Francie Ellyn Robertson

 Francine Ellyn Robertson (Quinn), 81, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on February 13, 2025. 

 Born July 21, 1943, in Casper, Wyoming, to Dorothy Wolfe, Francine's life was marked by her extraordinary capacity to love and nurture others as well as a bit of orneriness.

 After spending her early years in Denver with family and friends, Francine moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where she joined her mother Dorothy and stepfather Walter Quinn at age five. She graduated from Rapid City High School. She met her sweetheart, Dennis Fred Robertson, at a square dance. The couple married on June 18, 1961, beginning a beautiful journey they would share for decades to come.

 Together with Dennis, they built their family life across South Dakota and Wyoming. They made homes filled with love in Rapid City, South Dakota, where their beloved daughters Jennifer and Susan were born. They then moved to Mitchell, South Dakota, welcoming their son Joseph, and finally settled in Gillette, Wyoming.

 Early in their marriage, Francine and Dennis deepened their life together through their shared Christian faith. They became active members of their church community at the First Reformed Church in Mitchell, South Dakota, and were members of High Plains Community Church in Gillette. Their spiritual journey enriched their family life, and they found many lifelong friends. 

 Teaching was more than a profession for Francine—it was her true calling and purpose. Even before earning her degree at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, in 1981, she found ways to teach and guide everyone around her. Teaching kindergarten through second grade at Rozet Elementary, she created a classroom filled with warmth and encouragement, touching the lives of countless young students. 

 She is survived by her beloved husband Dennis and their three children: Jennifer Robertson (Katie, Jessica, Abigale, and TJ), Susan (Steve) Boothe (Adam, Jennifer, and Samuel), and Joseph (Joann) Robertson (Christopher, Joshua, Brittney, Bethany, Buddy, and Sabrina), and 25 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her stepfather Walter Quinn, mother Dorothy Quinn, and sister Katie Hulstrom. 

Those who knew Francine will forever remember her amazing laugh and the comfort of her warm hugs. She found joy in life's precious moments: watching birds at Burlington Lake and Fishing Lake, spending time with horses, and loved going to the mountains to smell the fresh air with family. The excitement of a good rodeo always brought a sparkle to her eye.

Her legacy lives on through the students she inspired, the family she cherished, and all those whose lives were made brighter by her presence and unconditional love. In the last weeks of her life, she said, “I have lived a great life and have no regrets .” She will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at High Plains Community Church located at 3101 W. Lakeway Road in Gillette, Wyoming, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1 PM. All who knew and loved Francine are welcome to come and celebrate her life. Light refreshments following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Campbell County Health. 300 S. Burma Ave, Gillette, WY 82716