Mary Pauline Wills

Mary Pauline Wills passed away on September 15, 2018, at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She was born December 7, 1947, in Thermopolis, Wyo. Mary grew up on the Kirby Creek Ranch near Thermopolis. Her mother, Rose Marie Berg Wills, and father, Charles Michael Wills, worked on the sheep ranch, which was owned by Dave and JoAnn Jones. Mary's ranch family in Thermopolis remained an important part of her life.

Mary moved to Pinedale to begin her teaching career at the Pinedale Elementary School in 1969 after graduating from Casper College and the University of Wyoming. During her 42 year tenure as a teacher in Pinedale, she taught kindergarten, third, fourth, and fifth grades. Being a lifelong Wyoming resident, Mary eagerly shared the history of Wyoming with anyone that would listen, kid or adult. During her tenure in Pinedale, Mary was a faithful member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Nella Rose Maria Wills (Carl) Stark of Casper; grandchildren, Isabel Rose of Laramie; Michael Ray and Logan Charles of Carondelet, Ill.; Anna Marie and Natalie Kaylin of Casper; JoAnn Jones, Everett Jones, and Linda Kay Heinze.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Rose Marie Wills; and father, Charles Michael Wills.

A celebratory luncheon was held on September 23. She will be buried beside her parents in the Riverside Cemetery near Thermopolis. Donations can be made in Mary's memory to Rendezvous Pointe, P. O. Box 804, Pinedale, WY 82941.