Mary Alice (Wright) Gunderson, 75, passed away in her sleep the morning of October 3, 2011.

Mary Alice was born on January 18, 1936 in Sheridan, WY to Bernard and Leah (Gilkeson) Wright. She was a graduate of Sheridan High School in 1953. Growing up, Mary Alice had a love of horses, music, art and the mountains. She worked at Montgomery Wards. Mary Alice attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a degree in education. Not long after her graduation from the University of Wyoming, she moved to Casper and began a teaching career at Park Elementary School. It was there she met Ed Gunderson, the love of her life, and they were married in Watertown South Dakota July 16, 1964. In September 1967, Mary Alice, (and Ed), adopted Jim Gunderson and began their life as a family.

In 1971 Mary Alice and her family purchased the family home where she lived until her passing.

Mary Alice had a love of writing. She had published, both domestically and internationally, numerous newspaper columns, poems, short stories, and non-fiction books. Most notably she authored a book entitled "Devil's Tower: Stories in Stone", published in 1988. For this work, the book received 3 awards, two state, and one national.

Mary Alice also taught poetry with the "Poetry in the Schools" program in Natrona County, a program she was especially fond of. In the late 1980's to early 90's, Mary Alice taught English at Casper College in the English lab. In her retirement years, she continued to read, write and researching for her next publication. Her other interests included photography, children, an eclectic taste in music and a blossoming enthusiasm for technology.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Leah (Gilkeson) Wright, her husband Ed Gunderson and her brother Richard Wright.

She is survived by her son, Jim Gunderson of Casper, a granddaughter, Carmie, and 5 nieces & nephews.

Memorials can be sent in Mary Alice's name to the Central Wyoming Hospice or the Natrona County Public Library.

A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 2:00 at Bustard's Funeral Home.

Bustard's Funeral Directors, Casper WY.