Vivian Janette Settle

Vivian Janette Settle, 70 year old Worland resident passed away at the Washakie Medical Center on May 15, 2012.

Vivian's life has been filled with laughter, heartache, joy, and adventures. To name all of them would be to write a book. She was born in Oklahoma during World War II, and at the end of the depression. She grew up dirt poor, picking cotton in the fields to help her family get enough money for food staples. Her family raised animals, hunted, and grew gardens to survive. She learned how to keep going through pain and adversity and find joy in the most interesting places. She dreamed of bigger and better things, however, so before graduating high school, her family found enough money to send her from California, where they had moved, to a Baptist college in Illinois that accepted her without a high school diploma.

During her last year in college, she met, fell in love with, and married Barry Settle, a First Southern Baptist preacher. He was called to preach in other places, so Vivian went with him without finishing her last year of college. She bore two children with him and they ended their marriage in Riverton, WY in the '70's.

She met Karan Pennock during this time and they became fast friends. Vivian loved to see new places and learn about new things. She put this love to use by finding places to work where her children and friends could join her in her passion. She worked in the school district of Nevada, on ranches in Wyoming, especially around Jackson Hole, and on a farm in the windy city of Great Falls, Montana.

Life brought her back to Nevada after the death of her father, to help care for her mother. After her mother's death in '93, she continued to work and live in Fallon, NV. She realized that she needed to finish some things she never had a chance to complete, and in 2002, she worked for and received her GED, then went on to get her Associates Degree in 2005. Proving that, even as we get older, we can finish what was started so many years ago. She was so very proud to say that no matter how long it takes, if you keep trying, you will get there.

As her life slowed down, she and Karan realized they wanted to find a place to call home one final time. They found it in Worland, WY. Vivian cherished her final years here in Worland for the hometown feel and welcoming neighbors. She was excited to learn about the town's history through the Worland Historical Society and she enjoyed the Washakie County Library, also. But her greatest joys were the family and friends that joined her and Karan around the fire on the back patio of their home. Vivian's family is so grateful to the Town of Worland, her neighbors, and extended family for joining her in laughter and love these final years. The fire will still be here occasionally, you all know where to show up.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Marty Pennock, sisters: Joyce and Betty and her brother, Bud.

Survivors include her lifelong friend, Karan Pennock, Sons: Bradley (Dena) Settle of White City, Oregon, Robert Pennock of Riverton, Mike Pennock of Twin Falls, Idaho; Daughters: Renee Settle (Kris) of Eagle, Idaho; Jodi (Bill) Weyenberg, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Susan (Dave) Harris of McGill, Nevada; sisters: Anna, Margie, Dot, and Patsy; 9 Grandchildren; 2 Great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

As per her wishes cremation has taken place and a private family service will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com. Bryant Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.