 21, 1946, in Hamburg, Iowa to parents Vernon Leroy “Jack” Cloyd and Ruby Mae (Keys) Cloyd.

She attended school in Estherville, Iowa and graduated in 1964. She attended Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Education degree in 1968. After graduation, Twila began a long teaching career of 43 years. She began in Iowa, traveling to Kanorado, Kansas and finishing her career with 34 years in Rawlins, Wyoming. She taught mostly kindergarten and 1st grade before becoming a Title 1 Reading Specialist. She made life-long friends at every school she worked at including Sunnyside, Highland Hills and Rawlins Elementary School.

Twila loved going on her shopping trips with her daughters and later grandkids and her friends, Juanita Austin and LaRena Kirsch. In 35 years, she rarely missed her coffee day on Thursday with her coffee group. She enjoyed her talks with her neighborhood friends, Sue Maffoni and Jimy Vanderburg, and sharing a Coke with Sue Garate.

Twila loved spending holidays with her family. She would spend the long car rides to Kansas writing the funniest jokes, poems and skits for the families to read or perform on Christmas Day, which created many laughs and lasting memories.

Twila married Clair Joseph “Kelly” Hawbaker on June 11, 1977, in Kanorado, Kansas. They built their home in Rawlins, Wyoming. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Kellie Jo Whitzel and Kari Sue Hawbaker; four grandchildren, Owen Hawbaker, Odin Pederson, Ivy Pederson and Rune Pederson; and her many pets that she loved.

Twila is survived by her loving family – her daughters, Kellie Jo Whitzel (David Whitzel) and Kari Susanne Hawbaker of Rawlins, Wyoming; her adored grandchildren, Owen Joseph Hawbaker, Odin Leifayas Pederson, Ivy Ray Andais Pederson and Rune William Pederson; special nephew and Godson, Justin Franz (Gianina Franz) of Burlington, Colorado; special nieces, Jolynne Richards (Kyle Richards) of Idalia, Colorado and Jasalyn Hays (Casey Hays) of Burlington, Colorado; great nephews Tennisen Hoyda, Tyrell Homm, Kagen Hoyda, Maguire Franz, Wyatt Hays and great niece Maddisen Hoyda; cousins Mike Cloyd (Carol), Johnny French (Catherine “Kitty”) and Donna Walker; brothers and sisters-in-laws James and Norma Hawbaker; Harley and Linda Hawbaker, Marcia Garcia, Bonnie Hawbaker and Sherryl Casper; her special friends, Linda and Richard Benson, Donna Adams and Jean Dutton and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that all held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Clair Joseph “Kelly” Hawbaker; her parents Vernon Leroy “Jack” Cloyd and Ruby Mae Cloyd; sister, Sandee Franz; mother-in-law Edith Hawbaker and father-in-law Harvey “Roy” Hawbaker; brothers-in-law Joel Franz, Oliver Grove, Pete Hawbaker, Levi Hawbaker, Kenny Hawbaker, Richard Hawbaker, Eddie Hawbaker and Greg Garcia; sisters-in-law Violet Hawbaker, Veanne Hawbaker, Leah Adams, Maureen Hawbaker, Donna Grove and special cousin, Gary Walker.

Cremation has taken place in the care of Casada Funeral Home & Crematory. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Best Western in Rawlins, Wyoming from 12-5 PM. Interment of her urn will be held in Kanorado, Kansas at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter, 2711 E Murray St, Rawlins, WY 82301 or Pet Partners of Carbon County, PO Box 1618 Rawlins, WY 82301.

In Loving Memory of Ralph Jump

Publisher — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In Loving Memory of Ralph Jump

Publisher Sun, 06/29/2025 - 06:00

November 3, 1943 – June 20, 2025

Ralph Jump went to his Heavenly Father on June 20, 2025, at the age of 81.

Ralph met the love of his life, Robin, when he began helping guide hunts for Saratoga Safari, a business owned by Robin’s uncle. Their bond was immediate, and together they built a life rooted in love, strength, and perseverance. They were blessed with six children—four sons and two daughters—who brought him great joy and pride.

Ralph had a strong work ethic and a spirit of adventure. He spent nine years working at the XH Ranch, followed by nine more at the Silver Spur. In midlife, he made a bold career change and became a long-haul truck driver, a job he would hold for the next 20 years. Each summer, he took one of his children with him on cross-country trips, and over the years, he and his family visited every U.S. state except Alaska and Hawaii, as well as many parts of Canada. His children fondly recall the stories and experiences they shared on those unforgettable journeys.

He lived a life full of rich experiences and unforgettable stories—from drag racing his midnight purple Plymouth Prowler, to river boating on the Mississippi, to enjoying retirement days golfing with his kids. He even appeared in a Western movie on horseback, adding yet another unique memory to his adventurous life.

Ralph was a man of simple pleasures and deep character. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and listening to audiobooks—especially the latest C.J. Box novel. He was often found enjoying a good story with his loyal dog Jazmine curled up beside him, or napping with his beloved cat Lady Liberty, who stayed by his side until the very end. His quiet strength, steady presence, and love for his family left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Robin, and their children: Josalyn (Mack), Josh (Deidre), Jason (Brittney), Jessica (Craig), John (Trina), and Jacob (Rhonda). He was a proud grandfather to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry his legacy of love, strength, and storytelling forward.

A private celebration of life will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Platte Valley Helping Hands, PO Box 1553 Saratoga, WY 82331

In Loving Memory of Jack P. Wise

Publisher — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 22:15:52 +0000

In Loving Memory of Jack P. Wise

Publisher Sun, 06/15/2025 - 00:15

February 25, 1946 - June 1, 2025

With his daughter at his side, Jack Perry Wise passed away peacefully at his home in Montrose, Colorado after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Jack was born on February 25th, 1946, in Illinois to Gary and Eugene Wise. At a young age, the family moved to Dubois, Wyoming for a few years before settling in Elk Mountain, Wyoming where Jack would live out his childhood. Jack attended high school in Hanna, Wyoming up until the completion of his junior year, when he then left to join the United States Marines. He was stationed and served in Hawaii for some time. After leaving the Marines, Jack returned to Hanna where he completed his high school education. Later in life he furthered his education by attending the University of Wyoming where he earned his bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation. Jack moved around Carbon County living and working in multiple places such as; Hanna, Elk Mountain, and Rawlins. He eventually settled and lived the rest of his life in Montrose, Colorado. Later in his life Jack reconnected with his loving daughter April, whom he spent and enjoyed every last moment with, up until the very end. Jack was an astounding artist. He could draw and paint the most beautiful pieces one has ever seen. He even painted many portraits of Christ himself, which hung in the Hanna Lutheran Church for many years. Jack was also an established and devoted writer. He often loved to write letters, emails, and cards. He even wrote a book that he had always wished to publish. Jack was fluent in three languages; English, Spanish, and German. He often loved to show off his ability to be bilingual to his family. Jack was a strong Christian and believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He often loved to discuss scripture and visit with his Pastor in Montrose. To those who loved him most, Jack would be described as a loving, caring, friendly, Christian who enjoyed life itself. His presence and aura will be sorely missed by all.

Jack is preceded in death by parents Gary and Eugene Wise.

Jack will be sorely missed by his daughter April Ruelas Urbanos (Laura) of Montrose, CO., his brother Chuck Wise (Rhonda) of Phoenix, AZ., and his sister Wendy Briggs of Elk Mountain, WY.

A private family funeral service will take place at an undisclosed time.

In Loving Memory of Margaret Evelyn “Peg” Espy

Publisher — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 22:14:43 +0000

In Loving Memory of Margaret Evelyn “Peg” Espy

Publisher Sun, 06/15/2025 - 00:14

December 22, 1934 – June 4, 2025

Margaret Evelyn Grieve Espy, known to all her dear friends as Peg, died on June 4th, 2025. Peg was born on December 22nd, 1934, and was a lifelong resident of Carbon County, living on the family ranch in Savery, Wy and later, the ranch in Rawlins.

Peg grew up in the Little Snake River Valley on the Greive Family Ranch that her father, Leeland Grieve started when he bought the Morgan Place, operating the ranch under Battle Mountain Company. When Peg turned five, her father bought the Toole place, what many know as the 4L, right on the Wyoming Colorado state line. It was then that she started school in Slater Colorado in a one room schoolhouse. When Peg was in the 7th grade, the family moved to Rawlins where Peg completed her education and graduated from Rawlins High School.

Peg attended the University of Wyoming and attained her degree in Elementary Education, leading to her career as a beloved schoolteacher in Rawlins. Peg started teaching the fourth grade at Sunnyside School, where central office is now. She then went on to teach at Pershing Elementary School.

Peg married Phillip Blake Espy on September 2nd, 1958, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Throughout their life together, they lived on the Reader Ranch in Savery, and the Espy Ranch south of Rawlins. While raising two sons James and John, they found time to purchase the Green Mill bar in Rawlins, which they ran and later were in the process of selling when it tragically burned down. Parts of the one-of-a-kind wooden inlaid bar are now with dear friends, as well as at the 19th Hole of the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course.

Peg was active in many facets of the community. She served as token women on the Chamber of Commerce in Rawlins and was the first woman to serve on the Carbon County Fair Board. For many years, she ran the Rawlins Saddle Club Drill Team. Peg was active in Beta Sigma Phi, P.E.O., and was a founding member and Queen of the Red Hats in Rawlins.

Peg leaves behind her two sons Jim and wife Peggy (Arambel), Savery, Wy; John and wife Diana (Jungck), Rawlins, Wy; three grandchildren, Michael Espy, Washington D.C.; Ty Espy, and Robert Espy both of Rawlins Wy. Brothers, Leeland Thomas Greive, Baggs, Wy; Jim Greive and spouse Judy, Nampa, ID; and many extended family members and dear friends, especially “lil sis” Helen Shepard, Casper, WY; and Barbera Cooper, Rawlins Wy.

Peg was preceded in death by her parents Leeland Uriah and Evylen Wren Greive, husband Phillip Blake Espy, brother Robert Grieve, In Laws, Francis Blake Espy and Ellenor Rendle Espy, sister-in-law Patsy Grieve, brother-in-law Kenneth Espy, and cousin Barbera Rieman.

Peg wished to be cremated, and her ashes spread with her husband Phil overlooking the ranch south of Rawlins.

A viewing is scheduled for Tuesday June 10th from 2-4p.m. at Casada Funeral Home in Rawlins.

The funeral service will be Thursday June 12th at 1pm, at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Rawlins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Carbon County 4-H Foundation, P.O. Box 280, Rawlins Wy 82301.

In Loving Memory of Nancy Vargas

Publisher — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:27:30 +0000

In Loving Memory of Nancy Vargas

Publisher Sun, 06/08/2025 - 18:27

Nancy Vargas passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on June 1, 2025. She was 73 years old. Born Nancy Lorayn Anderson on December 12, 1951, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Robert McClelland Anderson and Betty Louise (Sears), the family eventually moved to Independence Missouri where she graduated from Truman High School in 1970. Her family later relocated to Longmont, Colorado where she completed her Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Northern Colorado in 1975. Nancy met her future husband, Jesus (Jesse) “Chu Cho” Ruben Vargas-Ramos while working in Longmont. Nancy became a school teacher with an emphasis in Special Education. She did her student teaching in Colorado. She later interviewed many places before accepting a position in Saratoga in 1976. Nancy and Jesse were married in June of 1977 in Longmont Colorado by her father Robert. Their son Luke was born in 1981 in Laramie, Wyoming. Nancy was a loving mother, teacher and friend. She touched the lives of many students throughout her career teaching at each of the Saratoga schools. Over the decades, a steady stream of former students would stop by “Mrs. Vargas’” home to share their life adventures and to visit their favorite teacher. She retired from Carbon County School District #2 in 2014 after 38 years of service. Nancy was a fluent Spanish speaker and would often help others with translation and sorting through emergencies when language barriers were present. Nancy had may passions in life including horses, Persian cats, and all things Native American. She was a music lover and talented singer and guitar player. Her passion for Native American art and culture lead her to sponsor families and clothing drives for the benefit of the Wind River Reservation. After retirement Nancy proudly volunteered at Bridge Street Bargains and held the position of student volunteer coordinator. Nancy was preceded in death by her loving husband Jesse Vargas, Father Robert McClelland Anderson, and Mother Betty Louise (Sears). Nancy is survived by her son, Luke Vargas of Saratoga and her cat Yeti. Sisters Kathryn Millner (Charles d.2020) Loveland, Colorado, Elizabeth Christian (Steven) Longmont, Colorado and Robert Anderson (Irina) Minneapolis, Minnesota and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please make a tribute donation to the American Indian College Fund (https://collegefund.org/) in memory of Nancy. A memorial service to honor Nancy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM in Saratoga, Wyoming, Saturday, June 14th 2025 at the Saratoga cemetery chapel. The family invites all who knew and loved Nancy to attend. Meal to follow at St. Ann’s Parish Hall.