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Two local residents who left distinct marks on their families and communities died this month, and both will be remembered at services in July. Their passings highlight the personal loss behind public notices—neighbors, children and longtime coworkers are arranging memorials that will bring people together to grieve and to celebrate lives shaped by family, work and service.
Melody May Darby (1975–2026)
Melody May Darby, 50, died on June 22, 2026. Born October 2, 1975, in Edmonds, Washington, she was known for an infectious energy and a readiness to help friends and family.
Those closest to Melody describe her as spirited and dependable, someone who found joy outdoors—whether at the lake or in the mountains—and who placed family at the center of her life. She was a devoted mother and a steady presence for relatives and friends across many years.
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- Survived by: sons Daltin Darby (Angelina) and Dustin Darby; daughter Dalaynee White;
- parents Brad Buckner and Nancy Cline (RJ); sister Lorrie Buckner-Wells; brother Chance Cline (Kassidy);
- grandchildren Demetrius White and Khadijah Culp; long-time companion Phil Reed; cherished pets; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Family and friends will gather for a memorial on July 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Forum 619. The extended visiting period is intended to allow many who knew her to share memories and offer condolences.
Barbara “Barb” Luck Chrisman Rodgers (1947–2026)
Barbara Luck Chrisman Rodgers, known to many as Barb, died on June 19, 2026, at age 78 after complications from a head injury sustained May 30. She was born November 11, 1947, in Nyack, New York.
Barb’s life included long stretches devoted to family, community and steady employment. A 1966 graduate of Parsippany High School in New Jersey, she worked briefly for Bell Telephone before marrying and moving to Ohio. She raised two children, cultivated a large vegetable garden, and kept up a range of needlework crafts—from sewing tailored clothing to knitting and crocheting.
Later, she served as an office manager for the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and, after relocating to Cheyenne, worked in management for McDonald’s of Cheyenne from 1998 until 2024. Friends say she was generous and warm, a person who made an impression on nearly everyone she met.
- Survived by: son Darrell Chrisman (Grace); daughter Kelli Chrisman (Les Shuey);
- grandchildren Eric Chrisman, Sara Sharp (Matthew), Meagan Shuey and Rylee Shuey;
- siblings Suzanne Preiss (Jack), Margaret Luck, Robert Luck (Tammy) and Sally Prejean (Tommy); and many cousins.
- Preceded in death by: parents Robert W. Luck and Ann W. Luck; nephew Michael A. Preiss; and husband Dennis “Moose” Rodgers.
Services are scheduled for July 10. The funeral will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Schrader, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home, with Rev. Bob Gerard officiating. A luncheon served by Ranch Eats will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and a graveside service is planned for 1:30 p.m. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of the giver’s choice.
A livestream of the service will be made available for those who cannot attend in person; arrangements are being handled through the funeral home.
Both families welcome visits, remembrances and expressions of sympathy during the scheduled gatherings. These services offer the community an opportunity to acknowledge the roles Melody and Barb played in their families and neighborhoods, and to share in collective remembrance.
