Ronald Melvin Balsom: 1942 – 2025
Ronald M. “Ron” Balsom, age 83, of Casper, Wyoming, went home to be with his lord and savior on November 6, 2025. Ron was born on May 10, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to loving parents who nurtured his early love for the water and the outdoors. He grew up near the lake, where he developed a lifelong passion for boating, skiing, and fishing—joys he later passed on to his children and grandchildren.
Ron graduated from Nicolet High School in Glendale, Wisconsin, and after graduation, he waited one year before proudly enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served as an airplane mechanic, dedicating those years to his country with excellence and integrity. His love for aviation never left him; he held a private pilot’s license and cherished his final road trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to attend the world’s largest annual aviation gathering, the EAA AirVenture—a pilot’s dream filled with over 10,000 aircraft and endless inspiration.
In 1963, Ron married his first wife, Minnie, and together they welcomed two children, Randy and Ronda. In 1977, he married Cynthia, and through that loving union gained four children: Phillip, Sherry, Jody, and Misty. Together, Ron and Cindy created countless memories with their grandchildren— Kaden, Taylor, Lita, Sara, Jacob, Zachary, Aaron, Jesse, Sarah, Mikki, Courtney, Hunter, and Dyson—spending summers at the lake and teaching them to appreciate the simple joys of life and the beauty of God’s creation. Ron also leaves behind many great-grandchildren who were all dear to his heart.
Ron’s professional life reflected his creativity and dedication. He worked for Bundy’s Marine before founding his own company, Accent Tile, in Casper, Wyoming. Through his craftsmanship, he left his mark on numerous homes, churches, and businesses across the region. Even today, Accent Tile continues to thrive under new ownership—an enduring testament to Ron’s skill, integrity, and work ethic.
Ron’s faith was central to everything he did. He and Cindy began attending Paradise Valley Church around 1975, where they were married. Ron joyfully served by helping construct the church’s baptismal font, laying the tile himself and helping craft the beautiful cross that still hangs today. He also served faithfully for years as a sound engineer for Highland Park Community Church, where he installed the sound system and supported events throughout Wyoming, from Praise in the Park to Fiddle Feasts and countless others. He had a servant’s heart and used his gifts to glorify God in every way possible.
Together, Ron and Cindy embodied generosity. They often quietly blessed those in need—such as the time they helped a woman in their small group receive new dentures, doing so anonymously to reflect God’s love rather than their own recognition. They opened their home frequently to friends and church families, offering meals, fellowship, and laughter.
Ron’s kindness and humility were unmatched; he lived his faith not through words, but through consistent acts of love and service.
Ron will be remembered for his gentle spirit, patient heart, and unmistakable warmth. Even when he moved into long-term care, his kindness made him beloved by the staff and residents—many affectionately called him “Grandpa.” He had a soft-spoken demeanor, a ready smile, and a playful side that showed up in his love for documentaries, bowls of ice cream, and his favorite Pepsi with lots of ice. Fridays were sacred—his weekly “happy hour” at The Office Bar and Grill, where he enjoyed laughter, community, and his favorite BBQ burger or fish and chips.
Ron requested no formal services. A private burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney, Nebraska, where he will rest beside his beloved wife, Cindy. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Enhabit Home Health, especially Brynne Hughes, for her incredible compassion and care during Ron’s final days. Deep thanks also go to the staff at Shepherd of the Valley Care Center—especially Brooke, his nurse; KiKi in the kitchen, who never let him go without ice cream; Leroy, his kind and patient roommate; and his very special CNA, Ilena, whose tender care and love for Ron will never be forgotten. The family would also like to thank the team at The Office Bar and Grill for the many hours of laughter and meals shared with him over the years. Thank you to Bustard’s Funeral Home (Aaron and Sheldon) who set up care for him during this time.
Ron’s life was a reflection of Christ’s love—quiet, steady, generous, and kind. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of service, faith, and joy will continue to ripple through the lives of those who knew and loved him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23
Lillian June Buh: 1933 – 2025
Lillian June Buh, 92, passed peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025 in Casper, Wyoming.
June was born June 18, 1933 in Superior, Wyoming, to Lillian Hill and John Matiba. She graduated from Superior High School in 1950. She married the late Benjamin Buh in Uinta, Wyoming on June 19, 1954 when she was 21 years old. She was a loving mother and grandmother.
June is survived by one daughter, Sandra Schnorf (Andrew); and preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin and her son, Steven.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyoming.
There will be no services at the request of the deceased.
Gary E. Hoffman: 1945 – 2025
Horse’n around for 80 years!
You may know Gary from 52 years in Cody, Wyoming and the old Corral West Ranchwear across from the Irma Hotel. Gary and his wife Harveyna (deceased 2009) moved to Cody to manage the western wear stores in 1971. They rented a little house on 12th with a white picket fence and sent his two girls to Rose’s day care. They ran their tails off, especially during tourist season with all the stock merchandise either up or down stairs. They made $270 per month plus commissions which won him a trip to Hawaii and ownership shares for the now Boot Barn building in Cheyenne, paid for with yearly bonuses. Goodturn Dr home shaped their lives snowmobiling in Cooke City and Yellowstone and enjoyed many laughs with Country Motion Dance friends. They got to meet John Wayne and entertain the community over the 4th of July parades and community events.
In 1977, they moved to five acres on Cooper Lane and purchased horses. A dream come true for Gary. Many memories of trial by error with new horses and his first and only black Arabian. Gary’s family raised a huge garden, irrigated the land, hayed and invested in Kari (passed in 2007) and Kim’s skiing, gymnastics and dance classes while teaching the family to love and ride horses.
Gary’s buddy started a vacuum and rubber stamp business next to the Corral store. Gary purchased the small business and moved it to a newly built shop back on Goodturn Dr with his new wife Jeanette, ‘Gary’s Vacuum & Rubber Stamps’. His bonus daughters, Laura and then Lynn, worked with them for over 18 years to build a thriving Cody business selling rubber stamps and repairing vacuums for the locals. They greeted customers with a smile and worked hard to provide quality products and services. Gary and his wife Jeanette purchased a property up the Southfork where they watched their 10 grandkids grow, worked the land and had many hay days with family and friends. He bred, trained and raised gorgeous black and white Tennessee Walker paints. Jeanette road trails with him for over 15+ years with friends and members of the Boot and Bottle Club. Gary road many trails, trained his horses, found their gauges and experienced many mountain adventures. He enjoyed a taste of whiskey over the campfire and hunted elk with true horsemen. The best days of his life! He gave many extended family and friends experiences of a lifetime on those mountain trails. Jeanette impressed “all” with her fishing skills, home cooking, fresh garden food and canned goods. Gary could not get enough of her home cooked meals!
They purchased land on Lane 18 on the Powell Highway overlooking McCulough Peaks, Heart Mountain and Carter Mountain. His vision came true after a lot of hard work managing irrigation, growing hay, welding corrals and building a barn on 20 acres. He had great vision! Jeanette always working alongside him with their 10 grandkids and their parents. The grandkids could not believe it could be so much fun picking up rocks and digging fence posts. They had a great life in Cody for 35 years.
After Jeanette’s passing in 2019, Gary sold Lane 18 after 14 years. In 2022 a local guide & family bought his place on the hill and still rides his last paint ‘Willow’.
Gary and family moved him to Alcova, Wyoming with his son-in-law, Mark and daughter, Kim. He enjoyed the lake views off the deck, boating, kayaking, walking, swimming and visiting neighbors with tall tells of mountain passes and glacier lakes. Gary always had a huge smile while ADDING VALUE. After 53 years of cold Wyoming winters, he decided to visit Florida in the winter on the Caloosahatchee River North of The Gulf of America. He loved the sunset views on the water, the morning sun, palm trees, flowers and the beaches! He enjoyed boating, riding his bike around the neighborhood and swimming. He always had companionship with his Chihuahua ‘Pepe’ and the many families and friends he met and visited daily.
He said his goodbyes to his daughters and grandchildren, read prayers and notes from his family. Gary told stories of a six-year-old kid who loved horses. He grew up poor with no running water and sugar and mayonnaise sandwiches on mom’s homemade bread. After picking strawberries in a field at nine years old he loved cooling down in the lake and caring for local horses. With a tear and a last breath of pure gratitude! He left this beautiful earth on his own terms.
A cowboy rides….We are sure your kind heart, big smiles and always adding value… lives on as your legacy left behind!
ID Family~Diane and Patty~sisters, George and Mark~brothers and Jim~(deceased)
Wy Family~Harveyna Hoffman~ex-wife (deceased 2009), Karina Hoffman~daughter (deceased 2007), Kimberly Hoffman Feilmeier~daughter and husband Mark – Alcova, Wyoming, Jeanette Hoffman~wife (deceased 2019), Debbie Hepp~bonus daughter and husband Kevin-Gillette Wyoming, Jacque Reilly~bonus daughter-Dayton Wyoming, Lynn~bonus daughter and husband Darrell-Cody Wyoming, Laura~bonus daughter and husband Harold-Cody, Wyoming.
Blessed with 15 great-grandchildren!
*Gary’s ashes will be scattered on a trail near Meeteetse with Jeanette, Spring 2026.
