Our Lord's beloved daughter, Dorothy (Evelyn) Hejde 89 of Aladdin, WY, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Crook County Hospital in Sundance, WY.

Evelyn was born on June 11th, 1935, in Newcastle Wyoming. She was the third of four children born to Henry and Laura (Stanton) Engelhaupt and spent her early years on Cold Creek near Buckhorn, WY. Her family later moved to Nemo, South Dakota and lived on a ranch in that area. She attended Nemo School until her 7th grade year when her parents purchased a ranch 10 miles south of Sundance, WY. Evelyn finished 7th grade at a country school on Blacks Flat and attended school in Sundance from 8th grade to graduation. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her graduating class – a testament to her steel-trap mind, razor-sharp wit, commitment to hard work, persistence, and perseverance.

Following graduation from high school in 1953, she worked at a bank in Newcastle and then for the U.S. Department of Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service (ASCS) at the Sundance office.  She met her future husband, Chester Hejde, at a local dance, and they were married June 12th, 1955.  She worked for a short time at the ASCS office in Laramie until Chester graduated from the University of WY.  They moved home, lived on, and later purchased Orin Reddinger's place near Aladdin, WY adjoining and thereby extending the original Hejde Ranch.

She went back to work at the ASCS office in Sundance WY in 1962 and continued to work there for the next 31 years.  Evelyn truly enjoyed her work and considered it a great privilege to work with the wonderful farmers and ranchers in Crook County.  After her retirement, she was elected and served on the Crook County Committee for an additional 9 years. She and her office mate, Mrs. Minnie Williams, had a long and lasting friendship and most recently enjoyed each other's company as roommates at Crook County Long Term Care.

Evelyn and Chester had two daughters, Wanda Hejde Burget (Rod) and Sandra Hejde Neiman (Walt).  They were blessed with five grandchildren, and 10 great- grandchildren. They also had two exchange student "daughters" - Mariza, from Brazil, and Kanako from Okinawa.

Evelyn was an active member and leader of many organizations and community clubs.  As a member of the congregation of the Sundance Methodist Church she was honored with their Lydia Award in gratitude for many years of service as church treasurer. She was a 4-H Club Leader, Past Bethel Guardian of Jobs Daughters Bethel #43, Past Matron of Eastern Star Electa Chapter #5 and Past Grand Esther for the Wyoming Grand Chapter. Evelyn served on the Crook County Promotion and Museum Board, was a member of the Crook County Cattle Women, and was instrumental in organizing the Crook County Heritage Association.  She was also a member of the Aladdin Homemakers, Christian Women's Club, and American Legion Auxiliary.

Evelyn and Chester were honored to share their love of Crook County and its riches with others by providing ranch recreation opportunities. They ran a hunting outfitter and guide service beginning in 1956 and built a bed and breakfast – The Bunkhouse – in 1995. They were honored with the Centennial Farm and Ranch award from the State of Wyoming in 2012. Throughout the years, Evelyn enjoyed playing cribbage, gardening, canning, baking, sewing, embroidery, creating quilts, collecting artifacts and rocks, collecting antique glassware and cream pitchers.  She was an accomplished storyteller and had a unique gift for creating gracious and beautiful spaces for others to enjoy.

Evelyn is survived by her Daughters Wanda Burget (Rodney) and Sandra Neiman (Walter) all of Aladdin; Grandsons Benjamin Neiman (Judy) – Sundance, WY; Darrell Neiman (Tyler) – Aladdin, WY; Daniel Burget – Phoenix, AZ; Ryan Burget (Hartley) – Sheridan, WY; Granddaughter Amy Odde (Dane) – Casper, WY and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Chester Hejde, her husband of 67 years, her parents Henry and Laura Engelhaupt, brothers Joe and Richard and sister Mary.

The family has established a memorial to the Crook County Heritage Association. Memorials and condolences can be sent to 3700 State Highway 24, Aladdin, WY 82710. A memorial service will be held in Sundance, WY at a later date.

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