LaVerne Sipe

LaVerne Sipe left this earth on her own terms August 20, 2024.

LaVerne Kay Hamilton was born in Lewistown, Montana, to Harry and Elizabeth "Betty" (Matthews) on July 31, 1961. She was the youngest of seven children and spent her childhood in Montana and northeast Wyoming.

LaVerne married Daniel Sipe on July 31, 1981, in Gillette, Wyoming. The couple lived in Gillette and welcomed two daughters, Tashina Lynn and Serena René. The family moved to Moorcroft, Wyoming, in 1992 where they made their forever home, where Dan remains living.

LaVerne worked various jobs throughout her life including bartending and security for Black Diamond Investigations. Her true calling was cosmetology, she was proud to have been the first graduate of the College of Cosmetology in Gillette in September 1980.

She worked for many salons over the years before opening her home salon in Moorcroft. Honoring a promise she made to her mother-in-law, LaVerne earned her Certificate of High School Equivalency on December 14, 1993.

LaVerne spent her life giving to others and always rooting for the underdog. She was an avid Raiders fan who had no problem getting on a bus full of Denver "Donkey" fans and telling them her team was superior.

LaVerne was quick to make new friends no matter where she was. When asked to describe LaVerne, her husband and daughters quickly responded "STUBBORN." While she loved to help others, she didn't often allow anyone to return the favor.

The pride of LaVerne's life were her seven grandchildren. She would drop everything to be there when she was needed.

Her one request of her family every year was for everyone to spend her birthday together in the Big Horn Mountains. While everyone else was out fishing and exploring, she could be found tending the campfire, making food, reading a book, braiding hair or snuggling a grandkid.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Bernice "Bunny" Hamilton and Betty and Robert "Bob" Hill; in-laws, Lester and Eleanor Sipe; brother, Craig Hamilton; sister, Nancy "Carol" Hamilton McCloud; brother-in-law, Thomas Sipe; nephew, Stephen Hamilton; and niece, Rachel Hamilton.

She will be remembered by her husband of 43 years, Daniel Sipe; daughters, Tashina (Kyle) Recanati, Serena (Haze) Buckner; grandchildren, Savannah, Chayce, Kaylee, Harper, Ryder, Sawyer and Hudsyn; sisters, Lacey (Roger) Holst and Lisa (John) Williams; brothers, Colie (Sandra) Hamilton and Neil (Jody) Hamilton and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends that became family.

She often shared a reoccurring dream where she was an eagle soaring on the wind. We know that's where she is now, flying above and watching over all of us.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in LaVerne's name to benefit The WYldlife Fund. Memorials in her name will go to the scholarship fund for The Whiskey Mountain Family Camp offered by Wyoming Game & Fish.

LaVerne and Dan had the opportunity to take two of their grandchildren in 2022 and she would love other families having the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors together. You can donate online at https://thewyldlifefund.org/donate/ or contact Chris for more information ([email protected] or 307-316-3863).