Dawyn Marie Krivanec

Dawyn Marie Rogers, known to those who loved her as Marie, was born May 15, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to Betty and Jim Rogers. She passed away August 7, 2026 surrounded by the love of a family who will miss her more than words can say.

Marie spent the first 12 years of her life growing up in Banning, California, with her beloved grandma Ada May, her sister Sue, and her brother John. Marie adored John, and the bond they shared as children remained incredibly special throughout her entire life. Until her very last breath, she and John shared a closeness that time and distance could never change.

After what could lovingly be described as a few wild streaks, Marie’s grandma decided that perhaps ranch life might do her some good and sent her to Upton, Wyoming, to live with her great-aunt and uncle, Dee and Charlie Rankin. What may have started as an attempt to straighten out a spirited young Marie, became one of the most formative and treasured chapters of her life.

At the Rankin ranch, Marie was blessed with two more brothers and three more sisters, including Sharon, who would become her best friend in life. Marie and Sharon shared the kind of sisterhood filled with laughter, mischief, and memories that lasted a lifetime. The two often found themselves cleaning the barn as punishment for whatever trouble they had managed to get into, but somehow, even when they were in trouble, they always managed to have the best time together. It was on the Rankin ranch that Marie learned about hard work, 4-H, livestock, sewing, and most importantly, family. Those years helped shape so much of the woman she would become—hardworking, creative, independent, fiercely loving, and always carrying just enough of that wild streak with her.

Marie had a beautiful hippie soul—a free spirit with a deep love for nature, simple things, and the beauty found in an ordinary day. Her favorite place was outside, with the sunshine on her face and her hands in the dirt. She could often be found working in her yard, tending her flower beds, caring for her garden, or admiring her beloved rose bushes. For Marie, being outdoors wasn’t just a hobby; it was where she felt most at peace.

That same openness carried into the way Marie loved people. She accepted people exactly as they were and never judged anyone for the way they chose to live their life. She believed in letting people be themselves and offered a kind of love that didn’t come with conditions or expectations. If someone she loved needed her, Marie was there.

That was especially true with her little brother, Doug. For a time, Marie took Doug into her home, and the two developed a very special relationship. Their bond was built on love, acceptance, and simply being there for one another. Just as she shared such a special connection with her brother John throughout her life, Marie held a unique place in her heart for Doug as well. People could simply be who they were around Marie. They didn’t have to explain themselves, pretend to be something they weren’t, or worry about being judged. She loved people for who they were, and that was one of the most beautiful things about her.

More than anything she grew in her garden or created with her hands, Marie loved her family. Her children and grandchildren held a special place in her heart and were among the greatest joys of her life. The memories they made with her, the stories, they shared, and the love she gave them will remain long after her passing.

Marie is survived by her children, Crystal Materi, Jaelene Ritterhouse (Larry), and Jason Materi; her two stepdaughters, Jamie Hinds (Jeremiah) and Jill Fey; and her beloved grandchildren, Hali Caballero, Adrianna Schlater (Parker), Braylan Materi (Sophie), Carmen Pitsch (Darrin), Jacob Ritterhouse (Aubrey), Carson Ritterhouse, Marley Materi, Collier Materi, Piper Materi, and Dre Materi, along with her brothers, sisters, extended family, and many friends who were blessed to know and love her.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Jim Rogers; her beloved grandma, Ada May; and her beloved great-aunt and uncle, Dee and Charlie Rankin.

There is comfort in knowing that a woman who spent her life growing, creating, laughing, and loving has left pieces of herself everywhere – in the family she cherished, the things she created, the gardens she tended, and especially in the people she loved and accepted exactly as they were.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marie’s name to the Cancer Care with NEW Community Health Foundation for their past support. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 S Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716.