Lives Remembered
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Abigail Macdiarmid
02/26/2005 - 10/27/2022
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Annalexia U Cortez
11/19/2002 – 06/20/2024
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Bryan 'Red' Weimer
06/01/1989 – 12/27/2020
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Christopher A Greener
10/05/1989 – 05/21/2023
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Christopher R Rakestraw
08/09/1992 – 01/02/2019
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Connor J Ottley
08/18/1998 – 03/28/2022
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Denali J Alzugaray
09/23/2002 – 10/14/2018
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James G Pond
10/12/1984 – 05/10/2004
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Jerid S Vance
09/02/1981 - 03/28/2021
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Kade M Lesbo
05/22/2006 – 09/12/2022
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Kaden Q Valdez
03/23/2004 – 02/21/2022
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Luke E Anderson
12/17/1984 – 09/30/2018
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Patrico 'Tib' Ottley
11/28/1979 - 12/17/2010
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Rachelle M Sloan
08/01/1984 - 01/18/2008
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Ryan A Getty
11/02/1998 – 1/31/2020
Abigail Ruth-Leigh Macdiarmid
02/26/2005 - 10/27/2022
Abigail Ruth-Leigh MacDiarmid sadly passed away on October 27, 2022 at her home in Spring Creek, Nevada. Abby was born February 26, 2005 in Hillsboro, Oregon to Lee MacDiarmid and Mary Roumanos-MacDiarmid. She was the youngest of four siblings. At a very young age her family moved from Vernonia, Oregon to Spring Creek, Nevada where Abby spent her childhood buggy riding, camping and boating on South Fork and hunting in the Ruby Mountains. Abby was a Senior at Spring Creek High School. She was an incredibly gifted athlete who played on the Volleyball and Soccer team in High School, but her true passion and talent was softball. She had plans to pursue this passion in her coming years at college. She was also extremely artistic and creative and had a true sparkle for life. Her genuine hugs and beautiful smile could light up any room she walked into. But more than anything she loved her family and friends beyond measure.
Abby's young life was full of promise and cut far too short. The impact she left on those around her will never be forgotten.
Annalexia U Cortez
11/19/2002 – 06/20/2024
Annalexia (Anna) was born in Elko, Nevada, to Rafael and Nicole Jacobo. Anna had three siblings: Angelycia, Gabriel Cortez, and Rosalina Jacobo, who was also her best friend. Since she was a little girl, Anna loved all sports, with basketball becoming her biggest passion. She played on many of the PAL basketball teams and at Elko High School through her junior year. Anna loved to cook, bake, dance, and make people laugh uncontrollably. Baking became another one of her many passions.
Anna had the biggest smile with the deepest dimples that could light up a room. She was so full of life and had the biggest heart, able to put a smile on anyone's face. Her sweet, funny, and loving personality left a mark on everyone she came into contact with, even if they were strangers.
Anna struggled with her self-esteem, confidence, and mental health from a young age. Her goal in life was always to make everyone feel special, happy, loved, and beautiful, even when she struggled to feel that way about herself. That was until she met the love of her life, Wynnter Ike. There was something special about this girl that reignited Anna's spark, shine, and love for herself.
Anna's life ended way too soon, leaving us all devastated. She is so loved and will be forever missed. As a family, we promise to never let her memories or spirit fade, and she will never be forgotten. She is forever in our hearts.
Bryan Weimer
06/01/1989 – 12/27/2020
Bryan, also known as “Red” by most of his friends, was a perfect baby. I know most mothers feel this way, but he truly was. He slept through the night right away, never had colic, and hardly ever cried as a baby. He grew into a vibrant, curious child who loved being outdoors from a very young age. I took him camping for the first time when he was 3 years old, and he loved every bit of it. The dirtier he could get, the happier he seemed.
Bryan was born in California, and we moved to Las Vegas when he was 7 years old. He attended Doris Hancock Elementary and became well-known after the talent show where he performed farm animal impressions. He believed he was on his way to fame after that! One day when I picked him up after school, he informed me that he wanted to start parting his hair in the middle and wanted to be called “Red” instead of Bryan. I wasn’t too keen on the idea and had no idea where the name came from, but I told him his friends could call him that if he wanted, though I would continue to call him by his name. He agreed that would be okay.
In 2005, we moved to Spring Creek. Bryan attended high school there but left during his senior year—school just wasn’t for him. Bryan went on to work in many trades, from ranch hand and driller assistant to security guard, equipment operator, and winery caretaker. He also loved to cook and was known for creating delicious omelets and mountain-sized hamburgers.
Bryan was well-liked wherever he went. He was sensitive, caring, and a lover of animals and nature. His willingness to help others—whether man or animal—are his legacy, and his adventurous spirit and his great hugs are missed tremendously. Bryan’s spirit continues to live on in the many people he touched during his brief 31 years.
Christopher “Chris” Alan Greener
10/05/1989 – 05/21/2023
Christopher “Chris” Alan Greener was born on October 5, 1989, in Elko, Nevada. From a very young age, Chris always loved the country way of life. He would spend summers at his grandparents' ranch in Ruby Valley, Nevada. Chris most often had a rope in his hand, and if he wasn’t roping a fence post, he was tying something up (once, he tied his mom’s ankle to the piano without her knowing). Chris’s favorite movie was 8 Seconds. As he grew older, he developed a passion for riding bulls, and he did just that! Chris loved ranch animals, particularly horses. He often found solace in church on the back of a horse, riding out in God’s country. It was a form of therapy for him. As a teenager, Chris enjoyed wrestling, cross country, and FFA in high school. He excelled in school and graduated with an advanced degree. While still in high school, Chris joined the Nevada National Guard. He eventually deployed with his brother, Dustin, to Afghanistan for one year. Chris served twelve years in the National Guard and departed as a Sergeant E5.
Chris’s siblings describe him best as someone who was always willing to help when asked and able. He supported his nieces and nephews with fundraisers, always giving them more so they could reach the next goal – after all, as he would say, “It’s just money.” Chris had a huge heart. He also had a cantankerous side, loving to terrorize and play pranks on his siblings. As his brother said, “You definitely couldn’t trust him when you were in the shower, as he was always pushing boundaries for a good laugh.” Eventually, he started teasing his nieces and nephews to the point of tears, but now that is what they miss most about Uncle Chris. Family was very important to Chris, but the person most dear to him was his daughter, Isla, whom he loved so very much!
We miss him – we miss the conversations and the feeling of being in the same room with Chris. We miss calling his name and having it answered. We miss the cut-off phone calls because he was too busy working with his animals. We miss the smile he had on his face when he was loving on his little munchkin and hearing her laugh and say, “Stop, Dada.” We miss the hugs and the "I love you's."
Eventually, Chris succumbed to PTSD and depression, resulting in his death by suicide on May 21, 2023, at the young age of 33. Chris is survived by his daughter, Isla; his parents, Rick and Wendy; his siblings, Sandra, William, Chandra, Alisha, Dustin, Richie, Saila, and Trevor; his grandmother, Marge Warmbrodt; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; his best friends, Geno Tanner and Sam Anderson, as well as many other family and friends.
It’s not that the pain and struggles he was facing are erased. It’s that we are now learning how to help carry out his unspoken struggles. Chris left a void in each of us that will never be replaced. Chris had so much love to give and just wanted to be loved back.
The thing about suicide is that there is no guide on how to act afterward. There is no blueprint on how to move forward without the person in your life or how to grieve them. It’s as if you started watching a series in its prime and are left with a cliffhanger where the story will never be written. So, in memory of Chris, our family tries our best to continue his story for him.
Christopher “Topher” Ryan Rakestraw
08/09/1992 – 01/02/2019
Christopher “Topher” Ryan Rakestraw was born on August 9th, 1992, at Beale AFB in California to Scott and Francis Rakestraw. He became the instant best friend to his brother, Robert. For the first few years of his life, he grew up in Washington. Topher and Robert were mischievous from a young age, once almost setting fire to the house they lived in on base at Fort Lewis. In 1997, Topher’s second-best friend and first sister, Bethany, was born. In 1999, they moved to Oklahoma to be closer to his mom’s family. After a year in Oklahoma, his family moved to Elko, Nevada, to meet his newly found grandparents. In Elko, his baby sister Lorianne was born, rounding out the Rakestraw family. In 2001, his parents separated. His mom met and married James Sampley, and they had a baby boy, Dillan Sampley, in 2003. Scott met and married Toni Taylor, who brought a stepbrother, Christian Taylor, into the mix. After his mom passed away in 2004, Topher, Bethany, Robert, and Lorianne moved to Carlin with their dad.
After moving to Carlin, Topher attended Carlin Combined Schools from December 2004 until he graduated in 2011. He started off playing baseball when he first moved to Carlin but discovered a love for running long distances. In high school, Topher was involved in cross country, track, wrestling, and choir. His love for music was a huge part of his life. He and two friends formed a band and played their first gig at the Chili Cookoff in Carlin. Topher also had a passion for art, which extended to multiple mediums. He loved painting, drawing, and photography.
Topher was a huge fan of Star Wars. His love for Darth Maul once led his dad to sit through The Phantom Menace twice in a row. Topher could get a room going with his Chewbacca impressions and could have full conversations with his dad using only Star Wars quotes. Topher also loved the Harry Potter series. In school, he used to sign his papers as Harry Potter. His enthusiasm for the movies got his whole family involved in loving the series, and it became a tradition for all his family and extended family to go to the movies together as a large group to see any new releases.
On January 2nd, 2019, Topher went missing, and after a three-day search, he was found. Topher had died by suicide. His sparkling blue eyes are now but a memory, and his infectious laugh will only be heard in videos. He was the best friend to all his siblings and was loved by many. His job as a bartender made him an easy person to talk to, and after his death, many stories emerged about how much he helped others.
Connor J Ottley
08/18/1998 – 03/28/2022
Our lives were shattered when Connor J. Ottley died by suicide early in the morning at his apartment in Idaho Falls, ID, on March 28, 2022. He was only 23 years old and had so much more to live for. His parents had no idea that he had been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. In the midst of personal challenges, including the end of his relationship with his girlfriend, those closest to him were unaware of the depth of his pain and the help he needed.
Connor was born on August 18, 1998, to Cody and Rhonda Ottley in Las Vegas, NV. The family moved to Lincoln/Columbus, NE, when he was only three years old. They later moved to Ammon, ID, where Connor started school in the seventh grade. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 2016.
Connor joined the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Nebraska and then transferred to the Grand Teton Council in Idaho, where he received his Eagle Scout rank in 2016. As part of his Eagle project, he made four sets of bunk beds for families in need. He loved to travel and had already visited 29 states and Mexico. He was in the process of getting his passport to travel abroad.
Connor was currently working at Applebee's as a cook. He had worked at Pizza Hut as a Shift Leader for over three years and was a dishwasher at Bar-N-Ranch in West Yellowstone, MT, for the 2017 season.
Though Connor is no longer with us, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will forever be remembered with love and affection.
Denali J Alzugaray
09/23/2002 – 10/14/2018
Denali was born in Elko, NV, to Jason Mayne and Maria Alzugaray. He would later be loved and raised by four parents who adored him when Maria married Joshua Kauffman and Jason married Sarah Kellum. Denali was a cheerful little boy with the cutest giggle and the tightest, most heartfelt hugs. He had an older brother, Sethe Alzugaray, who was four years his senior, and soon after, his little brother Mason Kauffman was born, only two years younger than him. Denali and Mason were the best of friends, growing up so close in age. Later, his dad Jason and his wife Sarah had another little brother, Hunter Mayne, and a little sister, Alyssa Mayne. With his four siblings, Denali always had friends to play with, and he was known to cause a bit of mischief. He always had some silly trick up his sleeve, keeping everyone on their toes.
As Denali grew, he developed a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and exploring the wilderness with his mom, stepdad, and brothers. His dad, Jason, loved teaching him rock climbing, and Denali was a natural at it. We used to say he was like a mountain goat; if we looked away for one second in the mountains, we’d hear him shout, “I’m up here!” from a distant cliff. It always amazed us how quickly and effortlessly he scaled those heights. Denali loved all animals but had a special fondness for dogs. He grew up with several dogs between both households, and they were often his best friends.
Denali had a true passion for science and loved finding gadgets to take apart and put back together, just to figure out how they worked. He wanted to understand the code of the universe, always asking inquisitive questions about life, time, space, and our existence. His idol was Nikola Tesla, and he would read all he could about him, adding his own perspective to complex questions. Denali’s mind constantly challenged deep topics, and he would quiz others on their thoughts and opinions to broaden his own understanding. Beyond his curious mind, Denali possessed the sweetest soul. He made sure everyone around him felt loved, welcomed, and valued as though time spent with them mattered more than anything else in his world. He couldn’t stand to see others sad, mistreated, or alone. Denali went out of his way to sit with kids who didn’t have friends, defend people who were being bullied, and bring a smile to anyone who needed it. He was a natural at it, and he struggled deeply with the cruelty he witnessed in the world.
One painful Sunday in October, shortly after his 16th birthday, Denali made the choice to take his own life—a decision that left his family and friends in deep anguish and searching for answers. We, his entire family and loving friends, would love nothing more than to create something beautiful out of the deep hurt left in our hearts—a reminder of what Denali taught us about kindness, true love, and caring with gentleness and understanding. We hope to be a beacon of light and hope for someone in their darkest hour, saving a life in the way we so regretfully missed saving Denali’s on that fateful Sunday.
James Glen Pond
10/12/1984 – 05/10/2004
On October 12, 1984, James Pond was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Jim and Marcella Pond. James had two half-sisters, Stephanie Gast and Jennifer Gast. His maternal grandparents were especially excited when he was born, as he was their first grandson after having eight granddaughters.
James was a very active little boy, involved in tee-ball and Cub Scouts. He and his dad went on their first fishing trip to Alaska by themselves in July 1991. In 1992, James and his family moved to Spring Creek, Nevada, when his dad began working for Newmont Mining Co.
James attended Spring Creek Elementary, Spring Creek Middle School, and Spring Creek High School. While at Spring Creek Middle School, he was active in junior football and PAL basketball and was a member of the National Honor Society. He won the geography bee at his school and traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the state competition, where he placed second.
While attending Spring Creek High School, James excelled in both academics and sports. He was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the Spartan football, basketball, and track teams. He received many academic honors and was named All-State in football for three years. All of his coaches had the utmost respect for his hard work and skill. During his senior year, he set a new school record in football with over 600 yards receiving. It was during high school that James formed friendships with his two best friends, Adam Wilson and Ashley Colleen, both of whom continue to be an important part of James' family today.
After graduating in 2003, James decided to attend the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where he planned to "walk on" to the Wolfpack football team. After his first year of practice, his dedication paid off, and he was added to the Wolfpack football roster for the fall of 2004.
The lives of James' family and friends changed forever on May 10, 2004, when James died by suicide.
James loved his family, and he made our world a brighter, better place. We continue to “hold on to the love, not the loss,” and he will remain in our hearts forever.
Jerid Scott Vance
09/02/1981 - 03/28/2021
Jerid Scott Vance: firefighter, underground mine mechanic, mine search and rescuer, devoted father, son, brother, husband and friend. Jerid, well known for his giant and sometimes rib cracking bear hugs, fiercely loved those around him and devoted his life to the unity of family and service to his community.
Jerid was born in Santa Rosa, California on September 2, 1981 to Amber and Kevin Vance. After moving to Elko, Nevada he met Amanda Sweat his fifth grade "sweetheart." On September 14, 2003 they were married under a willow tree in a friend's back yard; they had 2 beautiful children together. Anyone who knew him can verify that he was a true "Mama's Boy" and he didn't mind showing it. He played like a child with his children and had a special bond with both of them; often taking them on "one-on-one" personal adventures like hiking or going to a concert.
He was always a gifted artist; talented in drawing, tattooing and carving. He loved to be outside hiking in the mountains and hunting; competing in physical competitions and challenges or motorcycling in the back country with his brother Daniel. But his true passion was wildland firefighting.
When he wasn't at his routine job as an underground mine mechanic, at Nevada Gold Mines, he had his radio on waiting to get "toned out" on a fire call. He deeply loved working at Lee Engine Company and never tired of responding to calls. In 2019, Jerid received Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, an award that recognized his positive attitude and willingness to help others.
Jerid was so proud to be a part of the firefighting community that he carried that pride with him wherever he went. Jerid always sought out the local firehouses of places he visited, dragging an old company shirt with him looking for a fellow brother to trade his shirt with. One time in Mexico, he walked over 8 eight miles in 100 degree weather looking for the firehouse in Bucerias. Successful as always, he found the house, made new friends and brought home 2 shirts from Bomberos Del Estado Base Nuevo Vallarta. So, if you're ever in Mexico and see a firefighter wearing a Lee Engine Shirt well, that's Jerid's handy work!
Jerid was well known for his crazy and entertaining antics- like the time he ate a can of cat food for dinner, or the time he ate a live blue bellied lizard and spent a week on the couch with gastritis. Later when he was told someone didn't believe he had eaten a living lizard- he did it again "just to show them". Jerid's motto was generally "hold my beer" maybe that's why he didn't drink to excess. All too frequently, he would break out into loud singing or a bootie bumping dance in public places trying to embarrass whoever he was with; or just simply to enjoy every moment of life.
Jerid was always the one that people called when they needed help. Whether you needed something fixed, moved or you just needed a shoulder to cry on, he was always there. His personal to do list was always a mile long because he always placed others before himself. Jerid always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. And when he made a friend, it was for life.
Jerid spent over half of his life searching for his biological father, when late last year through the miracle of DNA he was finally rewarded for his efforts. Jerid quickly developed a loving relationship with his dad, Creighton William Frost Jr., AKA "Jack Frost". He was very proud and thrilled to have known him, until Jack succumbed to the effects of cancer in January 2021.
At an early age Jerid developed a keen awareness of God and at only 6 years of age he marched by himself down the aisle of the church and announced to the preacher that he believed in God and wanted to get baptized to show that he loved Jesus. This is a comfort to his family as they know that he now resides in heaven with those who have gone before him.
Kade Michale Lesbo
05/22/2006 – 09/12/2022
Kade was born on May 22, 2006, a vibrant boy with beautiful blue eyes and golden blonde hair. He shared a special bond with his big brother, Kason, joining in on all the activities his brother loved. Whether it was football, basketball, or baseball, the two brothers filled their days with laughter and competition.
A true lover of the outdoors, Kade never passed up an opportunity to fish, hunt, or camp with his family. His adventurous spirit extended to motorcycles, as he proudly owned and loved fixing nine of them!
Kade was known for his quick wit and infectious humor, bringing joy to everyone around him. A talented pitcher, he had a deep passion for baseball and often dreamed of excelling in the sport. Kade cherished the time he spent welding with his dad, aspiring to one day take over the family business.
Tragically, on September 12, 2022, at the tender age of 16, Kade died by impulse suicide, leaving his family and friends heartbroken and in shock.
In honor of Kade's memory, his family actively advocates for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. They also provide annual scholarships in his name, ensuring that his spirit and legacy continue to inspire others. Kade will always be remembered for his laughter, love, and the light he brought into the world. Though he is no longer with us, Kade will forever live on in our hearts, never forgotten, and always loved.
Follow Kade’s Remembrance Page: https://www.facebook.com/LoveforKade12
Kaden Quin Valdez
03/23/2004 – 02/21/2022
Kaden Charles Quin Valdez was born on March 23, 2004 — my blue-eyed boy who loved his family and friends with all his heart. He was a lover, not a fighter.
He enjoyed spending time with his siblings, Katrina, Kayla, and Ivan. He would drop anything to be with them.
Kaden enjoyed music of all kinds, so much so that he taught himself to play the guitar and piano —and he was very good at it.
We lost Kaden too soon; his love for the world was too harsh on his soul.
Every year, on his birthday, March 23rd, we celebrate National Kaden Kindness Day by going out and doing kind acts in his honor.
Luke Elliott Anderson
12/17/1984 – 09/30/2018
Luke Elliott Anderson, also known as “Lukieboy,” was born during a pounding blizzard in Portland, OR. He was a big baby, weighing in at 9 pounds 15.5 ounces and measuring 23 inches long. He came home with his mom, Wendy, and dad, Michael, to a sister named Rebecca, a dog named Bob, and a kitty named Jessie. Luke was a happy little guy who grew and grew. When Luke was nine months old, he and his family moved to Karlsruhe, Germany, and they returned home to Elko after six years of traveling throughout Europe. Luke started school at Northside Elementary, where he was a good student; learning came easily to him.
As a young boy, Luke played soccer and baseball, and he went skiing in the Sierras. In high school, he was the captain of both the varsity baseball and soccer teams. Luke loved to hike in the Ruby Mountains and had a deep affection for all his dogs, Annie, Rudy, and Lady. One of his favorite activities was taking his dogs to South Fork and watching them dive into the water to fetch a ball. Luke also loved music—anything from rap to country—but he had a particular fondness for music from the 1960s. He would sing along with his mom as they made breakfast together on Sunday mornings. Luke had many friends, and it wasn’t uncommon to see piles of bicycles parked on the front lawn of his house while all the guys played basketball.
As Luke grew older, he worked for a construction company in Elko, which prepared him for a job he loved at Newmont Mining. Luke was a hard worker, well-liked by his colleagues, and he truly excelled at his job. One evening at dusk while at work, Luke saw a deer struggling in a pond. Without hesitation, he jumped out of his truck, waded into the pond, and got the deer to shore. For this act of kindness, he was presented with a commendation by Newmont along with a cash award. In 2013, Luke married and had a beautiful daughter. He was a generous person with a good heart, often stopping to give money and a pep talk to people who were on the side of the road needing help. He was easy to talk to, and all of the pizza joints in town knew him—not just because he loved pizza, but because he was a great listener.
Despite all the good things in his life, Luke struggled with serious mental health issues, including substance abuse, that he was battling. Although everyone around him tried to help, and after trips to rehab and mental health facilities, Luke became so depressed that he died by suicide on September 30, 2018. It is difficult to describe the pain his mother and family went through after Luke’s death, and the grief they still carry with them is, at times, unbearable. Sharing memories with his friends and co-workers brings a lot of comfort. The work of helping those who are struggling and speaking out to reduce the stigma of mental health issues, substance abuse, and suicide gives some meaning to Luke’s death.
As a mom who has lost her dear son, I encourage anyone who is wrestling with thoughts of suicide, depression, substance abuse, sadness, or anger issues to ask for help. That is the most courageous thing you can do. There is help available. Call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Hotline, or reach out to a trusted friend or a helper in your community. Please get help if you need to. You are not alone.
Patrico ‘Tib’ Ottley
11/28/1979 - 12/17/2010
Patricio Tib Ottley, known as Tib to those close to him, was born on November 28, 1979, in Evanston, Wyoming. Named after his grandfathers, he grew up with the affectionate nickname “Tibby” from his family, a name that evolved over time as he matured. By middle school, he was simply known as Tib, though his older sister continued to call him Tibby.
Tib's passion for cooking began in high school, leading him to a notable career in the culinary world. He honed his skills at the Four Seasons, eventually becoming a sous-chef. His dedication to his craft took him to Peru, where he contributed to teaching at a culinary school. When he, his father, and his bonus mom, Diana, opened a restaurant, Tib embraced the name “Chef Patricio” in his professional role.
Tib's creativity extended beyond his culinary skills. As a high school student, his artistic talent was evident when he was caught forging his mother’s signature—an impressive feat of artistry. He won an award for a painting he entered in the D.A.R.E. program, and his gift for drawing was showcased in a cherished illustration of Michael Jordan performing his iconic jump shot for his sister.
Music was another of Tib’s passions. He loved Van Halen and Dave Matthews Band, and though he couldn't read music, he had a remarkable ability to play songs by ear on the guitar and piano. His constant strumming of Van Halen tunes brought both joy and occasional frustration to his family, who now deeply miss those moments.
Tib was a beloved middle child to his sisters, Stormy and Kendall, and a fun uncle to his nieces and nephew—Jordan, Lyrik, and Skye. His playful spirit was evident in the funny song he made up for his nephew Skye, who loved Batman and frequently suffered from diaper rashes. The playful “ButtRash” song became a source of great laughter and cherished memories…“Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da ButtRash.”
In addition to his many interests, Tib enjoyed traveling, skiing, hunting, and camping. His love for pickles and lemons was as strong as his dedication to his three turtles: Tuck, Sam, and Onisimo. His loyalty extended to his favorite sports teams, the Detroit Lions and the Chicago White Sox.
Christmas was Tib’s favorite holiday, and his family has since worked to honor his memory by celebrating it with the same joy he brought to the occasion. Tragically, Tib passed away on December 17, 2010, by suicide. His absence is deeply felt, not only during the holiday season but every day. His memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Rachelle Marie Sloan
08/01/1984 - 01/18/2018
On August 1, 1984, Rachelle Marie Sloan was born in Mesa, AZ. Before Rachelle was born, her mother, Lynette, wanted to name her Star, as she would be Lynette’s firstborn. However, at that time, their neighbor had a dog named Star. Lynette thought it would be odd to name her daughter Star because of the neighbor’s dog, not considering that they wouldn't live there forever. One day, Rachelle’s half-sister, Sherie, came home from school talking about one of her friends named Rachelle. Lynette thought, "What a beautiful name," and decided that would be her baby’s name—Rachelle. Her middle name, Marie, was chosen in honor of her great aunt, whom Lynette adored.
Rachelle had three older half-siblings: Sherie, Patrick, and Elizabeth. Two years after Rachelle was born, she gained two full siblings, Melissa and Scott. When Rachelle was six years old, her dad was offered a job at Newmont, so her family moved to Elko, Nevada. Rachelle attended Mt. View, Elko Junior High, and Elko High School. During her time in junior high and high school, she was a member of the Honor Society. She also played in the band from 6th grade through 9th grade.
Throughout Rachelle’s high school years, Lynette encouraged Rachelle to join the Forensic Team at Elko High School. Rachelle asked, "Why?" Lynette replied, "Because you like to debate, and you have a photographic memory." It wasn’t until her senior year that she joined. Rachelle went on to earn 2nd place in 2002 for Dramatic Interpretation in the State of Nevada Forensic Tournament.
After graduating from high school in 2002, Rachelle joined the Air Force. Her first station was at Francis E. Warren Air Base in Cheyenne, WY, where she served as a dental technician. Although she enjoyed her job, she absolutely did not like the weather in Cheyenne. Rachelle had hoped to be stationed somewhere warm, as she had grown up in Elko and wanted to escape the cold weather.
Three years later, she was transferred to Charleston Air Base in South Carolina. She was thrilled to be out of the cold and close to the beach. While serving as a dental tech, Rachelle also wrote articles for the air base. In 2006, she was named Airman of the Year. In 2007, she completed a four-month tour in Iraq, where she was trained in Force Protection.
Tragically, on January 18, 2008, Rachelle died by suicide. Her family and friends' lives have been forever changed since her death. It is our hope and desire to break the stigma of not asking for help.
If you are struggling, please ask for help. It’s okay not to be okay. Seeking help is a brave act. Call the suicide prevention hotline at 988 for assistance.
Ryan A Getty
11/02/1998 – 1/31/2020
Ryan Alex Getty was born on November 5, 1998, in Elko to Marcie Don and Darian Getty. He attended elementary and early middle school in Bastrop, Texas, before returning to Elko, where he graduated from Elko High School in 2017. After graduation, Ryan and his mom traveled abroad through multiple countries, meeting friends he had connected with through his computer network.
He enjoyed playing and teaching others about computer games, as well as working on and rebuilding his own computers. His hobbies included online gaming, riding quads, and building robotics. He often took apart his mom’s small kitchen appliances to scavenge parts. When out and about, he was easily recognized by his signature attire of a suit and his famous bright red tie, often accompanied by his ever-present golden retriever, Hunter.
Ryan had a soft heart, a quirky smile, and loved to argue "just the facts." He was always willing to help others, whether it was assisting friends with moving or carrying groceries for older folks to their cars. He would often jump out of his mom’s moving Jeep in the grocery store parking lot to lend a hand. Ryan bought a place next to his sister, Devyn, to be closer to her and help with her daughter, Dakota. He has a namesake nephew, Leo Ryan Orozco, and a niece, Victoria Elvira Orozco, whom he never had the chance to meet.
Ryan faced significant health challenges, including multiple brain and eye surgeries due to meningitis he contracted, which did not have a vaccine and led to occasional seizures. He missed his sophomore year of high school for these surgeries and spent the year in physical therapy, relearning how to walk, talk, and manage daily functions. To make up for lost time, he took online and summer classes, not only catching up but also graduating a semester before his peers. Ryan had just been accepted and had started entry-level classes to become a lawyer.
On January 31, 2020, not wanting to face another round of health issues, Ryan succumbed to the pressure of his disease. He is greatly missed by all who knew him. The world needs more people like Ryan.