Edna I. Leger

Edna Isabel Leger, 82 of Rozet, Wyoming passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 29, 2024. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Edna touched the lives of many with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering spirit. 

 Edna Isabel Gibson was born on September 18, 1942, in Miami, Arizona to Alice and Forest Gibson. She was the only daughter of 3 children. Older brother Vernon Gibson and younger brother Danny Gibson. 

 Edna’s family moved around a bit with her father's work. As a child she went to Santa Rita Elementary in New Mexico. Her family then moved to Thorp Washington where she would attend high school. Her escape was dancing and music with dreams of having a family of her own. It was here she met Larry Ballinger. After a brief dating period they eloped to Oregon City, Oregon and were married February 26, 1959. They moved to Washington, New Mexico, Arizona then back to Carus, Oregon and bought a small farm to raise their 5 daughters. Edna canned everything she could, made bread every Wednesday, could cook like no other and would make a sewing machine sing. In 1973 the family would pack up and move to Rozet, Wyoming. She took a job with Decker’s Food Store in the Bakery and in 1975 Larry’s Janitorial Service started. This business serviced The Carter Mining Company corporate, Rawhide, Caballo along with some apartments. When the opportunity arose to by their own property, they bought 100 acres in Rozet and settled in. In 1979 New Year’s Day a tragic house fire claimed their home but rebuild they did. After 25 years of marriage, they divorced. 

 July 1985, she met Gary Leger while she was a contractor for The Carter Mining Company Headquarters. She was giving the receptionist a break when in walked the man she would marry in 1986. They built a life filled with love, warmth, and mutual respect. In addition to raising their blended family, two grandchildren were added to the mix. In 2010 Edna retired and shortly after was diagnosed with diabetes, macular degeneration. In 2016 Gary and Edna spent 3.5 months in Alaska, a trip of a lifetime. She battled many health issues in the coming years but in the end, it was Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer that took her from us. Edna was a devoted and nurturing mother, always putting her family's needs before her own. Her home was a haven of love and laughter, where everyone felt welcomed and cherished. 

 Edna had a passion for family, hunting, babies, sewing, gardening , softball and stock car racing, which brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Whether she was rocking a baby, making blankets, weeding her garden, playing catcher, screaming around a dirt track, hunting and fishing, or traveling with Gary, she approached everything with enthusiasm and dedication. Her creativity and zest for life were clear in everything she did. 

Edna leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. Her impact on the lives of those who knew her is immeasurable. She taught us the importance of family, the value of working hard, and the power of a loving heart. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us. 

 Edna is survived by her husband of 38 years Gary Leger, her children, Kim Harbison, Julie Ruff, Laurie Kuntz, JoAnn Gallagher [Vince], Tammy Robertson, Bonus-daughter Sarah Hayworth [Tony], and Bonus-son John Leger [LeAnn]. Her 27 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild were her pride and joy. She had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were loved by her. 

 She is preceded in death by her parents Alice Ward and Forest Gibson, brothers Vernon and Danny Gibson, stepdad Eddie Ward, grandparents Robert and Edith Hileman, great-grandsons Kody Remington Flowers and Wesley Ruff. Along with many other family members. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

 A celebration of Edna's life will be held on March 11,2025 at 10 a.m. Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming. Join us for refreshments following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory. 

 May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy live on in our hearts forever.