Kathleen “Kathi” Sue Clymer, 70, passed away on March 24, 2023, in Laramie, Wyoming, leaving a legacy of extraordinary creativity, lifelong learning, and unwavering love for her family, friends, students, and the fine arts. She was a multi-talented spirit who touched thousands of lives for the better.
Kathleen was born in Laramie, Wyoming, at Ivinson Memorial Hospital on July 22, 1952, the daughter of Edwin R. Clymer and Edith White Clymer. Her formative childhood years were spent with a backdrop of Snowy Range landscapes. She was a member of the Laramie Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls from age seven to 17. She was a 4-H member from age nine through collegiate years and judged at the Wyoming State Fair for Open Class Arts & Crafts.
A woman of high expectations, sage wisdom, and an honest word, Kathleen wanted everyone to have their best chance in life and to know their self-worth; she tirelessly gave to others because she believed in the essence of humanity. She blazed an unforgettable career as a full-time educator, advisor, and director. She taught art, theater, and speech for 27 years in Wyoming and Colorado public schools. Numerous students from Glenrock, Burlington, and Green River were part of her life’s joy.
Kathleen had a flare for productions and always had a plan. Whether her vision included producing full-scale musicals, traveling the world, organizing the Wyoming High School State Arts Symposium, or attending Native American rendezvous reenactments, she touched the hearts of many. Kathleen had an incredible work ethic. After full days at school, she could be found nights and weekends in the theater and art rooms mentoring students. Her set designs and costumes wowed audiences. She empowered people to believe in themselves, and she provided support and a safe-harbor.
Kathleen was a dedicated leader; she contributed to improving the communities in which she lived. She served as President of Wyoming Secondary Art Educators, President of Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theater, and was a member of the Wyoming Education Association Board of Directors. She was awarded the Wyoming Outstanding Art Teacher and the Wyoming Outstanding Theater Educator. She was employed at University of Wyoming as a Student Life Specialist. She served as Director of the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce and was the creator of the “Freedom Has a Birthday” Fourth of July event still celebrated in Laramie. Her Facebook page is flooded with positive memoirs–a testament to the scope of her influence.
Time spent at the Arlington homestead property along Three-Mile Creek was one of Kathi’s greatest joys.
In retirement, she taught at the Laramie Montessori School, became a 4-H Leader, and was a member of The Unexpected Company–a Laramie Senior Citizens’ theater group. She created beautiful fused-glass art, sculpture narratives, and detailed beadwork pieces.
Kathleen held a love of Native American culture. She faithfully presented at Rendezvous for fourth-grade students. She was involved in Buffalo Days and was one of the founding members of the Shell River Indian Camp, attending annually. As a respected mentor, Kathleen was highly interested in preserving the authenticity of 1840-1870’s Native American attire. She loved camping in her tipi.
Kathleen was married to Warren A. Clarke in 2007; the couple parted in 2011.
Although she had no children of her own, one of her most important callings was giving unconditional love to her extended family. Their welfare and happiness were always on her mind.
Kathleen is survived by her sisters: Karling Clymer Abernathy (Ed) of Cody, WY and Valorie Clymer Smith of Laramie, WY; nieces and nephew: Corelle Smith Lotzer, Shawnee Smith Abell, and Dana Edwin Smith; great nieces and nephews: Annica Fenus Lotzer, Landon and Liam Lotzer, Riley and Cale Smith, Shelby and Britian Abell; and great-great nephews Charlie & Bair Vollmer. Kathi’s furr-family cats and dogs were the luckiest animals on the planet.
In 2022, she published her book Dymphna the Dowdy Dragon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that expressions of love for Kathi’s life be made by ordering her book and sharing its message of finding acceptance and joy along life’s journey. (Her book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.)
There will be a funeral service at First Christian Church, 2130 East Garfield Street in Laramie, Wyoming at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023. To watch via livestream
Kathleen, or as some knew as Kathy, I called her Miss Clymer because she was my high school art teacher. What a great teacher she was! Treating us with an unbiased attitude, pushing us to greater heights and encouraging us to open our eyes to to this world of opportunity and leave a mark of beauty behind. She lived out, “do unto others as you would have them do to you” I will miss our messenger chats. Thank you For inspiring me to greater heights and for leaving your imprint on me. Kathleen you will be missed here but I will see you in glory on the other side. See you later my friend Brenda S
Kathy will be greatly missed. I was lucky to talk to Kathy in Safeway some time back and was shock to learned she had passed. I'll alway remeber her in 4-H and school. Thank Kathy for the memories. RIP
I hope she goes with 1000 cranes. What an inspiration to all her students.And also to those students parents. She has left a void that an never be filled. RIP beautiful spirit.
Passion! Kathleen had a heart full of it. She had many irons in the fire and she perused every one of them with passion. Kathleen lead by example. You could see her passion in every thing she did. That is what people learned from her. Passion for what you love leads you to happiness. I experienced her passion for theatre. It was because of that passion she spearheaded a group of dedicated theatre coaches to develop the amazing state drama. I was a better director, teacher and person because I had her passion for theatre in my life. There are so many little things about Kathleen I will miss. The biggest thing I will miss was her passion for life! You will be in my heart forever ❤️
Beautiful!
Wow....have not seen for far too long. What a glorious dedicated life for the arts--which, being an incurable art major myself - makes me pause and reflect how full of experiential, celebratory art-based living she maintained. I recall during high school how steadfast she was re: trying to put anything past her.....she would tilt her head, kindly inform you not to bs her, and frankly she just leveled you with the darn truth of the matter. I still respect her for her unwavering candor and lifelong stand for basic, humanistic reality. Which we all should be as enriched by such constancy. God bless her , she was always great classmate. Am sorry, now, that I did not see her once again....but wont ever forget her.... ralph johnson consistent as her and her total gifts she bestowed on so many. She made me laugh, also. Not an easy feat in todays world.
I grew up knowing Kathi and her family...we spent many weekends with the Clymers at my Aunt Diana and Uncle Sam's house. I always enjoyed Kathi's humor. My condolences to your family.
Kathi will be remembered for her creative congenital and personality. She was a shining star in all of her accomplishments. I remembered Kathi in 4-H camp and many different activities. While we have been leading our separate lives, she has obtained respect and dignity for her family and friends. Sympathy and prayers for all who know her. I will be thinking of her sisters during their difficult time.
Valorie, and family, My heart goes out to you all! We all go back to grade school and I don’t think I’ve ever met such a talented family who has shared so much with all of us. I’m just sorry I didn’t get the chance to be around Kathy and all the joy she shared! RIP Kathy Heaven’s gained another beautiful Angel🙏 My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Valerie, family and friends... I had the joy of knowing Kathi through the Laramie school system....from 2nd grade through high school graduation. Unfortunately I wasn't able to share in the wonderful life that she led...what a remarkable woman she was. She left quite an impressive legacy. My most sincere condolences for her loss. God bless and rest in peace Kathi.
Kathi was one one the most important people in my life, from the time she worked in the Student Union Art Gallery and mentored the Student Activities Board members. She gave me an appreciation for art that I had not had before that. She also helped our Board members to use organization techniques that have lasted a lifetime. In getting to know her, I got to know the whole Clymer Clan. But her family extended far beyond her family of birth. My sympathies to all whole loved her through the various iterations of creative phases of her life. I grew up, after college, with many of her previous students and still learn that I have worked with her past students who share with the world what they learned under her tutelage. Kathi will be missed by Laramie, Albany County, Wyoming, our Country and the World which will all be less colorful and flamboyant without her. Luckily she gifted the rest of us with the skills to carry on without her in the room, or on the field, without her. The world has been better with her in it. I will be forever greatful she left her mark on so many of us who can do our best to keep leaving her lessons on the world as we continue on.
Kathi was such an amazing teacher and person. She helped my daughter so much and Amanda absolutely loved her and learned so much from her. I got her book this Past Christmas for Amanda and I'm so very glad I did. It will be cherished! I was one of her custodians that cleaned her toom and loved seeing all the different projects. Hearing all the rehearsals etc. Rest in peace my friend! You were amazing!
Oh, we will miss you Kathi! Thank you so much for all the love you gave the ACSD kiddos.
You know, it's been a long. tough winter. We are all ready for some green scenes, flowing water, and a wildflower or two. The mountains are really calling. It has been hard to accept this loss. So, for my dear, dear, dear friend-sis, God be with you until we meet again. I love you; you are the incredible, talented, creative, and ever-extroverted pure "Kathleen". It's going to be hard to finish the days here on Earth without your voice and flare. This introvert appreciates every memory that you and I shared through life's journey. You are the "real deal". None of us gets out of life without some heartache shored up with love. The language of friendship is not words but meanings. My cellphone misses your ringtone already.
Valorie, Dana and Families, You are in my thoughts and prayers for the loss of Kathy, before her time. Kathy was a dynamic personality and she will be missed by her family and many friends and classmates from the Class of 1970.
I had not seen Kathy in several years. I enjoyed reading her many accomplishments. She was indeed a remarkable person. Jimm Ohrmund