Patricia Ann “Pat” Cheney, 86, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at Banner Medical Center Friday May 23, 2025. Viewing and visitation will be held Bustard & Jacoby, 600 CY Avenue, Casper, Wyoming 82601, on May 28, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. On May 29, 2025, a rosary service will be held at 11:30 a.,m. and followed by funeral services at 12 p.m. with Father Clark of Our Lady of Fatima officiating at Bustard & Jacoby. Interment will follow at Freeland Cemetery. After interment a celebration of life will be held at the Cheney Ranch.
Pat was born on April 5, 1939, to Joseph Kasper and Martha Lucinda (Congelton) Kasper in Casper, Wyoming. She grew up in Casper, attending St. Anthony’s Tri-Parish Catholic School and graduating from Natrona County High School. Baptized into the Catholic faith, she was a devoted member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She was a member of the Natrona County Cow-Bellesand a volunteer at the Casper Elks Lodge and other Casper area Christian faith-based organizations. On January 25, 1958, Pat married William (Bill) Cheney, in Casper, Wyoming. Together, they shared an agrarian and aviation-focused lifestyle. Pat served as a mother and was a diligent ranch wife until selling the ranch to son Bob in 1987. Her and Bill moved to Paradise Valley in 1998 and continued to operate Cheney Flying Service for over 30 years until retiring. Pat was a dedicated walker and put in at least two miles a day enjoying her walks by the Platte River. Later in life Pat learned to play guitar and enjoyed jam sessions playing and singing with close family friends Erle and Charlee Barto.
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She is survived by brother, John F. Kasper; son, Daniel Albert (Dan) Cheney; and granddaughter, Peggy Jean Cheney. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Cheney; son, Robert Gene (Bob) Cheney; parents, Joseph and Martha Kasper; five sisters and six brothers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Natrona County Cow-Belles. Pat’s life was a testament to faith, family, and hard work, and she will be deeply missed. Online condolences for Pat’s family may be made at www.bustardcares.com.
Mary Verdonna Kenny: 1932 – 2025
Mary “Donna” Verdonna Kenny, age 92, of Casper, Wyoming passed away November 2, 2024. She was born August 12, 1932, in Toledo, Ohio to Rollin and Mary (McGinley) Brunner.
She moved her family to Casper in the early 1960s. She worked at Wyoming Stationery and Wyoming Medical Center. She retired from the hospital in 1992.
She loved cooking for her grandson, Paul and his wife, Amber.
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For the past several years she wintered in Lake Havasu City, Arizona with her daughter and son-in-law. She loved sitting on the porch watching the neighbors come and go. She enjoyed playing Bingo but loved gambling in Laughlin and going to the swap meet on Sundays. She would get up early to accompany her daughter to the pickle ball courts. She made lots of friends in the neighborhood that truly treated her like their second mom.
She is survived by her daughter, Carol Smith (Fred); daughter-in-law, Karen Didion (Jerry); as well as her grandchildren: Paul Smith (Amber), Andrew Didion, Adam Didion; great-grandchildren: Brittany Smith, Kade Henry, Shyla Hoffman, Orion Smith, and Preslee Cagle; as well as her great-great grandchildren: Damien Houser, Ariyan Agena, and Koen Cagle; sister, Judith Glass; brother, Carl Brunner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Bob Kenny; son, Jerry C. Didion; grandson, Kris M. Smith; her parents; and eight siblings.
A celebration of life will be held at her daughter’s home on June 16, 2025 from 3 to 6. For location contact Carol 307-277-2277.
Janice Rae Lott: 1941 – 2025
Janice Rae Lott, born in Riverton, Wyoming, passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 83. Known for her resilience, sharp wit, and quiet strength, Janice built a life rooted in simple joys—gardening, bowling, camping, square dancing, playing cards, and spending time with her beloved dog, Jack.
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She raised four children in Washington before moving to Casper, Wyoming in the late 1990s, where she lived alongside her son, Robert. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found comfort in the everyday and joy in her family.
Janice is survived by her sister, Judy Johnson; her children: Robert Lott, Jo Peavler, James Lott, and Tami McKnight (Troy Marker); eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jean Ewing; and her sister, Roberta Harrington.
Please make donations to Casper Humane Society or Central Wyoming Hospice.
Roger (Rog) Lee Snell: 1944 – 2025
Roger (Rog) Lee Snell, 81, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at his home on May 22, 2025, surrounded by family.
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Born on March 2, 1944, in Hanna, Wyoming, Roger was the son of Bernard (Barney) and Violet Snell. He grew up alongside his brothers and sister and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1963. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving from 1963 to 1967 during the Vietnam era aboard the USS Alamo LSD-33. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
In 1968, Roger married Sandra Ames, and together they raised two children, William and Dianna. A skilled electrician, Roger earned his Master Electrician License and went on to establish First Light Electric in 1975.
Roger had a deep love for the outdoors and spent many joyful days fishing, archery, hunting, golfing, and exploring on motorcycles and four-wheelers. He especially cherished time with friends and family at the Cream Can Feeds and in the Shirley Mountains. He was also a proud and active member of the VFW, American Legion, Elks Lodge, and the IBEW.
Roger is survived by his former wife, Sandra Trantham; his brother, Charles Snell; his children, William (Kari) and Dianna; his grandchildren: Justin, Taylor (Sierra), Gabrielle, Karissa, Zachary, Falon, Makayla, and Faith; and great-grandchildren: Atikus, Fenix, and Scarlett.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 28, at 2:30 p.m. at Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery, with burial to follow. Bustards Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A Wyoming man died Dec. 22 in a motorcycle-versus-truck collision in Laramie County.
According to a recently released incident report from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, 24-year-old Wyoming man Kyle Pandullo was headed west on a motorcycle as a van approached from the opposite direction. The WHP reports that the van attempted to turn left into a business entrance, forcing Pandullo to brake in an effort to avoid a crash. His bike tipped over onto its side, sliding into the van.
The WHP lists driver inattention as a possible contributing factor in the wreck.
This story contains preliminary information as provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol. The agency advises that information may be subject to change.
A newsletter for local events, community happenings, and more…
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JACKSON, Wyo. — Everyone’s favorite grizzly will grace the big screen this month.
Documentary 399 Forever will make its Wyoming premiere at The Center on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $13.
The film follows passionate wildlife guides and photographers who dedicated their lives to tracking, teaching, and protecting Grizzly 399, the world’s most famous bear. As they capture her story, they also confront the growing impact of social media on wildlife, work to educate the public, and fight for practical solutions like bear-proof trash cans to keep both bears and people safe.
With mounting pressure to remove grizzlies from the endangered species list, the film explores the heart of a complex and emotional debate: What does it really mean to protect a wild animal?
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Learn more and buy tickets on The Center’s website.
Editor’s note: This episode was originally published on Oct. 12, 2025.
Two cabins in Jackson, Wyoming are what’s left of a set for a Hollywood western filmed in the area during the 1950s. One of them is five miles north of Jackson in Kelly and the other is under the ownership of History Jackson Hole, a museum in town.
This week on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” Rett Nelson speaks with local researcher Samantha Ford and dives into the history of these cabins, the film in which they were featured and why Jackson was selected as the production site.
If you’re a cinephile or a fan of old movies, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
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Previous episodes are available in the audio player below. Watch previous episodes here.
Season two is coming in 2026. If you have a topic or guest idea for an upcoming episode, email rett@eastidahonews.com.
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