Melinda Marie Clair

Melinda Marie Clair of Casper passed away — peacefully and surrounded by family — on November 20, 2022 at the age of 69, following a short illness.

Melinda, who went by "Lin," was born as a twin (sister, "Lis") on October 27, 1953 to William "Bucky" & Velma Ruth "VR" Clair in Great Bend, Kansas. One of eight children, Melinda spent her childhood in Central Kansas and later followed her siblings to Casper, Wyoming. She worked as a travel agent and an event planner who was devoted to sharing the world and history of the Old West with everyone she could. In so doing, she brought to life many group adventures through her work. She loved enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and would often share nature's wonders through her photography. She also enjoyed cooking and baking and would always be ready to make and bring delicious treats to her friends and family.

There is no doubt that one of Lin's truest passions in life was her love of and care for her enormous family. Between her 7 siblings, 25 nieces and nephews, and more than 40 great nieces and nephews (and counting), she would always be looking forward to the next family gathering and seeing all the kids run around and play. When she and her "sissies" would get together, the laughter was truly contagious. Lin's sense of humor and ornery nature were beloved by her family. She was like a mother to her younger siblings and many of her nieces and nephews, and had a unique bond with each of them. Her legacy of fun traditions, recipes, photos, and sharing memories will be carried on through all of them.

As a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and as a devout Christian, she loved her Catholic faith. One of her favorite devotions was praying the rosary, which she would do multiple times per day. With her own nieces and nephews being so special to her, she also wanted to minister to the youth of Wyoming. Combining her faith and knowledge of event planning, Lin was one of the founders of the Wyoming Catholic Youth Retreat. Their mission is to lead people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, to live and proclaim the Gospel message with joy and enthusiasm, and to become the evangelizers of the new evangelization. The Wyoming Catholic Youth Retreat will celebrate its 23rd annual event in 2023 where her legacy will live on.

Lin was preceded in death by her parents, William E. Clair Sr. and Velma Ruth Clair. She is survived by her seven siblings, William Clair Jr., Melissa "Lis" Donovan (Sherman), Michele McFarren, Bradley Clair (Dawn), Sherry Price (Bart), Francis Clair (Paula), and Mary Gerise Vignaroli (Richard) as well as her many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Casper on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 11:00 AM (preceded by a rosary at 10:30 AM). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in her name to True Care Women's Resource Center of Casper, whose mission was close to Lin's heart.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.