Loni Rieger, age 63, passed away March 6th, 2025, at Advent Porter Hospital in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family. Loni fought an extremely hard battle with multiple health problems while waiting to be put on a liver transplant list and unfortunately, she lost.

Loni was born in Sheridan, Wyoming to Homer Jr. and Margaret Ketcham on December 12, 1961, as the youngest of 6 children. Loni would often say Mom and Dad kept having kids until they got the best which was her.

Loni attended Sheridan schools and graduated from Sheridan High School with the class of 1980. She also got an associate degree from Sheridan College.

While in High School she met the love of her life, Steve Rieger. The High School sweethearts were married on July 2nd, 1982, and from this union they were blessed with 2 children, Cean and Ryan.

Loni followed her husband to Gillette, Wyoming for his job. While there Loni opened a small daycare center, which allowed her to be with her small children all day. Then after a few years they packed up their family and moved back to Sheridan where their heart was. Loni worked various jobs until she found her calling when School District #2 hired her as a Paraprofessional for special needs children. She worked with those children for 27 years, finally retiring in December of 2024 due to health issues.

In the spring, summer, and fall you would find Loni working in her yard and tending to her beautiful flowers. Loni loved camping in the Big Horn Mountains with her family. The love of music played a big part in her life, and she loved following her husband Steve to various places so she could listen while he played in his band.

Loni's passion in life was raising her 2 children with all the love she could give them, which carried over to the love of her beloved grandchildren. Cean and Ryan have said they had the most amazing mama, and they so dearly loved her. Loni joined the Monarch picnic committee and took over all the children's games and activities every summer. One of Loni's greatest qualities was being able to see the good in all the people that she met no matter what. We will all miss her big grin, her infectious laugh, her wicked sense of humor, and the way she was able to touch so many people in her life.

Loni was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Jr. and Margaret Ketcham, nephews Aaron and Matthew Carter, and her in-laws Paul and Veronica Rieger.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years Steve; daughter Cean (Dustin) Poulsen and Granddaughters Brielle and Emma of Bozeman, Montana; and her son Ryan Rieger and Grandson Korbyn and Granddaughter Milee of Sheridan, Wyoming. Loni is also survived by her sisters Nicki Carter of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Toni Moore of Douglas, Wyoming, and Tami (Mike) Harkins of Parkman, Wyoming; and her brothers Marc (Kim) Ketcham and Bret (Marilyn) Ketcham both of Sheridan, Wyoming. Loni is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and her many friends.

Memorials to honor Loni may be made to the Second Chance Sheridan Cat Rescue, 1850 Gabrielle Ct, Sheridan, WY, 82801, or to a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life is at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Bethesda Worship Center with Pastor Scott Lee officiating. A reception will follow the service.

Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.

The Sheridan Press - Mar. 17, 2025.