Beulah Arthea Benson (Richards) Lanning, 98, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, at the Wyoming Retirement Center in Basin, Wyoming. Beulah was born on August 6, 1928, in Gillette, Wyoming, to Frances Ella (Clark) and James Highran Benson. She spent her early childhood years with her parents on ranches in the Gillette, Casper, Newcastle and surrounding areas. Most of her elementary school years were spent in Gillette and Casper schools. She spent her freshman year of high school in Seattle with relatives. She came back to the Gillette area after that year and finished high school in Gillette, graduating as valedictorian with the class of 1946. Beulah was always an excellent student and very dedicated to her studies.

After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Wyoming for one year, earning a certificate that would allow her to teach in rural Wyoming schools. She was hired to teach the Hulett Creek School, which was near the Clark’s and Williams’ ranches, 25 miles west of Hulett. She had 4 students that year and loved teaching. She boarded with the Harlan and Winnie Williams family that first year. Since she didn’t (yet) drive, someone took her to the schoolhouse early every morning so she could build the fire and get things warmed up. It was during this time that she met Jean Richards, Harlan Williams’ step-son. Jean became the “one” who took her to school each day and they forged a great and loving relationship. Beulah and Jean were married June 20, 1948 in Gillette. They lived on the family ranch on the Little Missouri River 25 miles west of Hulett. During these years, they welcomed three children: Carole Loree, Thomas Lee, and Jerry Gene. They continued to live on the family ranch, raising sheep and cattle. Beulah worked as the bookkeeper for the local school district for many years.

She was involved in the Buttons and Bows Homemakers Club, New Haven Church and vacation Bible school. She was an active member and officer of Pine Cone Chapter No. 41 Order of the Eastern Star, and within just a few years, she became Worthy Matron and remained dedicated to Eastern Star for the next 77 years. She was still a member at the time of her death, though inactive in her later years. She also served as an officer in the Hulett and Sundance Chapters for many years, helping keep those chapters active.

It was during these years that Beulah was involved in a community play, along with many neighbors and friends. She was the “hit” of the play with her straw cowboy hat, baggy shirt and bib overalls!! She was always extremely good at impersonations and fit that play to a T!!

Jean passed away on April 06, 1967. For the next year, Beulah stayed on the ranch and helped her father-in-law, Harlan Williams. In 1968, she decided to “go back to school” to finish her education. She started at Sheridan College learning Dental Hygiene. She quickly discovered that as a total left-handed person, and at middle age, she was “handicapped’ in that field. She then decided to become a Special Ed teacher and finished one year at Sheridan before going to the University of Wyoming for her bachelor’s degree. She and her young son, Jerry, enjoyed their years in Laramie and came back to the ranch most summers.

After graduation, she moved back to the ranch, hoping to find a teaching job in Crook County. Instead, in 1974 Beulah was asked to run for Crook County Clerk of the District Court, where she was elected and served for the next 16 years. She loved the job and was well-respected by her peers, attorneys, employees and those she assisted. In 1977 she met Bill Lanning and they were married on September 23,1977. With this union, Beulah blended their families, opening her heart to Bill’s five children - Linda, Barbara, Mark, Sharon, and Dewey – and loving them deeply as her own.

Beulah and Bill lived briefly at the Lanning Ranch while building a new home in Sundance. Bill passed away in April 2004. Beulah remained in Sundance for a number of years, staying active in her church, Eastern Star, serving on various boards throughout Sundance, and was very involved with helping when the community was in need. In August 2021, at 93, she made the decision to move to Primrose Retirement Community in Gillette, where she continued to be active and enjoyed life. In June 2026, Beulah moved to Wyoming Retirement Center in Basin, to be close to Carole and Dave. She was residing there at the time of her passing on August 18, 2026.

Beulah is survived by her children Carole (Dave), Linda (Mike), Tom, Barbara, Mark, Sharon (Ken), Jerry (Melody) and Dewey. She is survived by 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Family members and friends describe Beulah as a sweet, gracious, beautiful, funny, loving and faithful woman, who was a rock to many. The twinkle in her eyes and her sweet smile will be sadly missed, but we are comforted to know she is now with “Sweet Jesus”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her husband Jean, her husband Bill, and one great-grandson Wyatt.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Beulah’s companion caregivers at Primrose for their incredible laughter, friendship, and exceptional care. We are happy that Beulah is now home, undoubtedly feeling "as fine as frog's hair."

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Sundance United Methodist Church in Sundance with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Mt Moriah Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com