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Aug 18, 2023

Obituaries: Carroll; Flores Sr.; Kennedy; Lopez; Wood

Dee Carroll Dee Carroll: 1955 – 2023 Wanda “Dee” Carroll, 68, of Gillette passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord on August 24, 2023 after fighting a valiant and brave battle with Ovarian

Dee Carroll

Dee Carroll: 1955 – 2023

Wanda “Dee” Carroll, 68, of Gillette passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord on August 24, 2023 after fighting a valiant and brave battle with Ovarian Cancer.

Dee, daughter to Nina Mae Watts and George Malven Watts Jr., was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, on January 18, 1955. She spent her youth running the hills with her five siblings (Sandy, Melvin, Jim, Rene and Mae) and helping on their ranch near Devils Tower. After her junior year of high school, she met her loving husband, Peter Kim Carroll. Dee was a devoted wife to Deacon Kim for 49 years; mother to Christopher J. Carroll (Heather), Sabrina M. Rossi (Peter), and Joshua L. Carroll (Katie); and grandmother to many wonderful grandchildren.

Whether an administrator, banker, florist (Dee’s Greenhouse), or innkeeper (Lytle Creek Inn B&B), Dee was loving and fearless all wrapped up in one gentle lady. As testimony to this, one night waiting for a guest she caught movement out of her eye and witnessed a mountain lion staring her down through the patio door. Her first reaction was to grab her broom and scoot that critter right off her deck. She believed in the grace of God, the love of Mary, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Dee treasured the land, her home, and the peace of the countryside and mountains. Listening to hymns quietly in the background was one of her favorite ways to pray and give thanksgiving while going about her day. Dee’s hospitality knew no limits as she always had enough love for another soul, a cup of coffee, a delicious warm meal, a comfortable bed, and above all a greeting of joy and laughter to let you know you were most welcome. While keeping meticulous notes, she was always researching her next endeavor or how she could most effectively accommodate the palettes that came her way. Tidiness was her calling card, and sentimentality her greatest weakness. But make no mistake, she had high expectations that goodness, honesty, and morality be demonstrated by those around her, and she held all of us to those standards. Dee was gracious and a giving soul to those in need. One of her last wishes for her family was to keep her charities going, especially for those assisting children.

Dee had many loves: the quiet; her faith; flowers and gardening; running her businesses; baking and cooking; watching the birds; admiring the butterflies, bees, and storms; her canine pals; camping in the mountains; or sitting by the ocean. But oh, how she cherished her family and friends, loyal to the end no matter their faults. Her greatest dream for all was that we continue chasing rainbows and butterflies and live life with gusto.

Vigil with Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church on Friday, September 1, 2023. Luncheon to follow at St. Matthew’s. Burial at the Alva Cemetery (10 miles east of Hulett) at approximately 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessings in a Backpack. Memorials can be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St., Gillette, WY 82716 or St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 900 Butler Spaeth Road, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences can also be expressed at www.GilletteMemorialChapel.com

We wish to extend a huge Thank You to all, especially the doctors, nurses, and hospice care workers who assisted Dee on her journey.

Arnold Arthur Flores Sr.: 1955 – 2023

Arnold Arthur Flores Sr., known fondly as Arnie, was born on July 5, 1955, in Uvalde, Texas to Amelia Gonzales Flores and Leopoldo Mireles Flores. He peacefully passed away on August 26, 2023, at Campbell County Memorial Hospital. Arnie fought a long battle for his health that culminated in his transition to the next life while his loving wife of 40 years, Sylvia Fuentes Flores, was close at his side.

Arnie’s journey in life took him on various paths, but he dedicated most of his career to the field of carpentry. He began his work as a Roustabout for the oil rigs around Texas before eventually joining his father as a carpenter. Together with his father, Leo Flores, Arnie helped craft beautiful homes for many families. His dedication and skill earned him respect throughout the community, and he retired in 2010 after leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship.

Despite his achievements in his career, Arnie’s true joy came from spending time with his family. After retiring in 2010, he and Sylvia welcomed two grandchildren into their home. The love he showered upon them created cherished memories that will be treasured forever.

Arnie had a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. He was known for being quiet, kindhearted, and understated – always putting others before himself. His humble nature made an impact on everyone he encountered. Whether it was a genuine smile or a helping hand when needed most, Arnie touched the lives of many through small acts of kindness.

In addition to his love for carpentry and family, Arnie had a number of hobbies and interests that brought him great pleasure. He loved playing slots and somehow found tranquility amidst the bright lights and spinning reels. An avid outdoorsman, Arnie enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and four-wheeling – finding peace among nature’s beauty. And who could forget his love for black coffee? Arnie found comfort in a cup of joe, savoring the simplicity of its rich aroma and bold flavor. He could often be found spending lazy days watching Gunsmoke and his other favorite Westerns on TV, finding solace in the tales of the old frontier.

Arnie leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his devoted spouse Sylvia Fuentes Flores; their children, Arnold Arthur Flores Jr., Clarissa Ann Flores, Carissa Ann Flores, Catalina LaNay Flores; Arnold’s son Fabian Flores; and Sylvia’s son, Luis Antonio Fuentes. He is also survived by his sister Alda Ema Banda; and twelve beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leopoldo and Amelia Flores.

Arnold Arthur Flores Sr. will always be remembered as a man of integrity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family. His legacy lives on through the homes he built and the love he shared. May his soul find eternal peace as we honor his memory with gratitude for the profound impact he had on our lives.

A memorial service in Arnie’s honor will be conducted in the near future. Return to this site for updated details.

John L. Kennedy: 1948 – 2023

John L Kennedy, 75, of Gillette, Wyoming died peacefully on August 23, 2023 in the comfort of his own home.

John was born in Baltimore Maryland on March 31, 1948, to Eugene Paul and Mary Jean Kennedy. John attended Loyola-Blakefield High School and went on to pursue his education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida receiving his B.A. in 1970 and his M.B.A. in 1972 from the Roy E. Crummer School of Finance and Business Administration, Rollins College.

John was also a proud veteran of the United States Army National Guard. He worked in the oil and gas industry as a Petroleum Landman since 1975. His profession took him everywhere across the United States. He came to Gillette with plans of only staying five months but ended up making Gillette his full-time home. He cultivated and retained lifelong friendships from his high school, college and landman days.

John was a voracious reader, loved traveling, and enjoyed watching every single baseball game on TV, but especially when the Baltimore Orioles were playing. He was on cloud nine that they might make it to the World Series this year. Most of all, John enjoyed having a beer or two with friends and loved ones.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness, and larger than life personality.

John is survived by numerous cousins and friends he considered family. Preceded in death by his parents; brother Paul Kennedy; and nephew Michael Kennedy.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a good old fashioned Irish wake immediately afterwards at Good Times Liquor and Lounge. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wyoming Association of Professional Landman Scholarship Program: https://www.wylandman.com/index.php/membership/scholarships/in-memory-of-john-l-kennedy in memory of the extraordinary generosity and mentorship that John gave to the many people he brought into the landman business over the years and changed their lives for the better.

Maribel Lopez: 1962 – 2023

Funeral service for Maribel Lopez will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday September 1, 2023 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Pastor David Jahn officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West Fifth Street, Gillette, WY 82716.

Mrs. Lopez, age 61, of Gillette, died Thursday, August 24, 2023 peacefully at Westview Health surrounded by her loved ones.

Maribel was born in Chihuahua, Mexico to Teodoro and Teresa Jaramillo. She was raised and educated in Chihuahua and after completion of her schooling Maribel married Alejandro Lopez in 1979. In 1980 she moved with Alejandro to Wyoming. The couple made their home in Gillette together raising their children here.

Maribel’s primary focus was her family. She was the most amazing mother, dedicating most of her life working inside the home, caring for her children as they were growing up and making sure everyone was loved and tended to. This love has spilled over to her grandchildren who she delighted in.

Maribel enjoyed cooking meals and baking for her family, taking walks and music. She sang beautifully and cherished times when she would sing in church with her siblings. She was an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Maribel will be remembered most for her faith, kindness, compassion and her joyful smile.

Maribel will be missed by her husband of 44 years, Alejandro; children: Gene Lopez, William (Kelsey) Lopez, Rosie (Jesus) Acuna, Teresa (Aaron Schwartz), Liz (Matt) Reeves and Eunice (David) Jahn; 10 grandchildren; siblings: Chito Jaramillo, Lety Hernandez, Ida Jaramillo, Teodoro Jaramillo and Azeneth Heredia; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Ernesto and Paco.

Gerald “Jerry” Wood: 1953 – 2023

Funeral services for Gerald “Jerry” Lee Wood will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Family Life Church with Elder Ron Lenard, from Grand Junction, Colorado officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West Fifth Street, Gillette, WY 82716.

Mr. Wood, age 70, died Friday, August 25, 2023 peacefully at Campbell County Health surrounded by his loved ones, following a 17 year lung battle.

Gerald Lee Wood, known to his friends and family as Jerry was born in Wellington, Kansas to Billy and Doris (Arnold) Wood. He was raised and educated in Colorado and Wyoming. He attended High School at Campbell County graduating in 1971. After graduation from high school he attended University of Denver. Following his time in Denver, he worked for Baker Services, in Utah and Colorado. He then moved back to Gillette, Wyoming to join the family business, Wood Wireline Service, Inc.

In 1981 he and his business partner started High Plains, Inc.He married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Boden in 1977 in Elko, Nevada. The couple made their home in Gillette where they continued to run the family business. Jerry and Vicki were blessed with their son Dustin Lee (1980) and daughter Tiffany Jan (1983).

Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing. In his younger days he enjoyed winter sports, playing softball, basketball and attending concerts. In recent years he enjoyed spending time in Ten Sleep with his wife and grandkids.

He will be remembered most by his words of wisdom and his generosity to people that came across his path.

Gerald will be missed by his wife Vicki; children: Dustin (Jade) Wood and Tiffany (Matthew) Nelson; grandchildren: Patience, Kodi, Jace and Juel Wood, Landon and Grayson Nelson; siblings: Cheryl Stocker, Linda (Ron) Lenard and Lloyd (Glenita) Wood as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws (Glen and Janette Boden); and his beloved dog, Trooper; uncle Earl; brother-in-law Stocker; and nephews.

Memorials in Gerald’s name are suggested to benefit Polstar Outdoors (a charity for Wounded Veterans and Terminally Ill Children) or a charity of your choice. Donations can be sent in care of Gerald Lee Wood to Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West Fifth Street, Gillette, WY 82716.

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