Brenda Lee LaVallie

Funeral service for Brenda La Vallie will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 25, 2021 at First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Dan Holden officiating; interment to follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. There will also be visitation one hour prior to services at First Assembly of God Church. Brenda Lee (Lara) La Vallie came into the world on February 22, 1962.  Born to Benerito (Ben) and Rose (Jaramillo) Lara in Gillette, WY.  Youngest of 12 children, she was raised in Gillette where she attended school, met and married her husband Joe on July 15, 1977, and together, they built a full life.  She was a loving mother to so many.  Brenda started working for the Goings Hotel at a young age.  She went on to work at businesses around town over the years up until she found her calling in 2001 with the Campbell County School District.  Brenda remained a dedicated employee in various positions up until she retired in 2017.  A few of her favorite hobbies included cooking, bingo, sewing, dancing, music, card games (Pokeeno, Chase the Ace, Blitz!), classic TV (The Nanny, Bewitched, I Love Lucy) and gambling!  A few of her most cherished possessions included her rhythm clock, windchime collection, collecting miniatures and “Dads” Christmas village every holiday season.  She was most known for her love of raising her family and welcoming everyone into her home.  Brenda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.  She went into remission in 2017 and fought tirelessly to overcome complications caused from the treatment until she peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family and loved ones on Friday, February 19, 2021.  Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Rose (Jaramillo) Lara; father, Benerito (Ben) Lara; seven siblings; son, Benny; and numerous family members.  Brenda is survived by her husband “Papa” Joe of 44 years; children, Micheal D. Martin (Lorie); Micheal Patenaude; Mark (Jowe) J. La Vallie Jr. (Robert Van Kerrebrook); Andrew J. La Vallie and Shaelynn B. La Vallie (Shawnice); grandchildren; Mekilah, Jayden, Taiden, Savahanna, and Asher La Vallie, Ethan and Baby Mike Martin, sisters, Glenda, Betty and Vickie; brother; Benny and countless family members. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com