Pauline B. Wilson

Funeral service for Pauline Wilson will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 22, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 501 S. Gillette Ave., Gillette, Wyoming, with Pastor Donovan Voigt, officiating.

Pauline Brandner Wilson, age 98, peacefully went to be with her Lord on November 8, 2024. She lived in Campbell County all her life except for 2 years in Montana. She was from a family of 5 girls (Pauline being the middle child) and raised by her parents George and Adeline Brandner. She was born on her parents’ ranch just south of Gillette, delivered by Dr. A.G. Hoadley, who arrived on horseback.

Pauline attended elementary school in the country until the 7th grade, then attended Gillette Grade School and Campbell County High School. On November 21, 1942, she married her high school sweetheart Duglas Wilson. Their family continued to grow with 2 daughters, Sharon and Ginger, and 1 son, Terry. During these early years, they lived east of Gillette near Wyodak Coal Mine. In 1959 Duglas and Pauline moved their family into Gillette and built their home in 1965 where they lived for almost 50 years. 

Our parents supported us in every school activity in which we participated– band, sports, graduations and yes, every dance we attended, they were there taking pictures with a Big Flood Light!

Pauline worked for the ASCS and the Soil Conservation Offices until she and Duglas bought the Gillette Motel in the 70s. After selling the motel in 1978, they returned to the home they had built and settled down to enjoy the grandkids and the great-grandkids. It was fun for all the grandkids to have their grandparents live right across from Stocktrail Elementary. It was the best place to go for an after-school snack and, even more important, Grandma’s hugs and love.

Grandad Dug and Grandma Pauline’s home holds many wonderful memories for all their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Christmas was always such a special time as all the family would gather for Christmas Eve. Everybody would be at Grandma Pauline’s house at 5:30, Santa would come at 6:00. (Every grandchild would sit on Santa’s lap to receive their gift, no matter what their age– small, college or married.) Soon everyone would load into cars and head to the Christmas Eve church service. (I’m surprised a grandkid did not get left behind. Everyone would say at the same time, “I am riding with Uncle Darryl or Uncle Terry or Uncle Duke.” Actually, I am surprised an adult didn’t get left without a ride.) After hearing the true meaning of Christmas, we would caravan back to Grandma’s for food, open presents and Grandma’s famous eggnog. We all carry these fond memories in our hearts, especially Grandma. She not only instilled in us the love and importance of family, but also was a great model of gratitude. To grow our family bond, every other year from 1999 until 2017 on Thanksgiving Grandma Pauline would gather her entire family in Fort Collins, CO. She wanted to make sure the great-grandkids knew their cousins. So, for 4 days they reconnected, played in the pool at the hotel, rode the elevators, and did just what kids do. Along with Thanksgiving, we celebrated any milestones that happened over the last 2 years. These celebrations included birthday parties, wedding showers, and baby showers. We also took our gang and cheered on the Rams and Cowboys. And let’s not forget all the fun we had with bb guns! 

In 2011 Pauline left her home of many years and moved into Primrose Retirement Community. She was the 2nd resident in the building. Pauline made many friends and enjoyed all the activities. She zipped around the hallways in her electric wheelchair. In 2022, due to her health, she moved to Legacy Living where she resided until her passing.

Pauline is survived by daughters Sharon (Darryl) Lynde of Gillette, WY, Ginger (Duke) Marquiss of Fort Collins, CO, son Terry (Sharon) Wilson of Sun Lakes, AZ, sister Marge Davis of Casper, WY, 8 grandchildren, Shad Sauther, Darren Lynde, Lyndy Williams, Pam Hill, Shelly Mahowald, Tony Marquiss, Misty Sharp, and Roper Marquiss. Numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband Duglas, her parents George and Adeline Brandner, her son-in-law Darryl Lynde, 3 sisters- Betty Roudebush, Helen Dunlap and Joan Davis.

In lieu of flowers, there is a memorial you can donate to in Pauline’s name at “Primrose Retirement Community.” Condolences and memorials may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716.