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Connie Jean Onstine, of Powell, passed away on March 31, 2022, at Powell Valley Healthcare, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Connie was born on Feb. 24, 1958, in Sioux City, Iowa. She was the middle of five siblings, which included two older sisters and two younger brothers. Many childhood memories were made with her siblings and cousins on the family farms.
She graduated from Kingsley Pierson High School in 1976 where she was a cheerleader. Through her high school years, she spent most of her time with her best friend Janene “smokin’ in the boys room,” or so they said.
Connie found her way to Wyoming in the late 1970s. She met Freddie Onstine through softball and their love for fishing. They married July 8, 1983, in Powell. Freddie brought to the marriage two children, Tammy and TJ. Connie raised and loved them as her own. They had RayAnn and Willie to complete their blended family. They also claimed Nancy as one of their own when she started babysitting the two younger kids, and she has been considered part of the family since. They raised many pets together over the years, and loved to take them along on their adventures.
Connie spent her life making memories with friends and family. Her and Freddie’s newlywed days were spent playing softball, fishing and playing cards. Hansel and Gretel’s was a fixture in their young lives, eating french fries and drinking beer. When their kids were older, they traveled all over the state and loved watching them play sports. The memories they made with other parents were the foundation to lifelong friendships.
Once the kids were all grown, they were able to camp more, which was one of their favorite activities. They camped all over the state. It didn’t matter the place, as long as there was no cellphone service, fresh air and trails to ride. Connie’s motto was always, “The more, the merrier,” so they were always joined by their children and many friends. She also enjoyed making floral arrangements, shopping ‘till she dropped, four wheeling, planning and hosting gatherings with friends and family, and gambling (which she was quite good at).
Connie started her sales career at Modern Electric, and then sold advertising for the Powell Tribune. She later purchased Four Seasons Floral. She loved owning her own business.
When she was ready to move on, real estate was her final endeavor, where she had a successful career. She worked for Metzler and Moore Realty until she founded Heart Mountain Realty where her passion was “putting our heart into finding you a home.” She was Realtor of the Year many years in a row, as top realtor in sales. She was well respected in the community as a hard working business woman, and one who gave back to the town she loved. People used to say everything she touched turned to gold.
While Connie was proud of her work, she was most proud of her family and a life well lived. Freddie will always remember her as the caretaker of the family and the glue that held us all together. He will cherish the memories they have made together over the years. Her children will remember her for her go-getter attitude, her amazing work ethic, her drive and determination to always be the best, her generosity, and her deep love and pride for them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember Grandma Connie for her endless supply of candy, Sunday night dinners as a family, and her loving and caring spirit. Life will not be the same without her and she will be greatly missed by all those left behind.
Connie was preceded in death by her mother Opal Harms, brother Douglas, and son TJ Onstine.
She is survived by Freddie Onstine; Tammy Onstine Grinsteiner (John) of Custer, Montana, RayAnn Hessenthaler (Tyler) of Powell, Willie Onstine (Jade) of Powell, Nancy Picucci (Nick) of Denver, Colorado, 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sister Kathy Grienke of Spirit Lake, Iowa, sister Debbie Crilly (Ray) of Dow City, Iowa, and brother Michael Sorenson (Janet) of LaMars, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 8, 2022, at 10 a.m., at New Life Church in Powell.
