Bess Lee Arnold

Our dear, sweet mom went to be with the Lord on July 20, 2026.

Bess L. (Kondas) Arnold, was born Jan. 7, l933, in Rock Springs, Wyo. Graduated from Cheyenne High School in l951 and received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wyoming as a non-traditional student in l990.

She met Robert W. Arnold in May 1954 and they were married in Sept. 1954.

Her career began when she began working as a secretary for the State Wyoming Employment Office,State Growers National Bank, Land-Air, Inc., Attorneys Cole and Carroll, the Wyoming Education, Laramie County Community College and returned to get her bachelor’s degree from the UW, then was a reporter for the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. After retirement she worked as an enumerator for the National Agricultural Statistic Services.

She was a very active member of the First Christian Church, serving as a youth leader, adult Sunday School teacher, member of the church choir, Board secretary. deacon, elder, and chairman and/or member of several committees.

Among her memberships over the years were Beta Sigma Phi, American Business Women’s Association, Toastmistress Club, Wyoming Media Professionals, National Federal of Press Women, Laramie County Historical Society, Union Pacific Historical Society, Western Writers of America, Prairie Promenaders Square Dance Club and Laramie County Democratic Grassroots Coalition.

She enjoyed volunteer work after her retirement and received the AARP Ethel Percy Andrus award for Community Service having served as a volunteer lobbyist for nine years. Among the other community organizations she volunteered for were the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless, the Governor’s Council on Aging, Laramie County Senior Advisory Council, Vision 20/20, Cheyenne C.A.A.R.E.S, a docent for the governor’s residence, and Habitat for Humanity..

Also during her retirement she became a free-lance writer. writing two books about the Union Pacific Railroad employees and co-authored a book on the history of the UP Depot.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gust and Genevieve Kondas, her husband Robert, two brothers, Steve and Rick Kondas, two sisters, Georgia Evans and Katherine Trimbach, and a daughter, Debbie Galeotos.

She is survived by a brother, Tom Kondas, two sons, Steve Arnold and Jim Arnold (Diana), a daughter, Lori Arnold, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

She was loved by all who knew her. No matter how bad she was feeling, she always had a smile for you. We will miss her but know she’s now in the arms of Jesus free of pain.

Friends may contribute to the First Christian Church or Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 30th, from 12-4:00 p.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 31st, at 10:00 a.m., which will take place at First Christian Church, with interment and a reception to follow.