Violet Mae VanBuskirk

Violet Mae VanBuskirk, a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, peacefully left this world on June 14, 2023, at Hot Springs Health in Thermopolis, Wyo., surrounded by her family including Dee, J. June, Michael, Candy, Benito, Lori, R-eyonna, Lylianah, Gabrionuh, Javier, Janisa, Jen, Anthony, Peighton, Xavian, Matea, Brooklynn, Myah, Paula, Carol and many other friends who came to visit in her last hours.

Violet was born on April 22, 1942, in Buffalo, Wyo., the fourth of seven children born to Laurence Lindzy and Iva Geraldine (Long) Devoe, better known as "Shine" and "Jerry".

She attended school in Kaycee, Sussex and Linch. In 1958, she married Kermit Floyd Coates; to this union two daughters were born, Deanna Kay and Juanita June. Kermit passed in 1983.  She met John Edward VanBuskirk "Eddie" in 1985. They married in 1986. They ran the Flying Dutchman Bar in Glendo, living there until moving to Thermopolis in 1995. They purchased Granny's Liquor, renaming it "The Flying Dutchman". They were together until Eddie's passing in 1998. Her motto at the Dutchman was "A stranger is just a friend we haven't met yet." And boy, did she make friends; she adopted half the town of Thermopolis! Violet attended The River Church.

She had a heart as big as Wyoming. She loved you for who you were, no judgement passed. If you needed her, she was there. Her daughters didn't bring home stray dogs but did bring home stray children. Violet "adopted" each of them. You all know who you are. She loved each and every one of you. Violet cared for her aging parents, moving them to Thermopolis where she made a home for them until they passed.  Violet often said, "When I go, I'll have a fork in my hand because I know the best is yet to come." Her steadfast belief in a brighter future filled her days with hope and optimism. Violet loved to dance and later found great joy riding in the sidecar of her daughter's motorcycle, where she perfected her pageant wave. She touched the lives of so many with her selfless acts and compassionate spirit. May she find eternal peace in the arms of Jesus.

Violet was preceded in death by an infant son, Kippy; her parents; husband, Eddie; brothers, Larry and Leonard; sisters, Jessie Devoe, Charron VanBuskirk and Mildred June Iriberry; grandsons, Joseph Jones and Anthony Simmons.

Survivors include daughters, Dee Singlestar and J. June Simmons; grandchildren, Michael Coates/Norcutt, Raymond Norcutt, Amber Simmons/Wallin,  Dustian Coates, Angela and Krystal Muller; multiple great-grandchildren; and her youngest brother, John Devoe.

Cremation has taken place and a last ride with The Christian Motorcycle Association will be arranged. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.