Arlene loved growing up in Gillette. She was always proud to be a Gillette Camel from “Camel” county. She told stories of caring for sheep, lambs and cows on the family farm. The family land had rows of lilacs and apple trees that bloomed profusely in the spring. Arlene made sure to always have lilacs and an apple tree in her yard. Arlene graduated from Campbell County High School in 1956. During her time at CCHS, she was involved in choir, band, played volleyball and basketball and was a cheerleader. She was selected as a delegate for Girl’s State in 1955. Arlene was active in Job’s Daughters and served as Honored Queen. Arlene worked at the public library, an experience that inspired her passion for reading and teaching. Arlene grew up in the First Baptist Church in Gillette. She attended summer camp at Camp Wyoba on Casper Mountain and represented Wyoming at the American Baptist Conference in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Arlene lived a life of unwavering faith. Arlene began a life-long love of music during her early childhood in Gillette. She learned to play the piano and taught herself to play the organ. As a teenager, she began playing the organ at Gillette First Baptist Church, following in her sister Louise’s footsteps. Arlene fondly recalled accompanying her sister and brother as they sang duets for church. Arlene continued playing the organ as an adult. She became the organist at First Baptist Church in Laramie in 1965 and continued playing until her retirement in 2012. She was a dedicated and faithful servant in this mission. In addition to playing for weekly services, she played for over 1500 weddings and funerals in the Laramie community. Arlene was an accomplished accompanist; she accompanied countless soloists in her lifetime. Both daughters cherish the memory of being accompanied by their mother for music festivals and competitions.
Arlene loved her family. She loved visiting Gillette and calling on relatives. She loved attending weddings and reunions and never wanted to miss out on anything that involved a gathering of people that she cherished. Arlene loved treating people to breakfast at Perkins, so that people could visit and have more time to enjoy each other, rather than, “sweating away in the kitchen.”
Arlene moved to Laramie in 1956 to attend the University of Wyoming. In 1957, Arlene was introduced to Edward Denny on a blind date. They married on August 24, 1958. In 1959, following Ed’s graduation as a pharmacist, they moved to Wheatland, Wyoming, where their daughter, Debra, was born. They returned to Laramie in 1960. Arlene always said that they were very happy to return to Laramie and that she never wanted to live anywhere else. Arlene returned to UW, completing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1961. Their second daughter, Lori, was born in 1962. Arlene began substitute teaching in Laramie schools in 1962. In 1968 she began a full-time teaching career at Slade Elementary School, where she would teach fifth, fourth and second grades until her retirement in 1999. In 1969, Ed and Arlene bought Moser Pharmacy.
Following her retirement, Arlene and Ed helped care for an elderly friend, Ethel Beyerle, from 1999 to 2004. Ed retired in 2003 and they were able to enjoy travel through the Heritage Club before Ed became seriously ill in 2005. They especially enjoyed a cruise to Alaska with Bill and JoAnn Fassbender. Arlene was a loving and devoted caregiver to Ed. They were happily married for forty-six years. She was crushed by his death on October 5, 2006. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed traveling; attending UW football and basketball games; golfing; fishing; and gardening. Their favorite travel destination was the central coast of California where their daughter Debra and her family live. They brought Debra and the girls to Laramie for a month every summer. Many fun adventures were had and happy memories created.
Arlene enjoyed her pets. She and Ed encouraged their girls to learn responsibility through the care of family pets. They were excellent dog sitters for their daughter Lori and were known to kidnap her dogs if they felt that they were not getting enough attention. Following Ed’s death, Arlene had a special bond with her dog Snickers who was her constant companion.
Arlene enjoyed her membership in the following organizations: The Order of the Eastern Star, Snowy Range Chapter #45 where she was a 50 year member. She held many offices, most notably Worthy Matron and Organist and Grand Organist for Grand Chapter; She served as Bethel Guardian for Job’s Daughters Bethel #2. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi; Jacques Laramie DAR; and Jacoby Ladies Golf. She was a 50 year member of First Baptist Church. In addition to being the organist at First Baptist Church, she served on the Diaconate Board, Worship Committee, Board of Trustees, Properties Committee, and enjoyed monthly American Baptist Women luncheons. While her girls were young, she was involved in Vacation Bible School and children’s church activities. Arlene was a member of Kenspeckle Players. As a widow, Arlene enjoyed knitting, crocheting, going to the movies, watching As The World Turns, traveling and visiting family. She especially enjoyed trips to Hawaii, China and Nova Scotia. She remained a loyal Wyoming Cowboy and Cowgirl fan throughout her life and never missed a Homecoming Parade. She enjoyed Jubilee Days and the Downtown Farmer’s Market.
Arlene was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Type Dementia in 2012. Alzheimer’s Dementia is an insidious disease that stealthily robs a person of their dignity, self-determination and identity. It is often called the long good-bye. Arlene’s ability to live independently changed in 2016, at which time she moved to Spring Wind Assisted Living and then to the Memory Care in 2018. Arlene never complained or became angry about her circumstances. She enjoyed the social and activity aspect of assisted living and always enjoyed visiting with people. She enjoyed playing the piano for the weekly Gospel Hour at Spring Wind as long as she was able to play. She found purpose reading for the residents who were no longer able to read. She retained core elements of her personality to the end. The family is especially grateful for the kind CNA and nursing care that Arlene received while at Spring Wind.
Arlene was a helper. If she saw a need and had either the time or resource to help, she did. She cared about people and wanted to see people succeed. She never met a stranger and was blessed with the gift of gab. She could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything. If a person ever happened to accidentally dial her phone number, she would turn the moment into a conversation. She was a curious and enthusiastic learner. She loved teaching and was a teacher at her core. She never forgot a student and always enjoyed hearing from previous students. Following retirement, she tutored children in reading. She learned Spanish in order to teach ESL to a child who had recently immigrated from Mexico. She also, with deep joy, taught English to a Vietnamese Boat Family that moved to Laramie via sponsorship by the First Baptist Church. She maintained correspondence with this family. She believed in giving back as a form of gratitude.
Arlene is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters Marjorie Bundy and Louise Dickey; brother Marion Bundy; and brothers-in-law Bill Fassbender, Morris Graber, Don Dickey and George Denny. She is survived by her daughters Debra (Art Samo) and Lori (Mike Collamer), granddaughters Lauren and Kristen Samo; step-grandchildren Lindy and Paul Collamer; sister Judy Graber; sisters-in-law JoAnn Fassbender, Louise Bundy and Mary Denny; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews that were all special to her.
We will miss our mom and grams. The world is a little less sweet and definitely less entertaining. Thank you for sharing your faith and conviction that this isn’t the end. Until we meet again, thank you for the music; thank you for the friendship, laughter and love. Thank you for the good that you did in this world.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 1:30pm at the First Baptist Church in Laramie, Wyoming.
The service will be live-streamed via Zoom. The link is as follows:
meeting ID 307 745 4106
passcode 1517
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3077454106?pwd=L2FDU281c3psRXNyaEdodWI3VFc3QT09
Pallbearers: Mike Collamer, Lauren Samo, Kristen Samo, Janice Hauber, Mike Bundy and Doug Rigsby.
Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Arlene Bundy Denny Memorial Fund to be used for a Memorial Bench and Little Free Library in Laramie. Donations may be sent in care of Lori Denny at 1067 Colina Drive, Laramie, WY 82072.
Dearest Lori and Deb, I am so sorry to have missed your Mom's funeral. I had been planning to come all along but ended up with a severe chest cold and cancelled everything. I really wanted to see you girls. Know I'm thinking of you in your grief, I appreciated your Mom so very much. Lovingly, Carol
Lori and Deb, We have been so blessed to know you and your mom and dad. Your mom was always so positive and funny and we always had good times together in all the groups we belonged to together. Please know you are in our prayers, and your mother will be missed.
Condolences to the entire Denny Family. Arlene was a wonderful person and friend that my Mother (and us) enjoying knowing her and receiving the gifts of life she provided. RIP Arlene, are prayers are with you all.
To Lori and Deb and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It was wonderful to see your mom on a brief visit to Laramie a few years ago! She was the same happy lady I remember from both Slade School and Job’s Daughters. God bless you at this time of loss. Gwen (Lloyd) Johnson
Arlene's gift of music and compassion made worship at First Baptist Church meaningful and beautiful during the years she was the church organist. She and her husband Ed were wonderful friends and provided support and companionship to my parents, Gordon and Mary Davis. Arlene's smile and laughter and music will be missed, and I will carry her in my heart and memories. Christine Davis Inkster
To Arlene’s family: I am the oldest of my parents five children, and have lived for 60 years away from Laramie. We often visited on vacations, and attended church, where we would see Arlene and Ed. She was a wonderful, warm and loyal friend to my parents in spite of their age difference. She recently wrote us a glowing letter about her relationship with them, which I treasure. I offer my most sincere condolences for her loss.