Donna Dee Sommer

Donna Dee Sommer, 81, of Gillette, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Campbell County Memorial Hospital surrounded by the love of her family.

 She was born January 30, 1943 to George Washington Vassar and Hesper Matiel Vassar (Underwood) in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. She was raised in Casper, Wyoming, and graduated from Kelly Walsh High School with the class of 1960.

 Donna was married October 15, 1961 in Casper, Wyoming to John Leland Sommer. They were married for 57 years until his passing September 20, 2018. They lived in Alcova, Wyoming until 1970 when they moved to Gillette, Wyoming where she lived until her death.

 She worked for Village Inn, The Old Fashion Sandwich Shop, Maverik, Antelope Valley Kwik Shop and Mini Mart. She retired in 1999.

 Donna is survived by her three daughters, LouAnn K. [Jeffrey J.) Johnson of Nevada, Wanda J. Estenson of Gillette, and Kira L. (Matthew J.) Valles of Gillette; two granddaughters Misty D. [Reginald (Reggie) L.] Pierce of Idaho and LaShawna R. Estenson of Gillette; six grandsons Luke T. Largent of Gillette, Joseph R. (Callie R. Littrel) Ekwall of Gillette, Jeffery A. Johnson of Nevada, Christopher L. Estenson (Katie M. Fox) of Gillette, Jude M. Valles of Gillette, and Jason M. Valles of Gillette; three step-grandchildren Angela A. Pierce of Idaho, Alicia L. Pierce of Idaho and Reginald (Lee) L. (Ashley A.) Pierce of Idaho; twelve great-grandchildren Lekeisha T. Estenson of Gillette, Julie M. Ekwall of Gillette, Joshua D. Manning of Gillette, Kiylee L. Sims of Gillette, Lexie A. Estenson of Gillette, Hayden J. Estenson of Gillette, Mylie K. Caufield of Washington, Raynna D. Estenson of Gillette, Brendyn G. Ferguson of Gillette, and Taysen C. Estenson of Gillette; two step great-grandchildren Leah M. Quinn of Gillette and Lucas J. Littrel of Gillette; two great-great-grandchildren Myrah A. R, Estenson-Lara of Gillette and Nykko A. Estenson of Gillette; and six step-great-great-grandchildren Ezekiel T. Beard of Idaho, Samuel L. Pierce of Idaho, Stacy M. Servis of Idaho, Michael L. Pierce of Idaho, James D. Servis of Idaho, and Reagan L. Peirce of Idaho; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Donna enjoyed family gatherings, especially holiday ones, camping (as long as she could pack the kitchen sink along too), eating out, especially with her family, talking on the phone to her grandkids that don't live in Gillette, baking (even if she did forget the sugar once in a while), and watching football, or rather screaming at the players.

She was proceeded in death by her parents George and Hesper Vassar; her husband John Leland Sommer; one daughter, Julie Marie Sommer-Ekwall; and her brothers, George Washington Vassar, Jr. and Donald (Don) Eugene Vassar.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 20, 2024, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Dalby Memorial Park - Pat Mueller Shelter.