Frances Nell Plunkett

Frances “Nell” Miller Plunkett passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the age of 90, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In her final days, Nell was lovingly cared for by the dedicated nurses at Campbell County Health Hospice, as well as her daughter and son-in-law. Nell was born on April 4, 1934, in Graham, Texas. On February 7, 1953 at the age of 19, she married James Alfred “Al” Plunkett beginning a journey that would span 71 years. Their travels took them from Texas to Artesia, New Mexico, then to Lamar, Colorado, before finally settling in Gillette, Wyoming, in 1975. As a homemaker, Nell lived a life marked by challenges, and she faced each one with resilience, patience and grace. At 22, Nell experienced the devastating loss of her mother, a defining moment that deeply shaped her character. This profound loss fostered her appreciation for family, which she carried into her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Life would test her again in 1989 with the loss of her only son, Perry. Despite unimaginable grief, Nell’s love for her family only grew stronger and through it all, her strength was her legacy – a testament to her deep faith and the power of God. 

Famous for her practical gift-giving, Nell didn’t believe in flashy presents. In fact, she knew a Clorox ToiletWand could bring great joy and practicality to anyone’s Christmas. It’s also rumored that she once gave her grandson the secret to her “Famous Pecan Pie” only after swearing him to secrecy. Some say the secret ingredient is love, others say it’s a dash of cinnamon, but the truth may never be known. The family is still figuring out how to make Thanksgiving the same without her pecan pie. We will find comfort knowing Nell is in a place where the Broncos always win and her hashbrowns are perfectly crispy brown - just way she liked them. 

Nell’s words of wisdom were a guiding light for her family. “Never let anyone borrow your vacuum,” she would always say. In no uncertain terms, this wisdom has been cemented into the minds of her family and will be passed down to generations to come. 

Nell is survived by her husband, Alfred “Al”; her daughter, Tracy (Ted Jerred); grandson, Derrek; his fiancée Hayley Thompson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Jimmie Hensley and her son, Perry. 

A funeral service will be held on November 7, 2024, at 11:00 at the Gillette Church of Christ with Minister Ernie Bishop presiding. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Nell’s life. A private burial service will be held at a later date. Memorials and condolences may be sent to Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming.