Kaye Zimmer

Thermopolis resident Kaye "Kasey" Marian Zimmer, 74, passed away on January 26, 2015, after fighting a valiant battle against cancer. Kaye was born March 16, 1940, to Ethel Margaret Spicer and Kenneth Martin. In 1969, she married Ron Zimmer. Kaye raised three sons - Dave, Steve, and Rick - as well as her granddaughter Shawna, whom she adopted. In 1958, Kaye graduated from Worland High School. She attended Casper College on a nursing scholarship. In 1995, Kaye graduated with High Distinction Honors from Lakewood College in White Bear Lake, MN, with an AAS degree in Chemical Dependency Specialist Counseling and an AA Degree in Human Services. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, a Lakewood Presidential Scholar, and an Outstanding Leadership Award Recipient. She also completed a six month counseling internship at Hazelden Rehabilitation and Recovery Center in Center City, MN. Throughout her lifetime, Kaye held a variety of jobs, all of which continued the care-giving theme: she ran her own daycare center, started a humane society, counseled chemically-dependent addicts, and managed apartment complexes. She also dedicated her life to caring for animals: she enthusiastically rescued stray cats and dogs, fed pikas, and took her dogs swimming in the river. Kaye always passionately championed causes, which included fighting against leg-hold traps. Her greatest joy was spent talking with family members and friends, and in her final days, her greatest delight came when she received phone calls from loved ones. Kaye loved the Big Horn Mountains, collecting antiques, and riding horses. She was incredibly proud of her sons and her grandchildren. Whether her loved ones were performing at gymnastics meets, football games, volleyball games, art galleries, or concerts, Kaye was always the most enthusiastic cheerleader. Kaye was preceded in death by her mother Ethel, her father Kenneth, her stepfather Gerald Spicer, and her favorite aunt Hazel Bowman. She is survived by Ron Zimmer; her children: Dave (Jenni,) Steve, Rick (Pam); and five grandchildren: Zach, Doug, Shawna, Kaylee, and Chloe. She is also survived by her siblings: Kenny (Richard) Thoen, Jerry (Cheryl) Spicer, Mike (Pam) Martin, Patty (Jim) Rasmussen, and Laurie (Don) Harvey. Kaye is also survived by numerous loved ones, including her beloved dogs, Ninja and Kiah. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kaye's name to the Central Wyoming Hospice Program or to your local humane society. A memorial service will take place in Thermopolis later this summer.