DeeAnn Jenniges

DeeAnn (Buchanan) Jenniges was born on August 12, 1950 to Donald Dee Buchanan and Ruth Gladys (Nielsen) Buchanan in Thermopolis, Wyoming. She lived in Thermopolis for most of her youth and attended Thermopolis area schools. DeeAnn also attended community college for several years to further her education and did bookkeeping for a hotel in Buffalo, WY as one of her first jobs. DeeAnn later moved to Rapid City, SD.

It was not long after this move that DeeAnn began a relationship with Duffy Jenniges. This connection expanded and deepened resulting in the two being wed on January 16, 1978, and DeeAnn Buchanan became DeeAnn Jenniges. By that fall, Duffy and DeeAnn welcomed their first child into the world. Donald Valentine Jenniges arrived on the scene with a playful smile and a fascination for just about anything around. Afterwards the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska for some years. The family then relocated to Gillette, Wyoming, which would become DeeAnn’s home for the remainder of her days where she worked principally in the Pioneer Manor assisting as a CNA, as well as custodial services and accounting work. In 1985, Duffy and DeeAnn welcomed a second son, Reese Dane Jenniges, who shared his brother’s adventurous spirit. She spent the proceeding years rearing two young, precocious boys and generously volunteered her time with groups in the Gillette area helping youth learn to read, aiding alcoholics and addicts in recovery, and doing what she could to assist those less fortunate. DeeAnn had a commitment to sober living, an endeavor that she would be involved in for most of her life, helping many others along the same path to sobriety. She was also a firm believer in Christ and spent many hours helping at Grace Bible Church.

When she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2020, she fought the disease with both strength and beauty. After some time battling this illness, DeeAnn entered a less invasive period where her treatments decreased and was able to spend more time enjoying life. Then, in 2022, the love of her life was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a courageous fight, Duffy passed away on October 12, 2023. She admirably combated several medical maladies over the final few years of her life. DeeAnn passed away at her home on October 3, 2025, with her family by her side, she was 75 years old. She was preceded in death by her father Donald, her mother Ruth, and her brother, Chuck Buchanan. She is survived by her two sons Donny and Reese, and her sister Gretchen Buchanan. A service in her honor will occur at 2 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Grace Bible Church in Gillette, WY with a reception to follow at the nearby Heritage Christian School also in Gillette, WY. While the family is happy to receive flowers, food, and gifts, they understand that DeeAnn’s beliefs and actions were directly connected to helping others. As such, donations in her name to Achievable Beyond Limited Expectations (ABLE) to support the differently abled community or to the Hepner Cancer Center to aid those fighting cancer are appreciated. Condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com