ValJean Sherrill Beech

ValJean Sherrill Beech

Sept. 14, 1947 – May 16, 2022

ValJean Sherrill Beech, 74, passed away at her home in Cowley on May 16, 2022. 

She was born in San Gabriel, California, on September 14, 1947, to Valentine Sherrill and Genevieve (Frank) Peterson. She was raised in Byron, and growing up she hung out with her Uncle Solan Cozzens, who taught her a love for horses and horse racing. She was a winning jockey and raced throughout Wyoming. She graduated from Byron High School in 1966.

She married Dennis Beech on December 30, 1966, and they lived in many places working on ranches but eventually settled in Byron. In 1981 they moved to Cowley. She worked for Big Horn County School District #1 as a bus driver for 34 years. She loved taking kids to all their games across the state and was the loudest cheerleader most of the time. If she wasn’t driving bus, she was crocheting or knitting. Those she loved the most got a blanket, a long hat or slippers for special occasions. 

She spent hours gardening and planting around her house. She loved all the different colors and watching the flowers bloom. In recent years, she has spent her time crocheting, knitting and taking care of her dogs. She also loved going on rides in her ranger all over the countryside. She loved watching her granddaughters do their many activities. 

ValJean was survived by her children, Bert (Kara) Beech of Rock Springs, Clinton (Taliesha) Beech of Byron and Sheril Slater of Kemmerer; brother Dave (John) Gy of Palm Springs; granddaughters Alyssa (Kalen) Sapp of Powell, Shalin Slater and Denna Slater of Kemmerer; and sister-in-law Betty Hubbell of Lovell. 

A memorial service will be held June 6 at 2 p.m. at the Log Gym in Cowley.