Mina Bayne passed away on April 8, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Mina was born to Erik and Ruth Liden on August 26, 1941 in Albin, WY. She graduated from Albin High School then went on to attend the University of Wyoming completing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was the captain of the UW Women’s small bore rifle team.
She met her future husband, Chuck Bayne, during high school and they married in 1960. Mina was a long time schoolteacher for both the Albany County School District #1 and then University Prep School. While serving in her role as teacher, Mina earned a master’s degree at the University of Wyoming and then went on her earn her Ph.D. from UW as well. During her tenure, Mina served as head of the elementary continuum and director of University Prep, a full professor at UW and Associate Dean of the College of Education. She gained great satisfaction in helping to educate the next generation of Wyoming school teachers.
Mina had an ardent love of the University of Wyoming, both for academic achievements as well as their sports teams. She and her husband Chuck have been season ticket holders for years, especially for men’s and women’s basketball. Mina was quick to outfit her new grandchildren and great grandchildren in brown and gold attire.
Mina loved her family and was famous for hosting family meals displaying a sign saying, “Happiness is a kitchen full of family.” She loved to watch her children’s and grandchildren’s different sports and extracurricular activities. She could hunt and fish with the best of them. She was proud of her Swedish heritage, growing up on the Albin farm, and passing down those memories to her children and grandchildren. She was an ardent reader and after her retirement completing the morning crossword puzzle. She enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in the Snowy Range and her home was covered with moose decorations.
Mina was preceded in death by her parents, her son Jeffrey, and sister Doris Sampson.
She is survived by her husband Chuck, her son Chuck Jr, (Jennifer), son Michael (Carla), sister Karen Bryant, 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews’ great nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. followed by Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
29 Comments To "Mina A. Bayne"
#1 Comment By Kati Hime On April 10, 2026 @ 8:09 am
Just a lovely neighbor and lady. I am so very sorry. – Levi & Kati Hime
#2 Comment By Ronda Jackson On April 10, 2026 @ 8:16 am
Chuck, Mike, Carla, and families, I am sad to hear of Mina’s passing. I’ve always enjoying talking with her and Chuck at the basketball games. I love that she was so proud of all her grandchildren, the trips to Alaska and Hawaii with family. My deepest condolences to all of you. I will miss seeing and visiting with her. What a wonderful person.
Ronda Jackson
#3 Comment By Anonymous On April 10, 2026 @ 8:57 am
So sorry for your loss. Your many memories will live on. May you rest in peace, Mina.
With deepest condolences,
Helen and Jim Tarnecki
#4 Comment By Jan Botkin Therkildsen On April 10, 2026 @ 9:22 am
Chuck and family, I’m so sorry Mina is no longer here on this earth spreading her joyful presence with all of us. Love to all of you as you walk through this difficult time. Jan (for the Botkin family)
#5 Comment By Anonymous On April 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am
Chuck and family. May God give you strength and comfort during this very difficult time.
Laurie Marquardt Wedtlake
#6 Comment By Reagan Johnson Vickich On April 10, 2026 @ 11:54 am
I am honored to have known Mrs Bayne for years. She was an amazing teacher- and I was lucky to have her in many of the stages mentioned from her time at Prep. Mike, I am so sorry. Please accept this long distance hug. Condolences to your whole family.
Reagan (Justin’s bratty little sister) Johnson Vickich
#7 Comment By Royce Cousins On April 10, 2026 @ 1:04 pm
Chuck and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of Mina. I’ve known Chuck and Mina for years, when I did their hair in Laramie. Not only were they clients, they were awesome friends. RIP, my sweet Mina…. Sending the family love & condolences.
#8 Comment By Anonymous On April 10, 2026 @ 6:47 pm
Chuck , condolences to you and your family. Blessings to you.
Oliver and Joyce Hill
#9 Comment By Amy Spiker On April 10, 2026 @ 6:48 pm
Mina played a large role in my decision to become a teacher and to work with students in literacy. I wanted to be her when I grew up and I still have a long way to go. She touched so many lives. My condolences to the family.
#10 Comment By Bob and Leslie zorko On April 10, 2026 @ 8:27 pm
Mina and I were best friends and colleagues. That transformed into our families as close friends. The Baynes “adopted” our three girls and we “adopted” their three boys. The many family gatherings – such precious memories. I will miss my friend. Until we meet again. Love you. Leslie Zorko
#11 Comment By Martha Slater On April 11, 2026 @ 1:30 am
Mrs. Bayne was involved in every part of life at Prep, always a firm, but kind presence, often with a glint of humor shining through. I remember her teaching my first grade class “greater than/less than” with pictures of hungry, open-mouthed ducks. It is amazing to realize that she earned her Masters and PhD during that time, as well – what a very special lady. My deepest condolences, Mike, to you and your family.
#12 Comment By Susan (Gossman) and Lowell Spackman On April 11, 2026 @ 12:09 pm
The Bayne Family: Sorry for your loss. Mina was Susan’s coordinator for student teachers at UW. She has fond memories of her time with Mina.
#13 Comment By Steve Weatherford On April 11, 2026 @ 2:47 pm
Chuck and family,
Paula and I are so sorry to hear of Mina’s passing. I will always remember the stories she loved to tell about your times at the cabin up on the Big Laramie.
We will miss her.
God bless you and your family,
Steve & Paula
#14 Comment By Matt Goodwin On April 11, 2026 @ 11:21 pm
Mrs Bayne was a true mentor to me and unlocked my life in many ways and was there for me when I needed someone to talk to. Very blessed she and my dad worked together for me at prep to get me where I’m at. I thank God her and her family were family friends with my parents. She was more than an administrator, more than a mentor she was a wonderful human being. 🙏our thoughts and prayers from the Goodwin family
#15 Comment By Angela Wiegand On April 12, 2026 @ 7:05 am
Mrs Bayne was a wonderful teacher and person. My condolences to the family.
#16 Comment By Arnie and Wanda Willems On April 12, 2026 @ 8:12 am
Chuck and Family, Mina was a wonderful person, outstanding educator, and cherished friend. We were deeply sorrowed to hear of her death. She influenced so many lives as the leader of Prep and as Professor in the College of Education. Our world needs many more like Mina. We will miss you.
Arnie and Wanda Willens
#17 Comment By Bonnie & Sam Chavez On April 12, 2026 @ 8:24 am
Condolences, Chuck to you and your family. You & Mina were so nice to us. Bonnie & Sam Chavez
#18 Comment By Bob and Verl-Lee Ely On April 12, 2026 @ 11:51 am
Chuck and family. So sorry to hear about Mina. She will truly be missed. Please accept Verl’s and my condolences in this time of sorrow.
#19 Comment By Dennis Green On April 13, 2026 @ 10:51 am
Very sorry to hear of minas passing Chuck, a wonderful great lady Educator and friend. I’ll always remember our visits and good times
at Woods Landing….Dennis
#20 Comment By Karen Bard On April 13, 2026 @ 1:41 pm
Chuck and family, John and I are so saddened to learn that Mina passed. John has fond memories of growing up a few miles apart and I especially enjoyed her as my colleague when we worked together in the Wyoming School University Partnership. We always enjoyed seeing you both at UW basketball games and W Club gatherings and hearing all about your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Karen and John Bard
#21 Comment By Anonymous On April 14, 2026 @ 8:26 am
So sorry to hear of Mina’s passing. Those of us who attended University of Wyoming Prep were so blessed to have such wonderful teachers. I remember my elementary days at Prep fondly and remember “Mrs Bayne” with great admiration for all of her accomplishments my sympathies for her family especially her son Chuck a classmate of mine. Jinny Bales Blickhan
#22 Comment By Anonymous On May 10, 2026 @ 8:28 am
Thank you Jinny. It is good to hear from you and your remembrance of my Mom. Chuck Jr.
#23 Comment By Terri Kvidahl Majewski On April 14, 2026 @ 8:44 am
So sorry to hear of Mina’s passing. She will be sorely missed. Prayers to your family, Mr. Bayne.
#24 Comment By Linda L Stowers On April 15, 2026 @ 7:50 am
So sorry to hear of Mina’s passing, she will be sorely missed. I remember many wonderful times we shared with you Chuck, he and Phil on WEA trips. My thoughts and prayers go our to you and your family. Karen, sorry for the loss of your sister as well.
#25 Comment By Jeanne Hahn On April 16, 2026 @ 12:25 pm
I will miss chatting with Mina at the UW men’s basketball games. It was always nice to see both Mina. & Chuck there. I also enjoyed talking with both of you at the 1985 Laramie High School class reunion baseball game last summer. Sending strength and peace during this difficult time.
#26 Comment By Debbie & Charlie Fanning On April 17, 2026 @ 10:10 am
Mina was an amazing lady, who touched so many lives including mine. She was an incredible mentor & wonderful role model. What a vibrant Gal! All our love, prayers & sympathy to all of you. Debbie & Charlie Fanning
#27 Comment By Judy molls On April 19, 2026 @ 2:00 am
My condolences to Chuck and the family sending my prayers and hugs may Mina rest in peace .
#28 Comment By Ryan Fulton On April 21, 2026 @ 9:57 am
Chuck and family,
It’s with sadness that I just learned of your loss of Mina. She was such a calm inspiration to me and so many others. I hope that you find comfort in your many memories of her. Her absence has to be heavy. Ryan Fulton
#29 Comment By Linda Maushak Farver On April 27, 2026 @ 11:47 am
My condolences to Mina’s family. I became acquainted with her through my mother Ruth. Mina was always friendly & caring. Peace be with you.
Linda