After a week of home hospice care, Eryn Jo Satterfield quietly passed away on September 2 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The home was filled with peace, flowers, classical music played by her son, and even a couple of puppies brought in for smiles. For several years, Eryn and her husband, Tom, have been supported by a devoted caregiving team, who provided Eryn with 24-hour care during her final days and worked alongside an incredible hospice staff. 

Born in Cheyenne, Eryn was raised in Laramie and was the daughter of architect Joseph Banner and his wife Lauvella. She received a bachelor of Engineering and was the first woman in the US to be inducted to the honorary Engineering fraternity Tau Beta Pi. While attending the University of Wyoming she met her husband Tom Satterfield. After graduating, Eryn wound up working for an engineering firm in Rock Springs while Tom worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Elko Nevada. It was during this time that Eryn relocated to Elko, they got married and started playing duo piano music together. 

After moving to Riverton, Tom and Eryn were able to take advantage of a “Buy One Get One Free” opportunity at the Aspen Music festival and purchased matching Baldwin grand pianos. The next decades brought many years of hosting traveling artists in their home and concertizing and performing their piano duo music. Eryn had left her engineering job to teach piano in the home and take care of their three children, Keryn and the twins Don and Dave. Tom and Eryn were patrons and champions of the arts and were an integral part of the founding of the Central Wyoming College Music Department. After becoming Fremont County Commissioner for several years, Tom was offered a job with the Board of Equalization under Governor Dave Freudenthal, so they relocated to Cheyenne.

It was at this time that Tom and Eryn’s social life really took off. Eryn retired from her 25 years of piano teaching, and they danced and traveled through their retirement years. They became very known, involved and loved in the music and church communities of Cheyenne.

Eryn’s transition has left a gap and a hole in many hearts. She will be profoundly missed by many. She is survived by her three children, their partners and two grandchildren. Her husband Tom remains steadfast in his faith and the family is emphasizing a celebration of her life during this challenging time. A memorial service is scheduled for September 9th at 1:00 PM at Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Cheyenne. Donations can be sent in her name to any animal shelter of your choosing.