Patricia Annette Caskey

Patricia Annette Caskey, born Patricia Annette Towner, 65, went to be with her Heavenly Father in the early morning of October 10, 2023 at 12:10 AM at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, WY. Patricia had suffered a cardiac event that was exacerbated by advanced-stage cancer.  She was surrounded by many of those she cared for as she passed away peacefully.

Patricia was born on the evening of February 23, 1958 in Gunnison, Colorado, and was raised by John LeRoy and Betty Jane (Roberts) Towner, where she enjoyed spending time on her grandfather`s farm in the Gunnison Valley (which she was quick to mention now lies underneath Blue Mesa Reservoir), and later moved to Jeffrey City, Wyoming, where she had many fond memories of spending time with friends and family, including her "tricycle buddy", Becky Jo Roberts, and her brother, Charlie.  Patricia later returned to Colorado and graduated from Florence High School in Florence, Colorado in 1977. Afterward, she attended the Clearfield Job Corps Center in Clearfield, Utah, which offered her the opportunity to attend the University of Southern Colorado (now Colorado State University - Pueblo).  It was here she met her first husband, Peter Veach Dewees, who was also studying there, whom she married on November 11, 1979 in Pueblo, CO.  From this union their 3 children were "hatched"; Ian Allen (born May 30, 1983 in Colorado Springs, Colorado), Sarah Jane (born July 19, 1985 in Colorado Springs, CO [don`t tell anyone!!]), and Aaron Thomas (born October 11, 1987 in Worland, WY).  Patricia and Peter moved to Thermopolis, Wyoming in 1985; to be closer to family, which included Betty Lou (Stewart) Fare, amongst others; then to Riverton, and later settled in Lander, WY in 1989.  Patricia and Peter were divorced in Lander in 2000, at which point Patricia continued to live there and raised her children. 

While living in Lander, Patricia continued to pursue her education, eventually earning an Associate`s degree in Criminal Justice from Central Wyoming College.  While working on her education and raising her very, ahem, "lively" children, she supported them by working in the heathcare industry with medically disabled people at Wyoming Life Resource Center, and at times with Community Reentry Services and Showboat Retirement Center in Lander; many times working 2 jobs at once. She finally retired from WLRC in 2021. Her work ethic was an inspiration to her children and those around her.

Later on in her life, her 2 grandchildren were born to her daughter Sarah; Samuel Allen Smith (born May 9, 2005 in Riverton, WY), and Elora Lou Smith (born June 25, 2007 in Casper, WY). Patricia doted on her grandchildren at every possible opportunity, and followed their every milestone with great interest. 

Patrica also remarried during this era, marrying Gerald Michaelson Caskey on September 21, 2016 in Lander, WY.  They remained at each other`s side, literally, to the very end.

Patricia enjoyed many hobbies in her spare time, including crocheting, cooking, and canning.  Many family members and friends enjoyed her homemade apple butter, peach jam, and many other canned goods, which frequently found their way across the United States.  She also liked to travel whenever possible with her family, and spending time outside with them.  If she wasn`t outside with family and friends; she could be frequently found indoors shopping at any store that sparked her interest.  This is a trait that, to the chagrin of their spouses, was passed on to her children.  She also had a special place in her heart for animals, adopting many dogs and cats over the years and nursing them back to health.  The holiday season was a special time for her as well, which was further punctuated by Gerry`s uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus.  She also appreciated a good laugh at any given opportunity.

She was preceded in death by many loved ones, including John LeRoy and Betty Jane Towner; Charlie and Mary Beth Roberts, William Boyd "Bill" Stewart, and Betty Lou Stewart-Fare.  Also preceded in death was an infant granddaughter, Lillian Piper Dewees.

She is survived by her husband Gerry, and family members Bill and Leann Griffith of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Robert "Bob" Stewart of Chico, CA; Anthony and Rebecca Green of Washington; Charlie Roberts of Cheyenne, WY; Howard and Marie Fare of Gillette, WY; Glenn Towner of Rawlins, WY; Linda and David Hardin of Casper, WY; and Joseph and Amy Moore of San Antonio, TX.  Pat is also survived by her 3 children; Ian Dewees of Central Point, OR; Eric and Sarah Kraft of Casper, WY with grandkids Sam and Elora; Aaron and Amanda Dewees of Casper, WY, ex-husband Peter Dewees of Casper, WY, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

This obituary wouldn`t be complete without acknowledging her many friends, almost too numerous to name, whom Pat regarded as much as many regard family.

By Patricia`s request, there will be no funeral at this time; an informal memorial will be held in summer 2024 at a time and place yet to be determined.  Cremation will be performed by Bustard`s and Jacoby Funeral Home in Casper, WY.

Patricia`s family would like to extend a special thank-you to the ICU unit at Banner Health Wyoming Medical Center for their expert and compassionate care during Pat`s final hours, and also to Trac Pfeifer, PA at Lander Medical Clinic for his professional care and friendship to Pat over the years.

The Informal Memorial of August 31, 2024 in Lander wyoming location to be announced.