Shirley Ann Klungness

A Celebration of Life for Shirley Ann Colgin Klungness, 93, will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday, the 29th of June, 2024, at Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home in Casper, Wyoming. Shirley passed away the 4th of May, 2024 in Parker, Colorado, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandson.

Shirley was born the 8th of April, 1931 in Casper, Wyoming to Murray and Lila Colgin. Growing up she enjoyed ice skating on the frozen ponds around Casper. She attended McKinley Elementary School and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1949. During high school she worked as an usher for the Rex, Rialto and American Theaters in downtown Casper and later as a switchboard operator for the phone company. She was a member of The First Presbyterian Church.

On the 24th of June, 1949, she married Byron Lynn Klungness in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They made their home in Casper where they raised their four children: Lynda, Leanne, Byron and Lane. Shirley was a devoted mother who poured her heart into nurturing and supporting her children. While Byron built his career in construction and various businesses, Shirley cared for their home and family. She belonged to a bowling league and was a member of the Casper Country Club and Paradise Valley Country Club. She was actively involved in her children’s activities. Shirley was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and a Boy Scout Leader. She also helped her daughters with Brownies, Girl Scouts and 4-H projects. After her children were grown she worked alongside Byron in multiple business ventures, including The Elbow Room, where her homemade chili and burgers became customer favorites. She also made Tom & Jerry batter from scratch during the holidays for their bar establishments.

In 1982, Shirley and Byron entered the retail business with the opening of The Eastridge Mall. They operated Morrow’s Nut House, Lane’s Tobacco & Gifts and The Cutlery. Lane’s Tobacco & Gifts later relocated to Sunrise Shopping Center. Shirley retired in 2007 and moved to Parker, Colorado.

Most recently she resided at Cantril House Assisted Living in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Shirley found immense joy in spending time with her family, especially during the holidays. She enjoyed family activities, concerts, reading, and watching tennis and golf on television. Recent pastimes included visiting with family and friends, jigsaw puzzles and playing bingo.

A proud matriarch of five generations, Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her children: Lynda Stransky, Parker, CO; Leanne McCarthy, Denver, CO; Lane Klungness and wife Christy, Cheyenne, WY; two brothers, Murray Colgin, Plano, TX; William Colgin, Jr., Castle Rock, CO; sister-in-law Patricia Lavin, Casper, WY and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley’s thirteen grandchildren include: Lynda’s children: Michelle Matteo, Lisa Stransky, Sara Sutton (Brian), Nathan Stransky (Pamela), Eric Stransky (Tiffani); Leanne’s children: Christopher McCarthy (Nora), Jessica Bachus (Kyle); Byron’s children: Stefanie Wickwire (Travis), Laura Scott and Lane’s children: Brandon Klungness (Amy), Brianna Klungness, Tayler Klungness and Emma Klungness. She also leaves behind twenty-five great-grandchildren: Kylie Heath (Kyle), Kaitlyn Walkup (Josh), Kyra Stransky, Gage (Hailey) and Maximo Matteo, Riley, Hayden and Hailey Sutton, Tyler Campos, Harlie and Cody Stransky, Caden and Kaycee Stransky, Allie, Alyssa and Jake McCarthy, Bailey, Kamden and Karson Bachus, Breea and Gavin Wickwire, Riley Arnold, Laney Scott, Bentley Parish and Ehtny Richards. Additionally, she is survived by three great-great-grandchildren: Brynlee Heath, Axel Matteo, Kohen Stransky and Baby Heath arriving in September.

Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Byron Lane, husband, Byron Lynn, sister, Gwendolyn Maxon, great-granddaughter, Kenzi Bachus, son-in-law, Jerome McCarthy and son-in-law, Kevin Stransky.

Shirley’s kindness, generosity and love will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.