BONNIE KATHRYN (RANKIN) TERRELL

Bonnie Kathryn Terrell passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Littleton, Colorado, at home and surrounded by her loving family. She was 83 years old.

Born to Alyce Rose (Norman) and J.S. Rankin on Saturday, January 10, 1942, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Bonnie grew up on a working ranch alongside her beloved siblings. Those early years shaped her into a strong, resilient woman deeply connected to the land and the God who created it.

Bonnie was honored to represent her home state as Miss Rodeo Wyoming in 1961 and as runner-up to Miss Rodeo America. She attended the University of Wyoming and then became a flight attendant, seeing the world and savoring each new experience. She married a Naval officer and was blessed with three children, Joel, Mark, and Kirsten Lautrup. Throughout frequent military moves, Bonnie created a sense of home and stability for her family, instilled in them a deep faith, shared her sense of adventure, and nurtured a love for the great outdoors.

Years later, she married Ronald Roy “Butch” Terrell, a Nebraska cowboy who shared her affinity for the Western way of life; she was delighted to welcome his adult children, Dustin and Mindi, into her family. It wasn’t long before Butch and Bonnie returned to the ranch life and rodeo community, they both cherished, and their lives were greatly enriched by time spent with friends and family at home in Wheatland, Wyoming, and beyond.

Bonnie lived her faith boldly. She spoke openly of God's goodness, kept a prayer journal for each loved one by name, and saw hospitality as ministry. Her home was always open, her table always welcoming. She loved to travel, tend to her garden, ride horses, create memories with family, and—most of all—jump on the trampoline and make ice cream with the grandchildren she adored.

Her Bible was well-worn, her prayers steadfast, and her testimony clear: Jesus was her Savior and constant companion. Even in her final years, Scripture, Christian music, and bedtime prayers fed her soul.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Butch; her children, Joel Lautrup (Davelle) and Kirsten Lautrup; stepchildren, Dustin “Dirt” Terrell (Sherry) and Mindi Viher (Jason); her siblings, Jerry Rankin (Pam), Sally Craig, and Joe Rankin (Karen); her grandchildren, Natalie and Jeffrey Lautrup, Gavin and Margot Schoew, Ashley Sims and Amanda Terrell, Karli and Terrell Viher; a close-knit extended family; and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, J.S. Rankin, on March 6, 2003; mother, Alyce Rankin, on March 22, 1990; and her son, Mark Lautrup, on July 28, 2013.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at the Memorial Baptist Church, 202 Nineteenth Street, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201 with Pastor Jerry Martin officiating. Committal service to follow at Douglas Park Cemetery in Douglas, Wyoming at 3:30 P.M.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Amanda Booth, Casey Greenwald, and Melanie Johnson—compassionate caregivers who brought deep joy to Bonnie’s life.

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" — Psalm 8:1           

The Gorman Funeral Homes-Platte Chapel of Wheatland, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com 

The funeral will be live streamed at 

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25106696683917

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