Jeralyn (Jeri) Tapp

Jeralyn Gay Tapp (Jeri), age 76, of Newcastle, WY passed away peacefully, on July 23, 2023, with her family by her side, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Jeri was born on February 8, 1947, in Rapid City, SD to Joel Ivan Lewis Sr. and Florence Ilean (Pearce) Lewis. Jeri was the second of thirteen children, joining her older sister, Peggy. Jeri cared for her younger siblings often. Jeri attended several schools in the state of South Dakota and graduated high school from Rapid City High School in 1965. Jeri met her lifelong best friend, Judy Ann (Bouska) Lee, in 7th grade, remained best friends and shared many adventures until the time of her death.

     On August 31, 1968, Jeri married Robert (Bob) Williams in Rapid City, SD. To this union four children were born: Jennelle, Jennifer, Danny, and Marissa. They lived in Independence, MO, Minot, ND, and Rapid City, SD, before moving to Newcastle in March 1973. They later divorced and in 2020 she met and fell in love with Jim Berge. They traveled together and enjoyed spending time together until the time of her death.

     Jeri was employed by Black Hills Power & Light and Boeing, in Rapid City, before moving to Newcastle, where she raised her family. In July 1979, she began selling Avon and continued to sell it over the next 44 years. Jeri would often go work in Torrington with her son-in-law, Destry, at his flower shop until fulfilling her dream of opening Treasured Florals in Newcastle, Wyoming in 2006. Jeri was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Weston County Friends of Fair, and served as the rabbit superintendent at the Weston County Fair for numerous years. Jeri loved watching her grandchildren in all their activities including sports, rodeo, and anything else they were involved with. She was the best mom, grandma, and great grandma to all of them.

     Jeri is survived by the love of her life, Jim Berge, and her four children: Jennelle Werner (Destry), Jennifer Smith (Nate), Danny Williams (Katy), and Marissa Sweet (Shane). Her sixteen grandchildren: Brittany (Wyatt), Alyssa (Wes), Brianna (PJ), Mitch (Bri), Brookelyn (Carlos), Hannah, Jenna (Chris), Emalee, Sara, Rachel, Josie, Callan, Cason, Clay, Kenleigh, and Kaydence. Great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Brylee, Hadlee, Kennedie, Aspyn, Paislee, Emery, Blakelee, Bennett, Harper, Paxton, Lydia, Renlee, Truitt, and one on the way. Siblings: Jane, Jean, Judie, Joel, Joetta, June (Bryan), John, Joyce (Paul), Joan, JD, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

     Jeri is preceded in death by her parents Joel and Ilean Lewis, two sisters Peggy Joleen and Julia, and her niece, Alecia Lewis. A rosary is scheduled at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Thursday, July 27^th, at 6:00 p.m., with visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 28^th, at 2:00.pm. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Father Brian Hess officiating. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle, Wyoming, with the reception to follow at the Weston County Senior Center. A memorial has been established in Jeri’s memory to the Flowering Fingers Garden Club and the Weston County Fair. Memorials can be mailed to 1903 W. Main #3 Newcastle, WY 82701.