Starla Dawn Sweet

Starla Dawn Sweet, 75, passed away at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette, WY, on June 9, 2025.

Starla was born on August 23, 1949, to Robert Edwin Sundstrom and Loree Elva (Meyer) Sundstrom in Hot Springs, SD. She joined three older siblings (Loree’s children), sisters Patsy and Bonita and a brother Pat. Her youngest brother, Brent, was born later.

The family resided in Newcastle, WY, where Starla attended school. Like her older sisters, she was a majorette in high school. She graduated in 1967.

On November 11, 1967, she married Robert B. Sweet. They made their home on the Sweet family ranch east of Upton, WY. Starla had dreamed of having a large family, and she and Robert had seven children: sons Robert, Brian, Corbin, and Brandon; and daughters Robyn and Nichole. One son, Clinton Patrick, died shortly after birth due to a heart defect.

Starla was known for being extremely hard-working and a perfectionist at everything she did. Even with six rambunctious children, she managed to always have a meticulous home. She was a phenomenal cook! A few of her specialties were fried chicken and homemade chicken and noodles. It didn’t stop there, as she always made the most mouth-watering desserts! Teachers often requested her “Long John” donuts for class treats.

She was an avid gardener with an incredible “green thumb”. She always had beautiful flower beds and multiple vegetable gardens. Her family enjoyed a fully stocked pantry of canned vegetables and homemade jellies and jams. Other hobbies included cake decorating and macrame.

Starla was employed as a rural school bus driver for the Upton School for several years. She was also a member of the Weston County Cowbelles and was the president from 1976-1977.

Starla enjoyed the outdoors and many of the family outings included picnics, which of course included her amazing fried chicken, and sight-seeing or hiking in the Black Hills.

In her later years, she made her home in Custer, SD and worked at Carson Drug until she retired and moved to Newcastle, WY. She cherished family gatherings and especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No baby within an arm’s reach was safe from her kisses!

Starla is survived by former husband, Robert Sweet; her children Robert (Carrie) Sweet, Robyn Honey, Brian Sweet, Corbin Sweet, Brandon Sweet, and Nichole Sweet; grandchildren Tyler (Katie) Honey, Lucas (Lexie) Honey, Ashlyn (Justin) Drewry, Colton (Kelly) Sweet, Alyssa Dawson, Landon Engle, Kaylee (Jonathan) Herford, Morgan Sweet, Brystal Sweet, and Kinleigh Sweet; and great-grandchildren Austin, Robert (Bobby), Eliza, Hudson, Stetson, Aniveah, Lincoln, and Payton.

Welcoming Starla into heaven were many beloved family members, including parents Robert and Lorree Sundstrom, sister Bonita Carr, brother Patrick Coy, infant son Clinton Patrick, son-in-law Robert Honey, and grandson Owen Honey.

The family will be honoring Starla in a private Celebration of Life.