RANCHESTER - A celebration of the life of Ranchester resident Gerald T. "Jerry" Laya, 77, and special dedication will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, in Ranchester Park, officiated by Pastor Dan Keller.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Kane Funeral Home of Sheridan.

He died Aug. 19, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Born Sept. 7, 1927, in Kooi, he was the son of Mary and Joe Laya; attended school in Acme; and graduated from Sheridan High School.

He then served in the U.S. Army; and, afterward, earned a bachelor degree in business from the University of Wyoming.

An employee of V.C. Johnston Lumber Co. for several years, he later owned Country Gardens in Ranchester.

He served the town as a councilman for many years and one term as mayor.

A member of Ranchester Rotary Club, he was an avid fly fisherman and hunted upland birds. His true passion was gardening.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Suzanne (Williams) Laya, of Ranchester; two children, Gary Laya and his wife of Ranchester and Deb Johnston and her husband of Sheridan; four grandchildren; brother, Bill Laya of Sheridan; and sister, Beverly Pilch of Cheyenne.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Steven Laya; and a sister, Joan.

Flowers may be sent to the family home at 335 Gillette St., Ranchester, WY 82801. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, in care of Janet Evans, Cowboy State Bank, P.O. Box 6026, Ranchester, WY 82801.