GILLETTE -- A candlelight funeral service for Brenda L. Meece, 41, will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday Aug. 2, 2007 at the Family Life Church in Gillette with Youth Pastor Barrett K. Norris of the Family Life Church and Doug Meacham of Buffalo officiating. A balloon release ceremony will follow the service.

She died July 28, 2007 near Johnson Siding west of Rapid City, S.D., from injuries she received in a motorcycle accident.

She was born July 26, 1966 in Hot Springs, S.D., the daughter of Thomas and Marilyn (Carstensen) Boggs.

She grew up in Edgemont, S.D., moving to Sheridan when she was in junior high school. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1984.

She married David Meece in November of 1985 in Billings, Mont. They made their home in Sheridan for a year before moving to Gillette in 1987.

They had two children that she spent all her time with until they were older and she started working for Buttrey Foods. She worked for Buttrey’s for seven years and has been employed by Yates Petroleum for the last six years.

She was a dedicated mother and was involved in all her children’s activities. She loved spending time with her kids and enjoyed shopping with her daughter, Mandi.

She was an avid Bunco player; she always had a good book to read. Her favorite time of year was when the lilacs were in bloom, often driving through town and picking a few along the way. She made the best sugar cookies in the world, and was great at planning and cooking her friends’ favorite meals. She won the weight loss contest at Yates Petroleum and was the motivator behind everyone losing a few pounds.

She was an avid "Law & Order" watcher and enjoyed going to the movies with her son, Taylor. She liked the “Life is Good” slogan and she started every day by singing in the shower. Brenda enjoyed boating with family and friends and to ride motorcycles. She was also recently working at Old Time Pizza to earn extra money to purchase her own home. Brenda’s smile and her bright shining eyes brought joy to those around her.

She is survived by her daughter, Mandi Meece and son, Taylor Meece, of Gillette; her parents, Marilyn and Andy Anderson and Tom and Margaret Boggs of Sheridan and one brother, Jeremy Boggs of Sheridan.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and one uncle.

Memorials and condolences may be sent in Mandi Meece’s name to benefit the Brenda Meece Memorial Fund, in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, 82716.

Casper Star-Tribune - August 1, 2007