Mary Caldwell Weppner

Cheyenne lost one of its own on November 23, 2024. Surrounded by family, Mary Weppner died peacefully on November 23, 2024. She was many things --- strong and gentle, kind and fierce, hardworking and loved by many. With volunteer hours that must have topped 10,000 or more, she grew to know the community and its people.

Her parents were Robert G. and Elizabeth Caldwell. Born and raised here, she graduated from Cheyenne High School (Central.) A Latin class left a valued imprint. Two years in Missouri at Stephens College gave her a discerning ear for Southern accents.  She could often place a home state from the accent alone. A favorite course was driving a 2-wheeled carriage with a Tennessee Walking Horse in the equestrian program. At the University of Wyoming, Mary studied Speech and Education.

She served as Miss Frontier (60-61) and had a great time doing it. She fondly remembered time spent getting to know Princess Blue Water on booster trips. Daughter Tricia Tarantola and niece Niffy Bube also served as Miss Frontiers, creating a great bond between the three.

She loved the CFD Old West Museum, and as a Founding member helped to grow it from the ground up. The pattern repeated with the annual CFD Annual Western Art Show. It was one of the best in the Rockies. A member of the museum Board and Art Show committee for years, she contributed guidance and hard work to the excellence of both. A long time member of W-heels and Chairwoman for 3 years, she valued the costume collection.  From that, she curated two historical fashion shows. One featured early 1900s ladies' undergarments, the other hats worn in the '40s; both performed multiple times.

Mary enjoyed being a part other groups: Laramie County Cowbelles, DePaul Guild, Civic League, P.E.O., Cowgirls of the West and the Wyoming Cattlewomen's Association. With a skill for leadership, she served as President, as well as officer in most of the groups. She was a great cook and enjoyed the Gourmet Group in Civic League. Hosting a National Beef Cook-Off at the family ranch was a special event in her life. Gifted at connecting with people, she worked in the State Legislature as a switchboard operator, secretary and reader.

In 1892, Mary's grandfather Dugald started the family ranch by buying a few homesteads and slowly adding more land. It is known as the D. R. Whitaker ranch. Her mother, Elizaberh Caldwell ran it, exceptionally, until the early 80s. Mary ran it with husband Ed and sister Beth. Involved at all levels, she cooked for numbers small and large, checked cattle, moved cattle, kept the books, made decisions and most loved cutting a hay meadow on a swather. Conversation could revolve around animals: which dog was sleeping with the skunks; bobcats on chicken houses; where were the snakes migrating; the beauty of deer and their destruction of gardens; great horned owls learning to fly; what happened to Cheerio the duck -- coons got him.

Their was a certain rhythm to her life, and as hard as she worked, she played. Big laughs never fail to be had when Stockgrowers friends remember their shenanigans. For over 30 years, she and Ed, Buck and Eva Jean Holmes, and Beth and Pete McNiff hosted a legendary CFD party. With another long running group, she and Ed enjoyed motorcycle trips visiting nearly every state. The annual fall trip was a great recharge after a hectic summer. Later, what might be called the Friday night regulars dinner club gave much pleasure.  Good laughs, strong connections and fun permeated friendships from her many circles. Friend and son-in-law, Chris Tarantola never tired of testing what made her laugh and what didn't.

Mary was pleased to be inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame. The Chamber of Commerce presented a Lifetime Acheivement Award to Mary and Ed together for work and dedication to the community. Cowgirls of the West celebrated her as its Annual Honoree.

She and husband Ed were true partners in their family life, community life and business life. He will miss her greatly. As will her children, son Rob, daughters, Ginny Weppner and Tricia Tarantola and son-in-law, Chris Tarantola. She was known as “Ammie” to her grandchildren, Izzy and Gabbi Tarantola; she adored them and they her. Aunt Mary loved her nieces and nephews: Niffy Bube (husband, Chris; their son, Jack), John McNiff, Wann McNiff, Jodi Weppner (husband, Eric Davis; their children Lance and Taryn), Tracy Wilson (husband, Cody; stepchildren Dakota and Chyann) and Matt Jagow. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Linda Weppner and Ann Weppner Jagow. Zeke (beloved dog) keeps looking for her.

Mary was very close to her sister and brother.  Beth McNiff passed in 2012, and Bill DuBois in 2021. He became family when he started having cocktails most nights with Mary's mother Elizabeth when they were neighbors. 

Donations in her memory to CFD Old West Museum are welcome.

The Funeral Service on Monday December 9 at 10:30am will be available online as a Livestream provided by St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and can be found on YouTube or Facebook at the following links:

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