Shannel C. Matula

Honoring the Life of Shannel Matula

Casper, Wyoming – Shannel C. Matula (Vaught), age 38, passed away unexpectedly on May 24, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, after a short illness and due to a medical complication that was not identified until it was too late. Her sudden departure has left her family, friends, and community heartbroken. Her legacy of love, warmth, strength, resilience, and generosity will endure forever.

Born on August 29, 1987, at Midway Hospital in Basin, Wyoming, Shannel entered the world determined to leave her mark. She was the beloved daughter of Jeff Patterson and Julie Vaught and spent her childhood growing up in Greybull, Powell, and Casper. From an early age, Shannel was known for being tough, fearless, and independent—often barefoot and never willing to let anyone stand in her way.

After moving from Greybull, she grew especially close to her Grandma Z and Aunt Char, relationships that deepened her love for family, sports, and cooking. In seventh grade, she moved to Casper, where she established lifelong roots and became deeply involved in the community. Her passion for basketball and track flourished, earning her a Varsity Letter as a freshman. She attended each of Natrona County’s high schools before life ultimately led her down a different path.

In early adulthood, Shannel dedicated herself to creating a better future through determination, education, and hard work while helping raise Ricky, Colter, and Chance through their adolescence into their late twenties. She proudly earned her GED through Casper College in 2013 and later completed an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy in 2018. As a legacy student following in her mother's footsteps, she took great pride in her educational accomplishments.

Shannel was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend who poured her heart into everything she did. On September 2, 2011, she married her soulmate, Chance Matula. Together they shared nearly 15 beautiful years of marriage, building a life grounded in devotion, love, and shared dreams. Side by side, they remodeled two homes before designing and building their forever home in Paradise Valley on a beautiful golf course in 2023. The life they built together was one they cherished daily and never took for granted.

Her greatest joy was her family.

Motherhood began with Berkley Dawn, now 11, whose arrival inspired Shannel to devote herself wholeheartedly to teaching, nurturing, and encouraging her daughter's curiosity. In 2017, Adelyn, now 9, joined the family. Even while balancing college and family life, Shannel embraced her without hesitation, giving her the same unconditional love and support. The girls quickly formed a special bond, spending years growing up together through dance, adventures, and shared memories.

Their son, Chance, now 5, fulfilled Shannel's dream of becoming a boy mom. After years of fertility struggles and a final attempt through IUI, she received the miracle she had hoped for. Her heart felt complete—at least for a while.

Then came Juliette, now 1, the joyful surprise Shannel never expected and lovingly referred to as "Berkley's twin a decade later." Juliette brought endless laughter and energy into the household. As Shannel often joked, their youngest daughter quickly learned that her siblings had become her greatest teachers—and perhaps the leaders of a small rebellion against parental authority.

Shannel's dream of having a large family had come true. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending the last several years exploring the world, creating memories, and educating her children as a stay-at-home mother. One of her favorite adventures was a ten-day road trip with the kids alone, traveling through the Bonneville Salt Flats, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, the Redwood Forest, Oregon, and Idaho before returning home. Along the way, she discovered that waiting for Big Chance often slowed down the itinerary—but never diminished the fun.

Before embracing family life full-time, Shannel was a fearless thrill-seeker who never passed up an adrenaline rush. Her love for the lake was nurtured by her parents and strengthened by countless sunny days on the water. Whether cliff jumping or encouraging others to face their fears, she inspired people to take the leap. With her trademark humor, she often ran past hesitant spectators with playful taunts that left everyone laughing and scrambling to follow.

Her brother Ricky introduced her to the world of demolition derby, and she quickly fell in love with it. Derby season became one of her favorite times of the year, and she could often be found in the stands teaching her children the pride, tradition, and excitement of the sport. One especially memorable story involved Shannel knocking a heckler's tooth out during an altercation—an event Chance jokingly claimed he still had the receipt for if anyone needed proof.

Shannel also had no hesitation about jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. She encouraged several friends and family members to make their first skydive. On one memorable jump, she and Chance overheard an instructor remark, "Jesus, Billy is going to get a talking-to. That's the second chute today that hasn't opened." Even moments like that never diminished her adventurous spirit.

Her presence could light up any room. Her kindness, strength, humor, and authenticity left lasting impressions on everyone she met while always keeping people on their toes.

Friends knew Shannel for her incredible cooking and unmatched hospitality. She loved hosting gatherings and creating spaces where family and friends felt welcomed, cared for, and loved. She consistently placed others before herself and found genuine joy in sharing her successes, generosity, and time with those around her.

Shannel is survived by her devoted husband, Chance Matula; her beloved children, Berkley, Adelyn, Chance, Juliette, and their unborn child, Rustyn; her siblings Craig, Ricky, Alex, Sheree, Scott, and Shelby; siblings-in-law Richae, Michaela, Brenna, and John; father-in-law Dave; mothers-in-law Kim and Kathy; numerous nieces and nephews; and a large circle of extended family and dear friends who will miss her tremendously.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeff and Julie, and her beloved Grandma Z.

A private visitation will be held for family. A memorial service celebrating Shannel's life will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at City Park Church in Casper, Wyoming. A reception will immediately follow nearby as we’re waiting for final approval.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a scholarship fund established for Shannel's children. Information regarding contributions will be shared by the family.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, support, and kindness shown during this incredibly difficult time.