Leone Florence Brummond, 89, of Jelm, Wyoming, passed away at home, surrounded by the love of her family, on May 8, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless energy, fierce love for her family, and a life beautifully and fully lived.
Leone was born on April 14, 1937, in Minot, North Dakota, to George and Edith Forbes. She was raised on a dairy farm alongside her six siblings, where life was built on hard work, resilience, laughter, and community. Those early years shaped the woman she would become; a strong, capable, adventurous, and deeply devoted to the people she loved. She graduated from Sawyer High School in Sawyer, North Dakota.
In November of 1955, she married the love of her life, Ace (Arlyn) Brummond. Together they celebrated more than 70 years of marriage. A remarkable partnership built on faith, perseverance, family, and love. They began their life together on the Brummond family farm in Granville, North Dakota, where four of their children were born. As Ace’s work on Minuteman missile facilities took the family to Cheyenne, Boulder, and Omaha, they embraced each new adventure together, welcoming their fifth child along the way. Eventually, they made their home in Laramie, Wyoming, where they purchased and operated Laramie Heating and Sheet Metal for 50 years. Leone faithfully ran the office while also caring for their growing family and managing their rental properties with the same tireless dedication she brought to everything she did.
Leone was never one to sit still. Even into her later years, she could often be found climbing ladders, painting houses, tending lawns, or swinging from scaffolding. One coworker affectionately nicknamed her “The Energizer Bunny” because she simply never stopped moving. But behind all of that work was a woman who created beauty, warmth, and belonging everywhere she went.
Her home, especially the front porch became a gathering place for family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of fellowship. From elaborate Christmas celebrations to unforgettable Halloween haunted houses, Leone loved creating moments that brought people together. She had a gift for hospitality that made everyone feel welcomed, loved, and cared for.
Faith was the cornerstone of Leone’s life. She was a devoted member of First Assembly of God Church, now New Life Church, where she faithfully served in countless roles throughout the years. She taught Sunday school classes for junior high students, high school students, and adults; sponsored youth groups and Bible quiz teams; served in Women’s Missions; and held leadership positions on the church board. One of the most meaningful experiences of her life was a mission trip to Kenya, Africa, where she traveled village to village sharing the power of prayer and healing.
Leone also embraced adventure with open arms. She loved traveling the world and experienced the beauty of Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Monaco, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, Panama, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Israel, and Africa. For their 50th wedding anniversary, she and Ace brought the entire family to Mexico, where she climbed the pyramid at Coba and toured Chichen Itza. At 75 years old, she went skydiving surrounded by family and friends, and by all accounts, she was ready to do it again at 85.
Yet above all else, Leone’s greatest joy was her family. She was their steadfast supporter, their encourager, their safe place, and their biggest cheerleader. She believed deeply in the dreams and potential of those she loved and never stopped reminding them of their worth. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to her life. Summers at the cabin became treasured traditions filled with climbing “Granny’s Mountain,” playing in the river, roasting marshmallows, sleepovers, and endless laughter. Christmases were magical, with every corner of the house decorated and cookie baking becoming a family tradition treasured across generations.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Eileen Brummond, Bill Forbes, Bob Forbes, and Dale Forbes; her son Jeff Brummond; and infant son William George.
She is survived by her loving husband of more than 70 years, Ace Brummond; daughters Linda (Andy) Johnson, Donna Lambert, and Mary Brummond; son Doug (Beth) Brummond; grandchildren Heather Norelius, Matt Johnson, Brendin (Karagh) Brummond, Ashlyn (Dan) Courtwright, Josh (Brandy) Brummond, Will (Katie) Brummond, and Jordyn (Dwain) Streeter; great-grandchildren Jessica and Keegan Norelius, Tucker and Everett Johnson, Leighton and Landree Courtwright, Rowan and Marlena Brummond, and Brennleigh and Kaydin Brummond; siblings Ellen Headstrand and Rolland Forbes; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Though her family’s hearts are heavy in her absence, they find comfort in a life so richly lived and so generously shared. Leone leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, adventure, laughter, hospitality, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through every person blessed enough to know her.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Friday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. at New Life Church. A reception will follow at Black Fox on Welsh. In true Leone fashion, she wanted this to be a time of joy and celebration rather than mourning and lovingly requested that everyone wear bright colors.
A special and heartfelt thank you goes to her hospice nurse, Laurie, whose compassion, kindness, and extraordinary care brought such comfort to Leone and her family.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Enhabit Hospice at 1715 Fleischli Pkwy, Cheyenne, WY 82001 or New Life Church kitchen fund at 32296 US-30 E, Laramie, WY 82070
Doug I was sorry to hear about this. My condolences to you and your family. Prayers to you all.
I'm so very sorry that i missed Leone's service as i got the stunning news to late. My wife and i were blessed to have Ace and leone as neighbors when we moved to Woods Landing. My wife karen new leoene from her days working at JC Pennys, and w tickled and happy that she was right next door. After having to move back to Laramie, we missed that connection,and our friday night suppers together woods landing.I'm sure many are felling a great loss at leone's passing.My heart felt condolence's to the Brummond Family......Dennis Green
My love, condolences, prayers and sympathy for the entire Brummond family. Leone was one of a kind, and true treasure in this life. May she rest in Gods loving arms, she will be dearly missed.
My name is Donna Bird Crandall, the daughter of Don and Dorothy Bird. I remember being up at Jelm around you guys many times when I was little and I remember so many times you and dad doing business together. I know that Mom is having fun greeting your wife again in heaven . Jeff and I had many fun adventures together through junior high and high school, graduating together in 1976. I am very sorry, Ace, for your loss.
One of the most friendly, kindest women we have ever met. We always enjoyed our conversations with her and with Ace. Our sympathies to the family and prayers for comfort in your loss.
Leone was one of the nicest human beings I have ever known. I stayed with the Brummonds for a short awhile before I moved, they were good to me My prayers to the family.
Our deepest condolences and prayers for the Brummond family on the loss of such a special, strong, incredible woman. We wish Leone and her family healing and peace in this time of loss. Her life was truly something to celebrate. May she rest in peace.
Blessings on your family. She was a wonderful mom and always made me feel so at home. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
What a wonderful woman that I was blessed to know and share a lot of lives ups and downs with. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
My condolences are with the family. I would never forget the kindness and love she felt towards me when I stayed with them for a short period
My prayers are with the family, I lived with Brummonds for a short time. Leone treated me with kindness before I moved out of town. I will never forget loved she gave me
God bless your family. What a legacy that your mama left. Love, support, dedication and her amazing always present smile.
Leone was one of the nicest human beings I have ever known. Very sweet and caring. I will never forget and always cherish the two summers I was blessed to spend with Uncle Arlyn and Aunt Leone. They treated me as one of their own and left a lasting impression on me and how I should live my life. She was definitely one of the good ones. I am so sorry for the loss of Leone.
Leone was a wonderful woman, I grew up with her family and remember many fond memories. We all grew up in First assembly of God and Leone and my mom were great friends. Rest in God's peace and I will pray for your family. Jeannette (Wiley) Finley