Elizabeth Phelan

Elizabeth Zuttermeister Phelan, 96, of Cheyenne, died on Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Life Care Center of Cheyenne.
She was born on January 11, 1920 in Casper, Wyoming to Elizabeth Anne Callahan and John Clayton Zuttermeister. Her parents owned commercial properties in Casper where her father operated a candy and bakery goods store on East Second Street. She and her older brother worked in the family business as children and attended Park Elementary and St. Anthony’s Catholic School.
In 1933, the family moved to Cheyenne where she graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1938. After graduation she was employed by the State Department of Education and the Public Service Commission and continued to help in the family business.
Elizabeth married Lt. Walter B. Phelan in December, 1944 at St. Mary’s Cathedral when he was home on leave. After he returned from military service, she was employed by Mutual of Omaha while he earned his law degree at Creighton University. The couple then returned to Cheyenne where she was his helpmate and cared for their two children while he practiced law and served in elective office. She was always active in community organizations, most recently, the Great Cheyenne Kiwanis Club.
She was elected to serve on the first Board of Trustees for Laramie County Community College in 1968 and served as a board member for 30 years, seeing the college grow from rented space and a few students to its present size.
She also served in the Wyoming House of Representatives a total of six terms, beginning in 1969. She was active in legislative issues concerning community college financing, women and aging,
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John William Zuttermeister; beloved nephew, John Paul Zuttermeister; and her husband who died in 1966, fifty years ago.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Bernard Q. Phelan (Betsy) of Cheyenne, and Anne E. Phelan of Phoenix, Arizona; two grandsons, B. Thomas Phelan (Lindsay) of Cheyenne and Andrew W. Phelan (Michelle) of Oak Harbor, Washington; a nephew three nieces; and a great granddaughter, Emilee Laura Phelan.
Vigil for the Deceased will be Monday, 6:00 p.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.
Funeral Liturgy will be Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Interment will be in Olivet Cemetery.
Friends who wish may contribute to the Laramie County Community College Foundation or to St. Mary’s Cathedral Guild.