Lorelei A. Russell

Lorelei, known to those that loved her as Lori, was born in Riverton, WY on September 21, 1965 to the parents of Gary Lee and Mary Elizabeth (Coats) Riegert. Lori joined older siblings, David and Myra. She spent the first 5 years of life on the family farm in the Missouri Valley area in Fremont County, WY.
She had a favorite (bum) lamb on the farm that she called Gunter. She loved farm life with all the sheep and animals. During that time, she gained the nickname "Pete" from her dad, Gary.
In 1971, the family relocated to Jeffery City, WY. She attended kindergarten through 2nd grade in Jeffery City. She also had grandparents, Bill and Dorothy Coats that also lived in Jeffery City. They loved Lori very much. While living in Jeffery City, Lori learned to swim and ride bicycle there as well.
In March of 1974, the family added two more brothers, Shawn and Jason just before moving to Casper, WY. Then after moving to Casper, the family added another brother, Michael on August 31, 1975. Lori attended 3rd grade through high school in Casper. She attended grade school at Park Elementary School, Junior High at Dean Morgan High School then graduating from Natrona County High School in 1984.
While growing up in Casper, Lori continued to love animals, spending time with her family. Whether it was visiting with her Grandma Helen Riegert, whom loved Lori very much, as she was known as grandma's "brown eyed, brown haired" favorite. She loved her brothers and sister. She spent time with them, teased, or occasionally fought with them.
She had various animals throughout her life. She was especially missing her "Miss Kitty" during her recent illness and treatment at Shepherd of the Valley Care Center. She loved animals, both real and stuffed. Animals did not judge; they just love.
Additionally during her growing up life, Lori while attended Boyd Avenue Baptist Church. She accepted her Lord Jesus, was baptized, and joined the church. She loved and appreciated her church family. The Boyd Avenue family has supported her and her family throughout her life.
At the age of 17, Lori began her lifelong struggle with mental illness. Throughout her life, she had periods of time when she was "better" and periods when the illness was truly pure torture. During the "better" times, she was able to hold a fulltime job and was a happier person. She was very creative and artistic. She crocheted blankets for family and friends, made hats for cancer patients or made some other creative project to share with others. Lori was also known to call at all hours of the day and be cheerful and happy to talk to others. She tried to cheer up her friends and family during hard times.
On February 22, 1992, Lori married her husband Thomas (Tom) Russell. This was a very happy day for Lori. She was happy to be married and loved Tom very much. They together had various animals with the most recent one being Miss Kitty. They made their home in Casper.
In the later part of her life, Lori continued her struggle with mental illness. She continued loving family members and friends while becoming an advocate for Mental Illness. She even attended a national conference to share "my story" (according to Lori). She would share about the illness that plagued her life. She wanted others to understand what people with mental illness dealt with every day.
Lori knew that she, herself could not have children, so she enjoyed doting on her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She freely shared about them as if they were her own. She loved children and animals, possibly because they don't judge and they just love and accept. She will fondly be remembered for her kindness, generosity, caring, and jovial laugh. When she was "better" she truly loved life. Now she is truly healed and in the presence of her Lord.
Lorelei Ann (Riegert) Russell born September 21, 1965 in Riverton, WY died of unknown causes at the Shepherd of the Valley Care Center in Casper. She is survived by her husband, Tom Russell, her parents, Gary and Mary Riegert, sister, Myra (John) Deobald of Wright, WY; brothers, David (Valerie) Riegert of Greely, CO; Shawn (Tomi) Riegert of Sheridan, WY; Jason (Joanna) Riegert of Tooele, UT; Michael (Mary) Riegert of Groton, CT along with 14 nieces and nephews; and 8 great-nieces and nephews. Lori was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Dorothy Coats and David and Helen Riegert, by nieces, Vanessa Lee Riegert and Mercedie Lynn Riegert and great-nephew, Uriah Nolan Riegert.
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