Elizabeth Tolerton

Elizabeth Tolerton, 90, of Cheyenne died January 11, 2013 at Davis Hospice Center. She was born June 5, 1922 in Enkenbach-Alsenborn, Germany to Charles and Klara Endres. The daughter of performers, Elizabeth followed in her mother's footsteps and began dancing professionally at the age of 4. She performed for royalty and dignitaries in Europe. Elizabeth was also a fashion model and film actress during her career in Germany. Elizabeth met her husband, Jess Tolerton when he was stationed in Germany while he served in the military, following the war. They married in Bentonville, AR on October 28, 1950. She was proud to become a US citizen. In 1951 Jess was assigned to FE Warren Air Force Base where Elizabeth began teaching dance lessons and opened Tolerton School of Ballet which later became the popular, Tolerton School of Dance. Hundreds of eager dance students were taught at the energetic dance studio between 1951-2006. Elizabeth also taught in Laramie, while Jess attended law school in the mid 1950's, and in Pine Bluffs, WY and Sydney, NE. Elizabeth was always eager to share her talents and was continually traveling to reach as many students as she could, including teaching cotillions in Billings, Casper, and Denver. Elizabeth was a pageant coach and choreographer for Miss Wyoming and Junior Miss. She was a chaperon for Miss Wyoming and Miss America pageants for many years. Elizabeth was a supporter and choreographer for Cheyenne Melodrama and Cheyenne Little Theater to which she was named a Lifetime Member. She was a founding member of Cheyenne Patrons of the Dance. She was also a member of Dance Educators of America and Dance Masters of America. Elizabeth was a ballet teacher for Dance Caravan, a touring dance workshop. Elizabeth was selfless and giving to all her students and those around her. She trained all her students to their full potential and made it clear that she wanted them to succeed. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her father, Charles Endres; mother and step-father, Pearl and Adolph Flierl; brother, Ernst Endres, and husband, Jess Tolerton. She is survived by her nephew, Rainer Endres of Germany, her god-daughters Suzanne Sprinkel of Laramie, WY; Cara Baldini of Marietta, Georgia; and Karen Rogers of Cheyenne; and hundreds of students whose lives she touched throughout the years. Visitation will be Tuesday, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Schrader Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. with interment in Lakeview Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Rogers, Jeff McClintock, Russell Rose, Greg Norman, Felix Bocanegra, Gary Shatto. Donations may be made to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter or charity of your choice.

Service

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 1:00pm

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

1908 Central

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Visitation

Tuesday, January 15, 2013 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Schrader Funeral Home

2323 Carey Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Interment

Lakeview Cemetery

Pershing Blvd

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Reception

St. Mark's Epicopal Church

1908 Central

CHEYENNE, WY