Mary Lois Aughe

Mary Lois Aughe, a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 05, 2026, in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the age of 94. She was born on November 5, 1931, in McDonald, Kansas, the daughter of Ellery (Pete) Kyte and Mary Emma Everiss. Growing up alongside her brothers Ray Kyte, Melvin Harper and Hugh Harper, Mary learned early the values of kindness, loyalty and honesty that would define her life.

After graduating from Atwood High School in Kansas, Mary spent a year at McCook Nebraska Community College, dreaming of a career as a pharmacist. Life, however, steered her in a different direction when she met her future husband, Jack Loren Aughe. Together they built a family that would become one of Mary's greatest joys. She lovingly raised seven daughters-Susan Aughe; Patricia White (Harry); Katharine Bratton(Dale); Myra Hopper; Jeanette Aughe; Janet Jeffers (Brian); and Ann Skinner-never missing a concert, school play, graduation or athletic event. Her devotion to her children was matched only by the warmth she shared with all who knew her. She is survived by her daughters, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

Mary's lifelong passion was swimming! Certified by the Red Cross, she spent countless hours teaching people of all ages to feel safe and confident in the water, touching the lives of perhaps a thousand swimmers. She managed Cheyenne's Municipal Pool for many years, overseeing Sloan Lake and the Johnson Pool with the same steady, caring hand she brought to every aspect of her life. Even after retirement, she continued to share her love of water by leading water-exercise classes at the YMCA, proving that her spirit for helping others never waned.

Mary enjoyed all types of music, and each daughter had the opportunity for lessons in either piano, or strings. She was a huge advocate of the Suzuki Method of violin and supported Mrs. Shiba as she trained and encouraged her students. She cheerfully hauled us to lessons, rehearsals, concerts, and various "gigs." Jeanette became a music teacher in Phoenix, and Ann currently plays violin with the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra in Washington State. Several daughters performed in plays, musicals, marching band, stage band, chorus, and even Tijuana Brass ensembles.

Mary was active in the Mother of Twins club, belonged to the Eastern Star, and was a stalwart member of Grace United Methodist Church. She especially enjoyed participating with the friends she made in the Methodist Women's group and her adult Sunday school class.

When she wasn't near a pool, Mary could be found camping under the open sky, water-skiing, traveling to new places, or quietly watching birds and counting wildlife on road trips. A romance-novel enthusiast, she delighted in the simple pleasures of a good story. Those who spent time with her always noted her wise perspective and her uncanny ability to see the best in people.

Mary's legacy lives on in the many lives she touched-her devoted husband Jack, her seven daughters and their families, her siblings, and the countless swimmers who learned to trust the water because of her gentle guidance. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her unwavering loyalty, and the countless moments of joy she created for those she loved. A celebration of Mary's life taking place on June 27th at 10:00 am at Grace United Methodist Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming will honor the warmth, kindness, and enduring love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Her ashes will later be interred at the Ilion Cemetery, next to her husband Jack, in Rawlins Co Kansas, which is near the homestead where her grandparents settled and farmed.