Crystal Leigh Hamaker passed away on February 1, 2024 at the age of 56.  Crystal was born and raised in Laramie, later raising her own family here. 

Crystal is survived by her Father William (Bill) Smith, her brothers Wayne, Leonard, and Dick, and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.   She was preceded in death by her mother Darlene Smith and sister Deborah Pohl.    Crystal and her husband, Steve Hamaker, married on July 29, 1995.   Together Crystal and Steve raised their children Brock Hileman (from a previous marriage) and Baileigh Hamaker In Laramie.  Brock and his wife Vanessa reside in Virginia.  Crystal was immensely proud of Brock’s time in the Air Force through several deployments and his service as a crew member on Air Force 2.  Baileigh resides in Laramie, attends LCCC, and works as a care provider for persons with disabilities.   Crystal took pride in watching Baileigh installed as an Honored Queen in Job’s Daughters, continuing Crystal’s legacy as an honored queen herself.  Steve has spent his career as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wyoming. 

Crystal’s passion for family was rivaled only by her fur babies, including two loyal dogs and a pair of mischievous cats, whose companionship, snuggles, and soft purrs provided endless joy.    Crystal enjoyed traveling, and spent extended time exploring Hawaii and Italy.  Crystal worked several years as a phlebotomist at Ivinson Memorial Hospital, earning the label of being a ‘vampire’ she embraced throughout life.  She later worked as a tumor registrar in medical records.  Crystal continued her lifetime interest in health and medicine, including taking college classes with a focus on medicine.   As her health began to deteriorate due to Multiple Sclerosis she remained active in the community, dedicating her time coaching her own children and hundreds of other Laramie youth in recreational soccer, often serving as a support and mentor.  She joined the board and later served many years as president of the organization.

Crystal enjoyed writing and expressed her passion through poetry, having some of her work formally recognized and published.   Later in life, Crystal turned her lifetime love of music into a ‘secret identity’, where she owned an internet radio station and regularly hosted live shows where she spun the most electrifying tracks using a stage name.  Known for her inoffensive humor and a laugh that could wake the dead, her mixes earned devoted listeners from across the world keen to head bang and share in her joy for life.  Crystal helped promote and publicize several bands in the U.S. and the U.K., who claimed her as their “PR Girl”.    Many of her radio partners and DJ’s suffered from disabilities and similar life circumstances, resulting in supportive bonds and friendships that Crystal deeply cherished.  Crystal recently achieved a lifelong dream being credited as the author of a song based on her poetry, in collaboration with a dear musician in Miami.

Her friends and family request you honor her memory by wearing your most extravagant metal tees in tribute while envisioning her surrounded by those that proceeded her as she continues her legendary storytelling.  Crystal’s legacy will live on through the retelling of her epic tales and escapades that reverberate through the hearts of those she touched. 

Crystal requested cremation and the family will gather for a burial service this summer.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests you wear your most extravagant metal band tees in tribute, or consider a donation in Crystal’s name to National Multiple Sclerosis Society