Bernice Mahaffey

Bernice Mahaffey died in Casper, Wyoming on July 28, 2010 after a brief
illness. She was born Bernice Marie Richmond in Scott County, Arkansas on
August 7, 1922. The daughter of Isaac and Maude, she was raised on a farm
near Waldron, Arkansas with her three brothers (Pat, Hughes and Kelly) and
three sisters (Bonnie, Madge and Opal). All of her brothers and sisters
preceded her in death.

At 15 she developed a thyroid problem and moved to Kansas City, Missouri to
live with a sister while receiving medical care. She worked for Hallmark
during her years in Kansas City.

After WWII she met R.V. "Vell" Mahaffey; the couple married in Siloam Springs,
Arkansas on November 3, 1947. Vell eventually went to work in the oilfields
and the couple moved often around the West: Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado,
Montana, and North Dakota. Their only son, Rodney Gene Mahaffey, was born in
Midland, Texas on February 11, 1951. The family eventually bought a home and
settled in Casper in 1961.

Bernice was a wife and homemaker. She was also an active member of the Church
of Christ. She loved music and reading.

After suffering a serious stroke in 2002, she remained at home until October
2007, when she moved into the Life Care nursing home.

Bernice is survived by her husband Vell; her son Rodney and his wife Mary (who
reside in Casper); three grandchildren: Spencer Mahaffey and his wife Jenny,
who live in Denver); Jeromy Johnson and his wife Shannon, also living in
Denver; and Ivy Johnson, living in Washington, D.C. One of the great
pleasures of Bernice's last two years was the birth of a great grandchild,
Zaden, son of Jeromy and Shannon.

Bernice will be remembered as a warm, loving and colorful woman who will be
missed by her family and friends. The memorial service will be held on
Monday, August 2 at 10 pm at the Veteran's Chapel.
Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.