This weeks’ Wyoming obituaries

Roger was born on June 7, 1949, in San Francisco, California, to Nick and Gertrude (Brady) Brookwell. He grew up in San Francisco, where he graduated from high school before attending college. His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army on May 18, 1971. Roger served as an infantryman in Vietnam, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and Army Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged on February 11, 1973.

Following his military service, Roger traveled to Worland, Wyoming, to visit his sister, Pam. He quickly took a liking to the small-town atmosphere and decided to make Worland his forever home. He began working in construction, helping build the Coors plant and several homes throughout the community, including the house he would eventually call his own.

Roger went on to spend much of his working life serving the people of Worland and Washakie County. He served as mayor of Worland for 4 years and spent 23 years in law enforcement with 12 years at the Worland police department and 11 with the Washakie County sheriff’s department. Roger took his responsibilities seriously and believed his job was to stand up for people. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind or fight for what he believed was right.

It was his work in law enforcement that led him to the love of his life, Barbie Wessel. In the late 1990s, Roger responded to a 911 call Barbie had made on behalf of her grandmother. Being the thorough officer he was, Roger made sure to stop by several more times over the following weeks, just to check on Barbie, of course. Eventually, he worked up the nerve to ask her on a date. He packed a picnic, and by the end of the evening, he had earned a goodnight kiss. That was all it took. The two spent the next 25 years deeply in love.

When Roger and Barbie became a family, he welcomed her two boys, Clinton and Austin, as his own. To the boys, Roger was their dad, regardless of what any paperwork said. Making it official took longer than they had hoped, but on Roger’s 70th birthday, the boys gave him a gift he would never forget. They presented him with their legal adoption papers, making him their dad on paper, just as he had always been in their hearts.

Roger could be a little rough around the edges, and those who didn’t know him might have mistaken his serious exterior for a cold personality. His family and friends knew better. Underneath that tough exterior was a softhearted, emotional man who loved deeply. He was never one to turn down a tight hug or a kiss from his bride, and he treasured time spent with his grandchildren, especially when he could sneak them a few jelly beans.

When he wasn’t working or spending time with family, Roger enjoyed playing racquetball, fishing, and watching WWE wrestling. He rarely missed a match on television.

Roger loved his family and his country and his determination stayed with him until the very end. During his final days at the hospital, he told the nurses he wasn’t going anywhere until he got to see his kids and grandkids. After they had the opportunity to be with him and give him one last kiss, Roger passed peacefully, with the people he loved by his side.

Roger’s family will always be grateful for the love he gave so freely and the family he helped build. More than anything, they want to thank him for choosing them, and loving them without him, they wouldn’t be where they are today. Without him they wouldn’t be Brookwells.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Gertrude Brookwell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbie; sons, Clinton (Ashley) Brookwell and Austin (Jacy) Brookwell, both of Worland; grandchildren: Truex, Brexon, Lincoln, and Braylee; sister, Pam (Dan) Arps and sister-in-law, Trich (Brad) Leban.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 20, 2026 at Zions Church with family friend, Josh Hansen and Rev. James Byers officiating.

Online condolences may be made at Bryant Funeral Home.

Christina was born on January 25, 1982, in Lubbock, Texas, to Jessie and Marianna (Lopez) Gomez. In her early twenties, she traveled to Worland, Wyoming, to visit her grandmother, Esperanza. During that visit, Esperanza introduced Christina to Felipe Lara Contreras, and the two were immediately drawn to each other. Their first date was simple, Felipe took her to Taco John’s for a burrito, followed by a trip to the park where they could sit and get to know each other. Apparently, a burrito and a little conversation were all it took. The two fell in love and spent the next 20-plus years building a life together.

Christina brought five children into their relationship, and Felipe welcomed each of them as his own. Together, they welcomed one more child, completing their family of eight. Christina worked hard to provide for her family, holding jobs at Subway, Beehive Homes, the nursing home, IGA, and Blair’s. She was willing to do whatever needed to be done to make sure her family was taken care of.

When she wasn’t working, Christina enjoyed crafting, gardening, and cooking. She was an excellent cook and had a creative side that often kept Felipe guessing what he might come home to. She loved rearranging and redecorating the house, especially when he wasn’t there to see the changes being made. Christina could look at something most people would throw away and find a way to make it beautiful. Old tires, for example, became colorful flowerpots after a little cutting, painting, and imagination.

Christina was a girly girl who loved to sing and could happily spend hours getting ready. She enjoyed making things look nice, whether it was her home, her garden, or herself. She was also a woman of strong Catholic faith, which was an important part of her life.

Those who knew Christina knew how much she was willing to give to others. She was strong, generous, and always willing to help, even when she had very little to give herself. She loved her family deeply and worked hard to make a home for the people she cared about.

Christina was preceded in death by her uncle, Abel Flores, and granddaughters: Katalina Ramon and Talia Ramon.

She is survived by her loving husband, Felipe; grandmother, Esperanza Flores of Worland; sons, Andrew Gomez, Danny Ramon, and Joey Ramon, all of Worland; daughters, Veronica Gomez of Worland, Estria (Faith) Gomez of Dallas, Texas, and Aveliena Lara of Worland; and grandchildren, Jonathan, Khristinah, Aleena, Lily, and Miguel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM, Tuesday November 10, 2026 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church with Father Robert Rodgers officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to offset the cost of funeral arrangements. Please make checks payable to Bryant Funeral Home and send to PO Box 524 Worland, Wyoming 82401. You may also donate online at Bryant Funeral Home.

Find more information at Newcomer Casper

Pat was born in 1931 to Frank and Maurine Weaver in Columbus, Ohio. Within six months the family was heading west to California to help Frank’s Uncle John on his citrus ranch. Frank and Maurine’s second daughter, Elizabeth (Betty), arrived in 1932. Pat fondly recalled her time on the ranch with her family. She remembered Uncle John as extremely hard of hearing, holding a horn up to his ear so people could speak into it. It was here that her love of animals grew. She loved riding her little horse Poncho, always had a dog, and helped her family raise Siamese cats. It was also at a young age that Pat decided to go into medicine. She remembered strategically placing one of her dolls in the driveway of the family home on Pepper Drive, so that it would be run over by a car and she could see how the eyes worked.

Pat attended San Diego State University, completed her nursing training at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, and graduated from the University of Southern California in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It was during this time that Pat met her lifelong best friend, Marian DiStefano Taylor. The girls stayed and worked at Huntington Memorial Hospital for two more years.

In 1955 Pat and Marian decided to take a vacation to the X Quarter Circle X Ranch owned by Marvel and Irwin Lesher and Uncle Jimmy Manges. Pat likely talked Marian into this vacation, since she had already been to the ranch in high school while working as a nanny for a five-year-old boy. Like many visitors, Pat fell in love with the people and the unmistakable beauty of the Jackson Hole Valley. It wasn’t too long after this vacation that Pat and Marian decided to move. In 1956 Pat and Marian were hired as RNs at a little log-cabin hospital in Jackson, Wyoming, known as St. John’s.

With the help of Marian’s dad, they purchased a Ford station wagon and loaded it with their belongings. Sparks flew as they pulled out of the driveway and started off on their new adventure. They traveled first north to Canada, then south to drop off their belongings in Wyoming, and finally to the East Coast. The girls kept a diary of their travels, and reading the entries brought their children great enjoyment and lots of laughs.

They had many fun memories of working with Dr. MacLeod and Dr. Elmore. At this tiny hospital they needed to be jacks of all trades. They assisted in the OR, ER, OB and went on house calls with the doctors. They would often giggle at the tight ship that was run by the head of nursing: staff were not allowed to use hospital napkins if they brought their lunch from home.

An invitation to dinner from Becky and Roy Chambers led to Pat meeting a tall, handsome, and charming cowboy named Earl Hardeman. He would always say, “They hit it off pretty well.” Earl was also known to tell people that when he saw Pat effortlessly pick up a 50-pound bag of dog food, he knew she would be good on the ranch. They married in 1960 at the Chapel of the Transfiguration with a view from the altar of the mountains she had first fallen in love with. Earl had an interest in becoming an auctioneer, and so part of their honeymoon was spent in Indiana so that Earl could attend Auctioneering School, while Pat went to the movie theater, the only place in town with air conditioning.

Pat gave up her nursing career to become a ranch wife, but never stopped being a nurse. Earl knew it was a bit of an adjustment for her and would tell the story about being on the tractor behind the house at the Hardeman homestead north of Kelly and looking up to see Pat waving a gun at him. He joked that he thought she had snapped, but the truth was that she had spotted a bobcat and wanted to get his attention.

Together they raised two children, Robert and Heidi. Robert Earl (Rob) arrived prematurely in 1962. Before Heidi Lyn arrived in the winter of 1965, Earl moved Pat and Rob to town to stay with family, fearing that Heidi would also come early. She didn’t, but there was a big snowstorm and Earl had to ski out of the ranch to Kelly and then drive to town. Pat and Earl enjoyed working together and raising their family.

The family moved to Wilson in 1967. Pat placed great value on both faith and family. She enjoyed working alongside Earl and his family. She helped with branding, gathering, vaccinating, and doctoring any sickly animal. It wasn’t unusual for a sick calf to be in the house being warmed and bottle fed by Pat. She raised chickens and pigs. She separated the milk and made fresh butter for her family. At butchering time, Pat would make the most delicious liver and onions. She drove a buck rake in the hay field and helped gather firewood in the fall. Pat cooked countless meals and served innumerable cups of coffee to friends and neighbors. She was an amazing ranch wife.

Pat enjoyed supporting Earl in all of his many community activities including 4-H Livestock Auction, Jackson Hole Cattle and Horse Association, Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction, Jackson Hole Outfitter, Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, and serving as a rodeo announcer. She was the wife who worked alongside her husband, quietly supporting him and happily watching him in his element. Pat did the same for her children, fully supporting them in all of their pursuits from 4-H to sports. She spent a lot of time sitting in the bleachers, smiling and enjoying her children’s interests.

During this time, Pat also pursued her own interests. She enjoyed being part of the Jackson Hole Cowbells and Wilson Homemakers, serving as a leader of the Wilson Hoofbeats 4-H Club for many years, sitting on the C.C. Mosley Scholarship Committee, and helping with Quilting in the Tetons. She loved to read, try new recipes, knit, and sew. Pat always had a strong faith and cherished her time attending First Baptist, Wilson Community Church, or services online.

When the grandchildren started to arrive, it was love at first sight. G-ma, as she was known, truly enjoyed spending time with each of them and hearing about all of their adventures and accomplishments. John, Hailey, Matthew, and Gracie were blessed to have such an amazing Grandma. John recalls going on a walk with her and her telling him about the cattails. She asked if he wanted one, and he couldn’t believe his eyes when she pulled out a pocket knife to cut one down for him. He said, “Right then and there I knew how cool my G-ma was.” Hailey fondly remembers helping her G-ma make the bed, a task where nothing was left to chance. G-ma had even marked the exact folds and sheet placement with a pen. After all, there was a right way to make a bed and G-ma made sure it was perfect every time! Matthew says he always loved how G-ma lit up every room she was in and whenever she saw him, he could feel how much she loved him, even when he was telling jokes that were not that funny. Gracie still gets a good laugh from the time G-ma was serving them Kool-Aid but forgot to add the sugar. Even great cooks can have a bad day.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pat moved to Washington State to live with Heidi and her boys. She enjoyed her time there, but soon became homesick for the place she had called home for so many years. In September 2024, she moved into Sage Living Center. On her first day, Elaine Luton and Stephanie Brown immediately welcomed her. It was such an amazing coincidence that Elaine was there. Elaine had been Pat’s closest neighbor when Pat first married Earl and moved to Kelly. Pat thrived at Sage. She loved riding the trishaw bike, going river rafting and making a few ski runs in the winter of 2025–26. Pat loved book club, music, art, current events, and winning at bingo, and she especially loved any activity with the preschool students.

Her family is thankful for the long, wonderful life Pat had as a mom and G-ma. They are thankful for her examples of faith and strength. They are thankful for the importance she put on hard work and honesty. They are thankful to be part of the love story between Pat and Earl. They are thankful that God answered one of her last prayers: to pass peacefully in her sleep.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Maurine Weaver; her sister, Betty Causey; and her tall, handsome, and charming cowboy, Earl.

She is survived by her children, Rob (Abbey) Hardeman and Heidi Hardeman Hopkins; her grandchildren, John Hopkins, Hailey Hardeman, Matthew Hopkins, and Gracie Hardeman; and many nieces and nephews who all loved their Aunt Pat.

A celebration of Pat’s long, lovely life will be held in the summer of 2027.

Kathleen was born on October 15, 1933, in Emblem, Wyoming, to Adrian Chester Trumbull and Marguerite Myrtle Barbee. On October 31, 2026, at the age of 93, the Lord called Kathleen home to heaven.

On July 12, 1952, Kathleen married the love of her life, Walter Clarence Howe of Shell, WY. Together they shared 74 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, commitment, family, and faith. Their marriage was a testament to devotion and the enduring bond of two people who shared a lifetime together.

Kathleen and Walter were blessed with four children: Adrian Clarence Howe, Elaine Kathleen Howe, Jerry Walter Howe, and Larry Lee Howe. Their family experienced the heartbreaking loss of their son Jerry Walter Howe at the young age of seven, a loss that remained forever in their hearts.

Family was the center of Kathleen’s world. She especially loved bringing everyone together and took great joy in hosting large family gatherings on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Those gatherings were about much more than a holiday meal; they were about family, sharing stories, laughter, making memories, and keeping loved ones close.

Kathleen spent her entire life in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming; a place she proudly called home. It was there that she built her life, raised her family, formed lifelong friendships, and created countless memories that will be cherished for generations. Throughout her working years, Kathleen held several jobs in the Big Horn Basin. She worked at a furniture and appliance store, a local bakery, and a clothing and variety store before eventually retiring. Through her years of hard work, she made many memories and connections within the communities she called home.

Kathleen was blessed with 7 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren, and 4 step-great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous joy and pride. Her love for her family was evident in the time she spent with them and the importance she placed on keeping family connections strong.

Her faith was also an important part of her life. Kathleen was very active in the Presbyterian Church in Greybull, Wyoming, where she shared in the fellowship of her church family and remained devoted to her faith in the Lord. She was a member of Lewisia Chapter #16 in Basin, WY.

Kathleen will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and faithful servant of God. Her life was rooted in family, faith, hard work, and the traditions that brought generations together.

Although her passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of those who loved her, there is comfort in knowing that her earthly journey is complete and she has been welcomed home by her Heavenly Father. We find peace in the promise of eternal life and the hope of one day being reunited again. Kathleen’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will remain forever in the hearts of her family.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian Chester Trumbull and Marguerite Myrtle Barbee; her brother, Rollin Trumbull; her son, Jerry Walter Howe; her son-in-law, Ronald Huff, and granddaughter in law Tiffany Huff. Her brother Sidney Trumbull passed away three days after her passing.

She is survived by husband Walter Howe, brother William Trumbull, Adrian Howe and wife Susan, Elaine Huff, Larry Howe and wife Tawny, grandsons Travis Howe, Timothy Huff, Anthony Huff, Trenton Howe, granddaughters Destinee Edison, Shawndra Garido, Brittney Howe-Rivera, step-grandsons Nicholas Bracken, Jeremy Bracken, step-granddaughters Samantha O’Hara, Nicole Roberts, Tiffany Rauff, 23 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a loving memory donation in Kathleen’s name to the Greybull Community Church in care of GCC, P.O. Box 484, Greybull, WY 82426 

In 1956, Melba married the love of her life, Robert Liberty, in her hometown of Laramie. Their union, which lasted until Robert’s passing in 2011, was a testament to enduring love and companionship.

Melba’s life was one filled with love, dedication, and joy as a devoted homemaker. She attended schools in Bosler and Laramie, Wyoming, before graduating from Laramie High School in 1956. Those who knew her cherished her warmth and kindness, as well as her delight in simple pleasures such as coloring, solving word search puzzles, and engaging in lively games of board games and card games, including canasta and pinochle. In her youth, she enjoyed playing in her high school band, a testament to her diverse interests.

Her memory will continue to be treasured by her loving family, including her two sons, Michael and Cherri Liberty of Green River, Wyoming, and David and Casey Liberty of Rapid City, South Dakota; her daughter, Roberta and Randy Kniffin of Greeley, Colorado; and her two sisters, Viola and Gary Moats of Laramie, Wyoming, and Ramona Modrell of Oregon. Melba was also blessed with nine grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Ruby Hammond; her dear husband, Robert Liberty; and her sister, Louise King.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026, at the Union Congregational Church, UCC, located at 350 Mansface Street, Green River, Wyoming. Friends and family are welcome to call one hour prior to the services. Following the funeral, interment will take place at Riverview Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

The family respectfully requests donations in Melba’s memory be made to Hospice of Sweetwater County, 333 Broadway Street, Suite 220, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901.

Melba Jean Liberty’s warm spirit, love for family, and zest for life will remain forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her.

Those wishing to offer condolences may do so at Vase Funeral Homes.

Find more information at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes.

Judy shared a beautiful life and a lasting love with her husband Don. Their love story began at the Yellowstone County Fair in August of 1959. It didn’t take long for them to know they had found something special. Just two months after meeting, they were engaged, and on February 13, 1960, they were married. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and countless memories.

After the birth of their son Jerry, Judy and Don moved to Cody, Wyoming, where they raised their two boys, Jerry and Tony, and made a home filled with family, love, and traditions.

Judy was one of the most loving and kind women you could ever meet, but she was also known for being stubborn and strong-willed. Throughout her life, she faced many health scares, meeting each challenge with a strength and determination that defined her. She was a fighter, and her strength was an inspiration to those who loved her.

Above all else, Judy loved her family and friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with those she loved, especially her great-grandchildren, who held an extra-special place in her heart. Whether gathered outside in the summer time watching the kids play, sharing stories, or simply enjoying one another’s company, those moments meant everything to her.

Judy loved cooking with her family, and her homemade ravioli will surely be remembered and missed by everyone lucky enough to have enjoyed it. She also earned the unofficial family title of professional dishrag maker, knitting countless dishrags over the years. These little handmade treasures were more than just useful gifts; they were pieces of her love, care, and the time she spent thinking of her family.

Judy was also a devout Catholic, whose faith was an important part of her life. She rarely missed a weekend Mass, and her faith remained a constant throughout her journey.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Don; her two sons, Jerry and his wife, Karen, and Tony; her three granddaughters, Heather and her husband, BJ, Amanda and her husband, Jesse, and Miranda; and her great-grandchildren, Jace and his wife, Maya, Kian, Parker, Tenley, Landyn, Aubree, Kaitlee, and Nolan. She also leaves behind her great-great-grandchild, McCoy, who represents another beautiful generation of the family she loved so dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Butch and Lydia Wadsworth; her sister, Norma Pelo; and her twin sister, Jill, who passed away when they were just three years old.

Judy leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her love, her strength, her laughter, her cooking, and all the little things that made her who she was. From homemade ravioli to countless knitted dishrags, she found ways to show her love that will continue to be felt for generations.

Her hands may no longer be busy in the kitchen or with knitting needles, but the love she put into everything she did will never be forgotten.

She was deeply loved, fiercely strong, and one of a kind. Her legacy lives on in the family she built, the traditions she passed down, and the countless hearts she touched.

Ray was born on August 11, 1938, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Albert and Margaret Sarcletti. A proud Wyoming native, he devoted much of his life to the community and state he loved so dearly.

Ray married the love of his life, Billie Dee Willis, and together they began building their family while he attended the University of Wyoming. He graduated in 1960; an accomplishment made all the more remarkable by the fact that he and Billie were already raising three young children while he pursued his education. Together, they raised five children and shared 66 wonderful years of marriage.

For many years, Ray owned and operated Yellowstone Wholesale in Rock Springs, becoming a familiar face and an integral part of the community. His dedication extended well beyond his business. He generously gave his time to numerous boards, committees, and community projects, always striving to make Rock Springs and the state of Wyoming better places to live.

Ray had a genuine love for his community and the people who made it special. Whether supporting the Shriners’ mission, attending the horse races, or enjoying the excitement of pig wrestling, he was always in the middle of the action. Ray had a natural gift for connecting with people. It seemed he knew everyone, and everyone knew Ray. A gifted storyteller with a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, he could bring laughter to any gathering.

His dedication to public service eventually led him to the Wyoming Legislature, where he proudly served in both the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Wyoming Senate. It was yet another chapter in a lifetime of service to others.

After many years of hard work and community involvement, Ray and his beloved wife, Billie, retired to Manila, Utah where they made their home overlooking Flaming Gorge. There, they enjoyed a quieter life surrounded by the beauty of nature. Their home welcomed not only family and friends but also the many cats, dogs, deer and other wildlife that found their way into their lives.

Above all else, Ray was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest legacy was the family he loved, the friendships he cherished, and the many lives he touched.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Billie Dee Sarcletti; his parents, Albert and Margaret Sarcletti, his sisters, Lucille Cooper and Diane Jenson; and his grandson, Daniel Sarcletti.

He is Survived by a sister, Margee Matthews and his five children; Rae Eileen Baasch and her husband, Darrell; Albert Sarcletti and his wife, Vickie; John Sarcletti; Christine Smith; and Vincent Sarcletti.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jerod Sarcletti, Stefane Sarcletti, Heath Aragon and his wife, Andee, Joseph Aragon, and Aaron Sarcletti: along with his great-grandchildren: Josiah, Jonas, Ashley, Felicia and Ryan.

Ray lived a full and meaningful life, filled with love, laughter, hard work, and service. He leaves behind treasured memories and lasting legacy through his family, his friends, and communities he helped shape.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 900 Hitching Post Drive, Green River, Wyoming. A Vigil Service with Rosary will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026 at the church. Graveside Services and Interment will be conducted at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be left at Vase Funeral Homes.

Find more information at Newcomer Casper.