It is with great sadness that we, the children of Bettye Linda (Munson) While, announce the news that our beloved mother passed away peacefully at The Hospice House of Laramie, Wyoming on the evening of July 25, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on November 11, 1933, in Laramie Wyoming to parents Stella (Laverne) Munson and Arthur Herbert Munson. Bettye was the wife of the late Donald William While Sr., with whom she shared just shy of 50 years of marriage. She is survived by her three children, Don (Jackie) While Jr., Diane (Scott) Spearnak, and Todd (Charlotte) While, five grandchildren to include Shantell (Matt) Leach, Taylor and Morgan While, Eboni (Gary) Moore, and Connie Spearnak, and eleven great grandchildren to include Jayden and Olivia Leach, Keelynne and Donny Veniegas, Tiana Warner, Makiya, Kayori, Davyn, Meena, Gary, and Scott Moore. Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald W. While Sr., siblings James A. and Paul H. Munson, Phyllis (Grant) Johnson, and granddaughter Elektra While.
Bettye was a graduate of Laramie High School class of 1951. She left Laramie shortly after graduating to pursue a dream of dancing on Broadway with the Radio City Rockettes. She attended their academy and did very well, but when a new minimum height restriction came into being, she found herself on a bus headed back to Wyoming. She began working at The First National Bank in Laramie and she loved being a teller and working in several other capacities at the bank. Being great with numbers, names, grammar, and all things requiring precision and detail-oriented thinking, this was a perfect job for her, and she loved it.
Along came a husband, then children, and the need to move into another line of work. She went back to school, now the University of Wyoming, played (percussion) in the marching band, pursued several other interests, but ultimately began her journey to teaching elementary school which was the start of something profound. She developed a teaching style so welcome by sixth grade students that to this day many recall her as “the best teacher they have ever had” and “she made the largest positive impact on their lives of any educator”, and many such very strong compliments that are still being shared with us to this day. She was well-known for her sixth-grade end-of-year programs where the students sang, square danced, acted, played instruments, and demonstrated many of the skills and lessons they learned throughout the school year. Bettye’s Sixth Grade Programs in Laramie are fondly remembered the “standard by which others are measured” in the hearts of all those involved. Bettye was a Wife, Mom, Sister, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt, Cousin and many other things. However, she was without question, an incomparable educator.
A Celebration of Life for Bettye will be held at the First Christian Church in Laramie, Wyoming, 2130 E. Garfield Street, on Monday, August 11th, at 10:00am with a reception to follow at the same location. Donations may be made to The Hospice House of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Drive, Laramie, WY 82070 in her honor.
Mrs. While was absolutely a favorite teacher of sixth graders at Thayer Elementary including mine. As a parent I appreciated her so much. Thank you Mrs. While. You will be remembered fondly always.
She will always be Mrs. While to me, and she has a special place in my heart. It's been almost 40 years but I can still remember the fun and camaraderie of my 6th grade year, and that was all due to Mrs. While. My sincere condolences to her family. She left quite a legacy.
It's wonderful to read about Mrs. While's life (I especially loved the part about the Rockettes). She was one of my favorite teachers. A wholly beautiful woman. Sending love!
Words cannot begin to express the pain you must be feeling at the loss of your mother/grandmother, A mother’s/grandmother’s love is irreplaceable, and I know this is an incredibly difficult time for you. I was one of the lucky students who had your mother in third grade and sixth grade. What an amazing teacher! Your mother had an incredible gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her warmth, kindness, and generosity touched so many lives, especially mine. She had a beautiful soul that brightened every room. I am grateful for the memories I have throughout the years with her friendship beyond grade school. I am deeply sorry for your loss, sending my love and prayers.
A wonderful teacher! Many fun memories in her class! Thoughts and prayers. ❤️ Michelle
I was very saddened to learn of Bettye’s passing. It is hard to imagine the emptiness when your mother passes away; she will always be with you in spirit. I was a teacher for ACSD#1 during the same period that Bettye was teaching, and I can tell you she was greatly admired by her teaching colleagues and loved by her students. Our deepest sympathy to you all at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don, Diane, and Todd, We are sad for you and for ourselves at the passing of your Mom, Bettye. She was a remarkable woman, and her list of "greats" and "bests" is long. She and your kind Dad and all of you have been the Best of Neighbors and Great Friends to us for almost 40 years; Great gardeners, dog owners and dog lovers; Best of Halloween treat-givers; Best cookie bakers and candy makers and sharers; Best and earliest and inspirational Christmas decorators and illuminators; and Best of Good Cheer Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Our sincere condolences. Cal and Jan, Luke, and Max Rerucha
Sorry to hear of your loss. She truly was the "best teacher i ever had." She will be missed but never forgotten
Mrs While was my favorite teacher growing up. I have fond memories of her and growing up in Laramie! Sending Prayers to the family!
Todd. I’m so very sorry for your loss. One gets through loosing one’s Mom / but one never gets over it. Condolences.
So sorry for what you are going through. She was a tremendous human being, a real force of nature! We were so fortunate to have had Don, Bettye, and the rest of our proud and hardworking parents in our lives. Those were special times. Bettye was able to bring out the best in people, and we were the better for having known her.
I enjoyed working on several math committees with Bettye. She always had some fun ideals She was a fabulous teacher.
So sorry! Best Wishes Joan SS
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was one of the good ones who definitely made a difference and left a positive mark on the world.
I am so sorry for your loss, my condolences to your family.
So very sorry to hear that Bettye passed away, having grown up in the same neighborhood in Laramie - she always had the best decorated home at Christmas, and was a leader and giver in our community! All my best, you are in my thoughts during this most difficult time.
Don, Diane, and Todd, We are sad for you and for ourselves at the passing of your Mom, Bettye. She was a remarkable woman, and her list of "greats" and "bests" is long. She and your kind Dad and all of you have been the Best of Neighbors and Great Friends to us for almost 40 years; Great gardeners, dog owners and dog lovers; Best of Halloween treat-givers; Best cookie bakers and candy makers and sharers; Best and earliest and inspirational Christmas decorators and illuminators; and Best of Good Cheer Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Our sincere condolences. Cal and Jan, Luke, Max Rerucha
Warm regards to all of you at this difficult time. And to Bettye, thank you for bringing out the best in every person whose life you touched. Great mothers often make great teachers, and this was certainly the case with you! You set high standards, and held people to account for their actions. You sought and discovered the good in everybody, then taught them how to see it in themselves. We are all the better for having known you, and there is no higher compliment than this to be had. What great parents you had Todd, Diane, and Donny! Take Care.
This makes me so sad. She was the best teacher I ever had. I can't tell you how much she meant to me as teacher. She took took the time to understand her students and make them feel special. I'm sure she went straight to heaven. God Bless you all!
My deepest condolences to the While family. My mom was friends with Betty and I really loved her generosity , her great sence of humor. I just wish I had known her better. I’m so sorry in her passing.
What a spritely one! Dear Todd and Charlotte, thinking of you and your family during this time of loss. My sincere condolences, with most fond wishes for you all May her memory for a blessing.
My Condolences to you and your family, Jesus will heal your broken heart Just hold on to his unchanging hand it will be all right Amen 🙏
Diane and families, such a gift to have a parent for such a long time. I wish you all peace and hugs. Kyla Reed
Aunt Bettye. You were such an awesome aunt, and I have so many good memories with you. Remember walking the 5k together after you had new knees? And you kept moving us fast - “Let’s pass this slow poke!” And we did. I wonder whatever happened to that fruitcake? Did you end up with it? Well, you may yet! I’m certain God is blessing you now and forevermore. See you on the other side. Love you! Robb
Diane and family, we send our love and condolences as you celebrate the life of your beloved mom. There are no words to describe how tilted the world became at the loss of my own mother. Please find comfort in the memories, peace in her legacy and strength for tomorrow as she meets Jesus. We love you. Jack and Verl
Diane and family, thoughts and prayers go out in this difficult time. The strength and love guide you especially from your mom. She is never far away lives in your heart💕😇