Richard David Tranas, age 81, passed away April 19, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones in Cheyenne, WY. Richard was born December 30, 1943 in Laramie, WY to his parents Nicolai & Florence Tranas. He was the most loving and supportive son, brother, father, uncle, and Gaga you could find. He was also a dedicated and loving husband to his wife of over 50 years, Ruth Tranas, who passed in 2021. He was the eldest brother to siblings Donald Tranas, Carol Henry, and Lois Richey. He grew up in Wyoming, living in both Laramie and Fox Park. He moved to Iowa for work on a whim, which is where he met Ruth, and the two married after only meeting four months prior.
The two lived in Iowa, followed by New Jersey, and then Memphis, TN where their family would grow with births of their daughters. Richard & Ruth lived several places over the five decades they were together, including Florida, Colorado, and a few returns to Tennessee and Wyoming. Richard worked a few careers over the years, including a budget analyst for the US Navy, but if you were to ever ask him what his favorite “job” was, it would be being a father and grandfather.
Richard was destined to be a girl dad, having his three daughters, eight granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter. He was famously named “Gaga” by his grandchildren, and everyone that knew him knows what a fantastic dad and Gaga he was. If any of his girls needed anything, from driving lessons to a bowl of ice cream, he would be the first to volunteer to do it. He was filled with pride in all of the accomplishments his girls made. He was also the epitome of the dad that didn’t want another dog, and then very shortly after would be best friends with them. He was religious about going on his 2 mile walks everyday, where he would speed past anyone else there even in his eighties. Anytime you would see him in person, you could guarantee he would also have some cookie crumbs on him too.
Richard is survived by his daughters, Corry (Paul) Mazerac, Nichole (Kevin) Rudowski, & Robin Tranas; his granddaughters, Peyton (Elijah) Tranas, Sophie Ray, Emma Ray, Kallie Abbott, Isabella Rudowski, Addison Abbott, Olivia Rudwoski, & Nora Beach; his great-granddaughter, Natalie Tranas; siblings Carol (Fred) Henry & Donald (Shirley) Tranas. He joins his parents, sister Lois, and wife Ruth.
A visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Military Honors.
