Goldie Mae Warren

Goldie Mae Warren, 85, of Worland, Wyo., passed away peacefully at the Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on December 7, 2023. She was born on February 9, 1938, in Cameron, Okla., to Elbert and Margaret Jane (Glenn) Ridenour.

Goldie spent her formative years in Cameron, Okla., where she developed the values and warmth that defined her character throughout her life. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with Lawrence "Pinky", her future husband, at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Ark., while he was serving his country. A twist of fate marked their initial meeting when Goldie stood Pinky up on their first date. Much to her surprise, she returned home to find him patiently waiting on her front porch after a night of dancing with friends. This serendipitous encounter blossomed into a lasting love, and they were married shortly thereafter.

The couple embarked on a life together, moving to Wyoming and exchanging vows at the Worland United Methodist Church on July 2, 1959. The couple lived in Spearfish, S.D., while Pinky finished his teaching degree. After school they moved to Hamilton Dome for Pinky first teaching job. Their union was blessed with the joy of raising four children, and Goldie cherished the opportunity to be a devoted stay-at-home mom. Goldie was an accomplished seamstress and cook. Everyone know that if they stopped by the Warren's house there would be fresh bakes cinnamon roles or a pecan pie.

Relocating to Thermopolis, Wyo., Goldie worked as a seamstress for the Wyoming Pioneer Home, leaving a legacy of craftsmanship and care. While in Thermopolis, Goldie became one of the biggest sports fans for the Bobcats and almost never missed an opportunity to attend a home game and the state basketball tournament.

In later years the couple bought a summer home in Hyattville, they spent many years traveling between Thermopolis in the winter and Hyattville in the summers. Goldie enjoyed being outdoors and LOVED her flowerbeds and spent many hours out with her flowers and mowing the lawn. Pinky was not allowed to mow, that was her job!

In 2011, she moved to Worland to be closer to her daughter, Marty, providing unwavering support for Pinky's medical needs.

Goldie's life was rich with community engagement and meaningful friendships. While living in Hamilton Dome, she formed a deep bond with her neighbor, Louise Odde, who introduced her to the Eastern Star. Goldie became a dedicated and longstanding member, eventually holding esteemed titles such as Grand Martha and Pass Worthy Matron of Vesper Chapter 19. Goldie was also a member of the BPO DOES chapter in Thermopolis and later in Worland.

Goldie embraced life with enthusiasm and remained an active presence in the community. Her involvement with the senior center was a testament to her sociable nature, never missing an opportunity to engage with friends and neighbors. A true people person, she reveled in the company of others, finding joy in her garden and treasuring her role as a doting grandmother and great-grandmother.

Goldie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pinky; sons, Harlan and Larry Warren; grandchildren, Rae Marie Warren and Jerod Warren; sisters, Lorraine Parnell, Billie Satterfield and Lillie Sweeten; brothers, JP Ridenour and Johnny Ridenour.

She is survived by her daughters, Jeannie Falletti of Idaho and Martha "Marty" (Mark) Hinkel of Worland; sister, Freda (Calvin) Pierce of Fort Smith, Ark .; grandchildren, Martin Stegman, Rachelle Richardson, Jennifer (Matt) Ross, Tim (Jamie) Hinkel and PattyJo Hinkel; and five great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and services will be held, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel in Worland, Wyo. As Goldie often said, "Flowers are meant to be in the garden, not to be cut" so please make a donation to the Worland Senior Center in lieu of flowers. Checks may be sent to PO Box 524 Worland Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.