Leona Fay Bybee

Leona Fay Bybee died in Billings, Montana, on January 18, 2011.Leona was ninety four (94) years old.

Leona was born Leona Fay Robinson to Harry and Beatrice Robinson in Lander, Wyoming, on June 15, 1916.Leona was raised and attended school in Lander.She married Kenneth Bybee on December 31, 1936.Kenneth and Leona enjoyed their ranch near Lander for many years before they sold and moved to town.Many Lander people remember Bybee's Shoe Store which Leona owned and operated for nearly fifty (50) years. Leona developed very close friendships with her employees and customers that continued throughout her life.

Leona loved life and spent her time away from work primarily outside where she enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and other forms of outdoor recreation.Kenneth and Leona also thoroughly enjoyed watching their grandchildren in their athletic endeavors.In addition, they had many friends with whom they loved to spend time.Leona never did anything slowly.In fact, Leona was "full throttle" whether it be on her snowmobile,in her dune buggy, or in her favorite T-Bird racing down the highway.

After retirement, Leona and Kenneth spent winters in Wickenburg, Arizona, where they enjoyed time with Kenneth's brother, Ray, and golfing each day.While Leona enjoyed her time in Arizona, her heart was always at home in Lander.Leona loved her yard and spent endless hours tending to her flowers, lawn, trees, and shrubs.

Leona is survived by her son in law George Shearer, her daughter in law Emrie Ann Miller (husband Kenneth); grandson in law Sam Henson, granddaughter Jill LaRance (husband Randy); grandson Aaron Miller, and granddaughter Amy Miller; great grandchildren, Dean Henson (wife Amber), Hali Henson, Dawson LaRance, Elizabeth LaRance, and Lindsey Shearer.

Leona was predeceased by her children Gary Bybee and Gail Shearer as well as two of her grandchildren, K.C. Shearer and Deann Henson.Having these losses was extremely difficult for Leona, but she was a survivor and made the most of very difficult situations.In 2002, Leona lost the love of her life, Kenneth Bybee.Kenneth and Leona had been married for sixty five (65) years.After Kenneth's death, Leona frequently spoke of her marriage and the life she had with Kenneth.

When Leona could no longer care for herself in Lander, she moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she lived for eight (8) years.While in Cheyenne, Leona loved spending time with family, especially her great grandchildren Dean and Hali Henson.In 2008, Leona moved to Billings, Montana.While in Montana, Leona loved daily visits from granddaughters, Jill LaRance and Amy Miller.Leona also had the good fortune of becoming close to her great grandchildren, Dawson and Elizabeth LaRance.In her later years, Leona was wheelchair bound.Despite her circumstances, Leona had a quick sense of humor and profound gratitude for those who cared for her.Leona touched many, many lives and her memory will remain strong.

Services will be held at Hudson's Funeral Home, 680 Mount Hope Drive, Lander, Wyoming, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2011.

Memorials can be sent in Leona's name to Lander Beautification Committee, c/o John Boulette, 240 Lincoln St., Lander 82520.

Three words that sum up Leona's life include: strength, family, and love.



Funeral Home:
Hudson's Funeral Home
680 Mount Hope Drive
Lander, WY
US 82520