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Bobbie Cloninger entered into eternal rest on Feb. 24, 2024, at her home in Powell, Wyoming. Barbara Ann was born to Carl and Hazel (DeVoss) Burgener on Dec. 10, 1941, in Powell, Wyoming. She was the fourth of five children. She attended Powell schools and graduated in 1960. She then went on to college at Colorado Women’s College, before starting her career as an airline stewardess for United Airlines. She enjoyed traveling and took advantage of the opportunity to see the world with her dad during this time in her life.
Bobbie married Les Cloninger in 1966, and they built a beautiful life of 58 years together. They were blessed with a baby boy, and then three daughters, who they raised in the home they had built on family land.
While caring for four children, Bobbie also worked often at the Polar Plant, their family business. When the kids were older, she enjoyed working in the special ed department at the high school. Most who knew her would call playing bridge one of her favorite pastimes. We all knew not to interrupt bridge day. She was also very devout in her faith and had a special love for the rosary. She was very proud of having started the Mother’s Rosary 45 years ago on Friday mornings at St. Barbara’s. She was active in many church and community activities, including volunteer work at the hospital.
Family was so important to Bobbie, and her kids were always glad to have her come visit. She had a real gift for conversation and gave generously of her time and attention. She had developed an interest and love of Native American culture and invited many fourth-grade classes out to see her interesting collections and share her knowledge. She was a collector of many things, including an angel collection that boggles the mind. She became interested in art and painting and enjoyed sharing time with friends in this activity. She hosted countless bridge parties, and “Saturday Teas” with so very many special friends. She was also blessed with a special love toward those who were mourning and shared her love of God with them during times of sorrow.
Bobbie’s parents, and siblings Greta, Marilyn and Gary preceded her in death, as well as her first grandchild Rowdy. We know they are rejoicing with her. Left to mourn are her beloved husband, Les; youngest sister Debbie (Dennis) Having of Marietta, Georgia; her son Casey and his sons Kelly and Colten Cloninger of Casper, Wyoming; daughter Leslie (Jeff) Cannon of Powell and their children Dani (Matt) Myrick, Luke Cannon, Tanner Cannon and Carson Cannon; daughter Ronnie (Billy) Sommerville and their children Austen and Allison Sommerville of Evanston, Wyoming; and Tara (Steve) Pinnow of Billings, Montana and their children Taelor, Kenzie, Bailey, Sean and Aidan Kennedy and Emily and Sarah Pinnow as well as three great-granddaughters, Carli and Hayli Myrick and Aylin Ouelette.
A rosary vigil will be held at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church on Friday, March 1 at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Barbara’s on Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. Please join us to celebrate Bobbie’s life at the Eagles Lodge after the service on Saturday. A private interment will happen at a later date.
