Leola Bauman

Leola Maxiene Bauman, 88, born July 31, 1932, in the family home in Ovid, CO, to George Edward Soppe and Ludmilla (Lillian Margaret) Schwynoch, went home to Jesus on Friday, June 4, 2021, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Greeley, CO.

She grew up in Denver, CO, then her parents made the move to Carpenter, WY, in junior high school. She graduated from Carpenter High School in 1951. She was employed by Carpenter School as head cook, prior to marrying her high school sweetheart, Darold Jean Bauman, in 1953. They moved on to the family ranch at Carpenter, WY, where they were instrumental in establishing one of the first Charolais herds in the Rocky Mountain region while raising their family.

Leola established a national women’s Charolais organization called Charolais-dees to support the American International Charolais Association. She founded the American International Junior Charolais Foundation and its scholarship program, raising the initial $30,000 in one afternoon. Leola served on the board for the American International Junior Charolais Association, which supported the youth of the industry.

Leola supported her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in 4-H, FFA, sports and all events they participated in. Over the years, she opened her home to countless youth, young teenagers and young adults. There were few times when there were less than 10 people for every meal she prepared at the ranch house! Many, many more than her own five children, called her Mom and Grandma.

Having a very special connection to dogs, Leola always had at least one, usually a boxer. She was also an avid card player, belonging to several card groups and playing at almost all family gatherings. Other talents and hobbies included participating in and attending theatrical events, oil painting, making china dolls, and sewing for her family and making living history clothing,

She was known for her homemade meals for every ranch cattle sale, usually making 480 homemade dinner rolls, 96 pies, salad bar, prime rib and baked potato bar.  She fed 300-700 people for cattle sales. She prepared meals for various tour groups, from Japan and France to name a few. She loved to make people feel comfortable in her home, loved to serve others, and loved to share a meal with folks.

Leola is preceded in death by Darold Jean Bauman (husband), George Soppe (father), Lud Soppe (mother), Rodney Soppe (brother), and Ann Bauman and Shirley Castleberry (sisters-in-law). Leola is survived by Maxine Soppe (sister-in-law), children Debra and Ben Brown (Briggsdale, CO), John and Patsy Bauman (Aurora, MO), Paula and Jim Taylor (Burns, WY), Bruce and Debbie Bauman (Carpenter WY), Brett and Tammy Bauman (Cheyenne, WY), (10) grandchildren, Matt Idler, Molly and Ray Bredehoft, Jaimel and Shawn Blajszczak, Katy and Tim Strasser, Kendal and Scott Sedman, Kassi and Ian Glassman, Chance Bauman, Tate Bauman, Daniek and Andrew Long, James Taylor and (15) great grandchildren Gabriel Tasma, Madi Tasma, Kaitlynn Idler, Kenlie Blajszczak, Caroline Bredehoft, Dakota Strasser, Tori Blajszczak, Ben Bredehoft, Caden Glassman, Kyla Strasser, Hallie Strasser, Trigg Sedman, Nora Glassman, Dawsyn Sedman, and Logan Glassman plus numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Viewing at Schrader, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home, 2222 Russell Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, Saturday, June 12, 2021, 4-6 pm.

Celebration of Life at Little America, 2800 West Lincolnway Cheyenne, WY, 82009, Monday, June 14, 2021, 3:30 pm Service, 5:00 pm Reception. Food will be provided.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to be made in Leola’s name to the American Charolais Foundation Scholarship Program, AIJCF, 11700 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City, MO 64153.

Cremation is under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home, located at 2222 Russell Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001.