Clarice Lea Cairns, 85, of Laramie, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026. She was born on March 4, 1941, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Leslie and Elida (Atherton) Merritt.

Clarice was united in marriage to Robert Cairns, and together they built a loving home and raised three children. At the age of 18, she began working as a nurse’s aid at Ivinson Memorial Hospital, where her compassionate nature first shined. She later devoted many years to caring for others by operating a home daycare alongside her husband, touching the lives of countless children and families.

Known for her generous heart, Clarice was a loving woman who would take anyone in and make them feel like family. She found joy in reading, crocheting, puzzles, coloring, telling stories, sharing photos, and, most of all, spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cairns; her parents; her seven sisters, Georgia, Geraldine, Jean, Bernie, Helen, Mary and Patricia; and three brothers, John, Les, and Tom.

Clarice is survived by her children, Robert (Donna) Cairns of Cheyenne, WY, Jean Cairns, and Julie (Brian) Gonzalez of Waxhaw, NC; her grandchildren, McKenzie Cairns, Donald Cairns, Chance Cairns, Cameron Jaure, Clint Jaure, Austin Cairns, Hunter Gonzalez, Roman Gonzalez, and Jessica Gonzalez; and her great-grandchildren, Julian and Rowen Cairns. She is also survived by her brother, Sidney J. Merritt; her brother-in-law, Don Shoefelt; and countless nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside services at the home of Bob and Donna Cairns 2295 Silver Tip Drive Cheyenne, WY 82009.