Jerilyn Rae (Leithead) Wickard

Jerilyn Rae Leithead Wickard (Gigi) passed away on November 8, 2021, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was the first born to Jed and Mary Margaret (Brubaker) Leithead on September 15, 1962, in Worland, Wyoming. She was raised on the family ranch on the Lower Nowood in Ten Sleep.

Jerilyn's work ethic started young. She did every job on the ranch possible and loved them all. Her kindness and patience shined through as she excelled in 4-H and athletics. Jerilyn was a successful athlete for Ten Sleep, playing volleyball, basketball and track. Jerilyn was popular and loved by everyone, she was voted a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen. Jerilyn graduated high school in 1981.

She received a volleyball scholarship to Sheridan College and made the Region IX Honor Team for volleyball as a sophomore. Jerilyn then headed to Black Hills State University before returning to Worland.

Jerilyn met Scott Wickard at the beginning of 1985, and they were married in September of that year. They had two children Bobby in 1987 and Joslyn in 1990. Upon her sister Jodi's passing in 1996 she gained her final son, Jared.

Jerilyn's work ethic never left. She led by example and taught her family to always give 100%. She gave her best in every job she had from the Wyoming Boys' School to Pepsi and beyond.

Jerilyn loved supporting and traveling to watch her kids. Following them and their athletic careers was her highlight. She never missed a game or match and could be found pacing in a corner or yelling by the mat. She cheered on her boys as they became State Championship Wrestlers, and she was the best wrestling mom. She was her children's #1 fan through sports and life and would do anything for them.

Jerilyn loved the outdoors and helping others. You could find her helping fry chicken for the annual 4th of July BBQ, holding a lamb or calf for docking or branding, pig wrestling around the state or any other family or friend gathering. Jerilyn was one of a kind, she would drop everything to help you without question. She did not care who you were or where you came from, she would be a constant supporter for you.

The true highlight of Jerilyn's life came when she became Grandma Gigi. Brooklynn, Wylo, AJ, Maggie and Culver were her everything. She loved traveling to gymnastics meets, playing in the yard, cooking, napping and everything in between. She was the best Gigi and taught them to love, learn, accept and give to others.

Jerilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Jed and Mary Margaret Leithead and her sister, Jodi Leithead.

She is survived by her sons, Bobby (Markie) Wickard and Jared (Jaime) Leithead; daughter, Joslyn Wickard; five grandchildren: Brooklynn, Wylo, AJ, Maggie and Culver; brother, Dennis (Tarina) Leithead; niece, Michaelina Leithead and nephews, Kane and Ace Leithead, as well as several cousins.

A visitation will be held, 2:00 pm, Friday, November 19, 2021 at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. Memorial services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Ten Sleep, WY with Beau Byrd officiating. Burial will follow in the Ten Sleep Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, an account has been set up for a sports scholarship in memory of Jerilyn. Please make checks payable to Jerilyn Wickard Memorial and send to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.