Julie Coombs Bugher, 73, of Sheridan, Wyoming, passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2025, at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming.
Julie was born on November 6, 1951, in Sidney, Montana, to Eugene and Irene (Sherrow) Coombs. She grew up in Billings, Montana, and attended Billings West High School. Julie graduated with honors from Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon, in 1974 with a degree in Family and Consumer Science and Business. During her college years, she proudly worked on a project with the Portland Trail Blazers, organizing a fashion show featuring the wives of NBA players.
After college, Julie moved to Buffalo, Wyoming, where she met and married her husband, Gerald “John” Bugher. She initially worked in retail and office positions before dedicating herself to raising her two sons, Chris and Jeff, as a homemaker. In 1997, Julie reentered the workforce, joining Walmart “for something to do,” where she worked until her retirement in 2016. Julie moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, in 2004. Known for her big heart and generous spirit, Julie touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Julie was a devoted mother and is survived by her son Jeff Bugher (Darcy) of Casper, Wyoming; sister Gloria Coombs (Curt) of Fargo, North Dakota; niece Keely Garrity (Steve) of Palm Beach, Florida; nephew Scott Chestnut (Bridget) of Benicia, California; and numerous cherished cousins and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Irene Coombs, stepmother Pennie Coombs, husband Gerald “John” Bugher, sister Edee Russell, and son Christopher Bugher.
Julie’s passions included traveling, cooking, shopping, and volunteering. She was a loyal friend and an avid sports fan who cheered for the Denver Broncos, Wyoming Cowboys/Cowgirls, and the Denver Nuggets. Julie also had a deep love for animals, especially cats.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held later this year in Buffalo, Wyoming. Friends and family will be invited to attend.
In honor of Julie’s love for animals, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to Second Chance Sheridan Cat Rescue in Sheridan, Wyoming. Contributions can be made online at https://sheridancatrescue.org/donate