Grace Robertson

1952 - 2025

Grace Marie Robertson, 73, a resident of Wilson, Wyoming and a native of Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at her home on November 28, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. She was comforted by her sister and brother-in-law and many friends that visited in her final days. Grace was born in Casper on October 21, 1952, to Rob and Marie (Hildebrand) Robertson. She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her brother, Monte Robertson of Casper; her sister, Sue Ann (Robertson) Dow, and brother-in-law, Richard Dow, of Laramie; and by cherished cousins in Casper and Texas.

Grace graduated from Natrona County High School in 1971 and earned her bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1976. A lifelong learner with an extraordinary intellect, she was later named an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow at Stanford University, where she earned a Master of Science degree in management in 1990.

Growing up in Casper helped shape Grace's adventurous spirit and keen mind. She was active in Girl Scouts, synchronized swimming, and became one of Hogadon's top alpine ski competitors with the Casper Mountain Racers and the Natrona County High School ski team. Summers were spent hiking in the Wind River Mountains with her family, riding her bike, and cultivating her deep love of reading. Her fierce determination and natural intelligence guided her toward excellence in everything she pursued.

Although she initially set her sights on the emerging field of bioengineering, illness redirected her path. Undeterred, Grace completed her bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. During her college years, she worked as a flagger for McMurry Brothers and, in true pioneering fashion, broke barriers by becoming a heavy construction equipment operator on highway projects.

After graduation, Grace began her distinguished career with Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Known for her sharp mind and steady leadership, she worked in Boeing's Defense and Space Group as a circuit design engineer on several military programs. She was first promoted to management while working on the B-2 program in 1983 and later held supervisory positions in B-2 Avionics and Support Equipment Design.

In 1990, Grace became director of Boeing's 747/767 derivative program in Everett, Washington. She often fondly referred to the 767 as "her plane," having led a team of 400 in designing and building a cargo version of the long-range 767 wide-body aircraft. In 1994, she left Boeing to lead the MD-90 program at McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach, California. When McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997, Grace continued her work with the company until her retirement, concluding an exceptional career marked by intelligence, courage, and quiet leadership.

Grace enjoyed her years in her home in Huntington Beach, California, before returning to Wyoming in 2002 to make her home in Wilson. After her father's passing in 2008, she purchased the cherished Robertson family home there.

In Wilson and the greater Jackson community, Grace poured her energy and intellect into service. She volunteered as a literacy tutor, served on her homeowners association's architectural committee, and was a board member of the Teton County Library. Her precise thinking and deep sense of civic responsibility led her to volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, where she eventually became manager, expanding services into Sublette County.

While she enjoyed her years living near the California beaches, Grace's heart belonged to the Tetons. Hiking the mountains with dear friends brought her great joy. Together they explored the arts and culture of the valley she loved. Though she often said Mother Nature was the finest landscaper of all, she delighted in tending her own gardens and learning the name of every flower she planted or encountered on the trail.

A casual service celebrating Grace's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, at First Christian Church in Casper. It will be livestreamed at www.fcccasper.org/livestream/. In lieu of flowers, Grace requested that memorial donations be made to Teton County Library or to St. John's Health Foundation in Jackson.

Grace will be remembered for her brilliant mind, pioneering spirit, generous heart, and love of family, friends, and the Wyoming mountains she called home.