Gerrie Elizabeth Bishop

Gerrie Elizabeth (Walp) Bishop was born an only child on March 19th, 1932 to Marguerite and Clarence Walp in Pueblo Colorado. Gerrie was quite insistent that she wanted to spend her final days in her home North of Cheyenne where she lived for more than 50 years. This wish was granted on June 9th, 2026 when she died peacefully in her sleep.

Gerrie’s love for the rural lifestyle began when she was quite young, riding her horse with her father at their home North of Pueblo, and continued throughout her life. She graduated from Centennial High School in Pueblo and attended “Aggies” Colorado State University in Fort Collins. It was there that she met soon to be veterinarian Dr. Cliff Bishop. They married in August of 1952 and moved to Greeley that same year, where Cliff started his large animal veterinary practice.

Since Gerrie was an only child, she was adamant about having a large family resulting in the birth of four boys: Steve, Mark, Jeff and Todd. While living in Greeley, Gerrie ran the veterinary office adjacent to their home while juggling three boys alongside their horses, ducks, chickens, and all of the other critters that accompanied the rural lifestyle she cherished.

During her time in Greeley, Gerrie founded a precision riding group known as the Greeley Trail Dusters which performed at the Greeley Stampede and eventually expanded to pre-rodeo appearances at rodeos throughout the Front Range, including Cheyenne Frontier Days.

In 1963, Gerrie’s family moved to Cheyenne where her three oldest boys became very active in Gymkhana’s, Little Britches Rodeo, and eventually high school rodeos.

Gerrie began her career with the Clerk of District Court in Laramie County in 1976. The Clerk of District Court at that time retired halfway through her term and Gerrie was appointed to fill that position. She won her first election as the Laramie County Clerk of District Court in 1977. She was re-elected to that position eight times before retiring in January of 2011, with over 33 years of service in the Clerk of District Court office. Gerrie seldom had opposition in her elections and oftentimes logged more votes than any other county official during her term as Clerk of the District Court. Gerrie was proud of the fact that she had the very most professional office staff during her tenure as Clerk of the District Court while also maintaining an excellent relationship with the Judges whom she worked with so closely.

Gerrie wasn’t simply known as the impeccably dressed lady with massive jewelry. She was a class act- respected by all who encountered her. Much to her grandchildren’s chagrin, no matter where they went with their Grandma Gerrie, they would inevitably have to stop and talk to half a dozen people along the way.

She served on the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Board, was President of the Clerk of District Court Association, President of the Wyoming Association of County Officers, Chairman of the Employment Support Group for the Guard Reserve, and served on the Executive Board of the Military Affairs Committee and the Air Force Association. She was one of the first women to be invited into the Rotary Club of Cheyenne. She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni and the Citizens for Access to the Court Committee.

Gerrie was one of the original co-founders of the Cowgirls of the West in 1995 which now has over 150 members. This undertaking led to the opening of the Cowgirls of the West Museum and Gift Emporium in downtown Cheyenne. She was always very proud that her vision of honoring cowgirls developed into a vibrant organization that celebrates all women.

She claimed that her greatest accomplishments were her four sons- all cowboys. She strongly disagreed with Willie Nelson’s sentiment that you should not let your babies grow up to be cowboys. Gerrie often shared that the time she shared with her boys on the rodeo circuit were some of the most cherished moments of her life.

Gerrie is survived by her sons: Mark Bishop (Kathy), Jeff Bishop (Debbie), Todd Bishop (Jan) and daughter in law Shanann Bishop. Grandchildren: Callie Bishop, Brandon Bishop (Abby), Jordan Bishop (Dakota), Stacy Bishop Duysen (Ryan), Amy Bishop Brockel (Bryson), Rio Bishop, Ryder Bishop (Brooke), Bailey Bishop McHenry (Bill) Tate Bishop and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Marguerite Walp, her son Steve Bishop and her grandson Bryce Bishop (Jesse).

There will be a celebration of life for Gerrie at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on June 17th, 2026. At 2:00 p.m. everyone will be invited to share an experience or story about Gerrie as we celebrate her legacy.