Donna Thayer (Rubrecht), age 76, of Laramie, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Hospice of Laramie. She was born on February 9, 1947 in Laramie, WY to Jacob and Roine Rubrecht. Donna grew up in Laramie, living with her grandparents, George and Margarite Burgess. She graduated from the Lab School, and later met Jack Thayer. They got married on April 22, 1966, and moved from Wyoming while Jack was serving in the navy, first to Texas, where she gave birth to their first son Jack “Jay” Thayer, Jr., and later to California, where she gave birth to their second son Patrick Thayer. They returned to Laramie while the boys were young, settling into a beautiful life in her hometown. 

Donna loved nature, always caring for trees and gardens, and traveling around the western states in search of great adventures. She also enjoyed the time spent with her grandchildren, especially during the summer of “Blue Van & Tent Camp” and the Band Camps held at UW. She was an avid UW athletics fan, often found at their basketball games. Donna was surrounded by friends and loved ones as time passed, bringing her joy and pride. She will be greatly missed but remembered fondly.

Donna was preceded in death by her loving husband Jack, and her brothers Ronald, Michael, and David.

She is survived by her children Pat (Kellie) and Jay; brothers George (Penny) and Roy; sisters Sharon, Sandra (Bud), Mary Beth, Joanne (Scott), Monica, Theresa (Wayne), Diane; her caregiving daughter-in-law Brenda; her five grandchildren Dani, Jordan, Katie, Megan, Sydney; and two great grandchildren Austen, Scarlet. 

The funeral service will be held at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home at 11:00 am on Friday, July 7th, with the viewing beginning at 10:00 am. A private graveside service with interment will be held at Greenhill Cemetery immediately following the service. Friends and family are invited for a celebration of life at the Laramie VFW on July 7th, beginning at 12:00 pm.

The family would like to recognize and thank the incredible caregivers and medical professionals at Ivinson Memorial Hospital, Premier Bone and Joint, Cottonwood Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Hospice of Laramie.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice of Laramie (https://hospiceoflaramie.networkforgood.com/projects/133514-hospice-of-laramie) or the Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA) through the University of Wyoming (http://uwyo.edu/giveonline – designated in the Giving Priorities* search box) would be appreciated.