COWBOY BUTCH TERRELL

Cowboy Butch Terrell, 81, of Wheatland, Wyoming passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Pathways Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Butch was born on Monday, December 18, 1944, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Roy O. and Laura P. (Walker) Terrell. In 1948, the family moved to rural Nebraska near Bayard, where Butch was raised. He and his siblings attended a one-room country school near their home through the eighth grade before he continued his education at Bayard High School, graduating in 1962. Following high school, Butch attended Scottsbluff Junior College in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He later worked for Schuler Red Angus and was also employed with the company that constructed the sugar stacks in Bayard, Nebraska.

On September 5, 1964, Butch married Karen Lee Hiner in Scottsbluff. Shortly after, the couple moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Butch attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Animal Science. Immediately following graduation, they moved to Valentine, Nebraska, where Butch began his career with the Farmers Home Administration (FHA).

On January 4, 1970, their son, Dustin “Dirt,” was born in Valentine. A few years later, the family moved to Rushville, Nebraska, where their daughter, Mindi “Bump,” was born on February 2, 1973. During Butch’s 15-year career with FHA, the family lived in several Nebraska communities before eventually settling in Chadron, Nebraska. Butch possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he owned a western store, worked as a sales representative for tack and horse products, established Whip N’ Ride Auto Sales, and sold insurance and real estate. He was a natural salesman who could “sell ice to Eskimos.”

On December 26, 1992, Butch married Bonnie Kathryn Rankin in Sterling, Colorado. With this union, his family grew to include Bonnie’s adult children, Joel, Mark, and Kirsten. Butch and Bonnie made their home in Chadron and built a successful Nikken wellness business, which enabled them to purchase their dream ranch in Wheatland, in 1997. They embraced the ranching lifestyle while continuing their wellness business for the remainder of their lives.

Cowboy Butch had always dreamed of becoming a cowboy. With encouragement from his good friend, Jay Belden and family, he began roping and soon found his passion in rodeo. While attending the University of Nebraska, he became deeply involved in the rodeo program, serving as president of the rodeo team and playing an instrumental role in its affiliation with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

Butch had a keen eye for a good horse and treasured many over the years, including Ginny, Skeeter, Ace, Sundance, Dundee, Cinch, Pearl, and even one memorable donkey, but his favorite of all was NITRO. He earned numerous championships through the Nebraska State Rodeo Association (NSRA), Northwest Ranch Cowboys Association (NRCA), National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA), and many other associations, competing in bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, and ribbon roping. He truly was an all-around cowboy.

At age 40, Butch became active in the National Old Timers Rodeo Association (NOTRA), which later became the NSPRA. This organization became a shared passion for Cowboy Butch and Cottontail Bonnie. He faithfully served as an event director and as a member of the Executive Board for many years. Believing strongly in the association’s potential, he encouraged countless cowboys and cowgirls over the age of 40 to participate. Together, Butch and Bonnie traveled throughout the United States and Canada, competing, encouraging others, and forming lifelong friendships. In 2012, Butch was inducted into the NSPRA Hall of Fame.

On April 5, 2016, Butch received a priceless and life-saving gift, a double lung transplant at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He regarded this extraordinary gift as a humbling miracle. Moved by the love and kindness of his donor family, Butch made it his mission to extend that same compassion to others.

Butch lived with a “never quit” attitude. His favorite saying was, “Can’t died in the cornfield,” and he believed the word “can’t” should be replaced with “won’t.” He demonstrated that determination time and time again. From riding bareback horses and roping calves with a cast on his leg, competing with an oxygen tank on his back, and, in later years, accepting a boost into the saddle so he could continue doing what he loved. His perseverance was not just something he spoke about, it was how he lived every day.

In 1979, Butch gave his life to the Lord and remained steadfast in his faith. He had a deep love for Jesus and was devoted to encouraging others, praying faithfully, lending a helping hand, and sharing the good news of Jesus until his final day. Cowboy Butch never met a stranger. Whether at a gas station, in a rodeo arena, or anywhere their paths crossed, he offered kindness and encouragement. He prayed diligently each and every day for many. This legacy, his love for Jesus, will be passed on for generations to come.

He leaves behind his son, Dustin "Dirt" Terrell (Sherry) of La Salle, Colorado; daughter, Mindi "Bump" Viher (Jason) of Rapid City, South Dakota; stepchildren, Joel Lautrup (Davelle) of Wasilla, Alaska and Kirsten Lautrup Littleton, Colorado; grandchildren, Ashley Terrell Sims (Wyatt) of Canyon, Texas, Karli Viher of Rapid City, South Dakota, Amanda Terrell of La Salle, Terrell Viher (Luisa) of Bismarck, North Dakota, Natalie Lautrup of Cornelius, North Carolina, Jeffrey Lautrup (Coleen) of Groton, Connecticut, Gavin Schoew and Margot Schoew of Littleton; and sister, Sandy Bartlett of Alto, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Terrell in 1984; mother, Laura Terrell in 2001; wife, Bonnie Rankin Terrell on October 18, 2025, siblings, Dean Terrell and Loretta Robinson; and stepson, Mark Lautrup on July 28, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, donations by check may be mailed to, Senior Pro Rodeo Crisis Fund, Butch Terrell Memorial, P.O. Box 1390, Wickenburg, Arizona 85358.

Butch’s celebration of life will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Memorial Baptist Church, 202 19th Street, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201. Luncheon, fellowship and re-ride stories immediately following. Burial at 3:00 P.M. at Douglas Park Cemetery 501 S. 9th Street, Douglas, Wyoming 82633.

The funeral will be live streamed at

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26037730811997

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.

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

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