Irene Smyth Connell

Irene S. (Bunny) Connell was born to Jane Goddard and S. Watts Smyth on September 4, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri, where she lived until moving to Big Horn, Wyoming, in 1938.  The Smyth family came to Teepee Lodge Dude Ranch as dudes in the summers from 1934 to 1938 when they purchased the Hilman Ranch south of Big Horn.  This became the Cross U Bar Ranch.  The family raised Arabian horses on the ranch in Big Horn for decades.

Bunny spent her high school years at Brownmoor School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, graduated and continued her education at the University of Colorado, from which she graduated in 1948.  She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and Phi Beta Kappa Scholastic Fraternity.  Bunny was an active member of the University of Colorado Ski Team and went on to teach skiing for many years.  Her love for the sport has carried down through her children to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

Bunny married Dr. Jay Robert (Bob) Connell in 1949 at her family’s ranch near Big Horn and lived in Sheridan, where Bob conducted his veterinary practice for ten years until moving to their JC Ranch on Beaver Creek.  She passed away peacefully at home on the Ranch at the age of 100.  She loved being surrounded by her family, ranch life, her dogs and friends.  For many years Bunny enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, playing tennis, watching polo and watching her grandchildren’s activities – polo, baseball, dance, tennis and theatrical and musical performances.

After leaving school, Bunny became an artist; she experimented with nearly every art media until settling upon bronze sculpture in 1971.  A prolific sculptor, she created 112 different pieces, cast in very limited editions, as well as many unique animal portraits.  Her sculptures were featured in private and gallery collections all over the world, including several pieces in the private collection of England’s late Queen Elizabeth.  Animals were always her favorite subject, often portrayed in casual or humorous poses.  She was a long-time member and past president of the Sheridan Art Guild and the Wyoming Artists’ Guild; she also served on the Wyoming Arts Council for two terms.  Professionally, she was a member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists, the Academy of Equine Artists and Artists for Conservation.

Founded by Bunny’s mother, Jane Smyth, the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter originated in Bob’s veterinary hospital, where it remained until his retirement from active practice.  At that time, the first city-supported shelter was built.  Bunny was a supporter of the Shelter from the outset and served as a member of the Board for 26 years, including several terms as President.  She and her “Poker Ladies” supported and continue to support the Shelter with all their weekly winnings.

A member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Bunny served on the Altar Guild for many years and on the church Vestry for two terms.  She also served on the Episcopal Diocesan Council and was always a creative contributor to the St. Peter’s Bazaar.

Bunny was preceded in death by her parents, Jane and S. Watts Smyth, her husband, Bob, and her sister, Jane Schroeder.  She is survived by her three children, Jay Michael (Mike) Connell (Perk), Laura Connell Galloway (Chris) and Orrin Watts Connell (DeeDee) and her niece, Mary Jane Brown of Newberg, Oregon.  She also survived by her grandchildren, Jeff Robert Connell, Ashley Rogers, Mark Robert Galloway, Katharine (Katie) Connell George, all of Sheridan and Allison (Allie) Connell Carman of Anchorage, Alaska; also great-grandchildren Adriane Galloway, Will and Jay Rogers, and Juniper Connell Carman.

Often described by her friends and acquaintances as “stylish”, “gracious”, and “classy”, she is remembered by grandchildren as “an incredible Grammer” who passed on her competitive spirit by teaching us a mean poker game and expert parcheesi skills and who orchestrated absolutely the most magical family holiday celebrations in the whole world!

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to all the caregivers who enabled Bunny to be at home, under loving care, for so many years.

Memorials may be sent in Bunny’s name to the Dog and Cat Shelter at 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801 or Antelope Butte Foundation, P.O. Box 470, Dayton, WY 82836 Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.