Carolyn Jean Rayl (née Krouse), 91, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, July 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born June 15, 1935, in Lorain, Ohio, to Kenneth and Caroline (née Kissick) Krouse. She grew up in Lorain and Lima with her brother, George. Jean spent her youth loving Jesus, playing music, roller skating, and swimming in Lake Erie. She graduated from Central High School in Lima, Ohio in 1953.

Jean met the love of her life, Wally, in 1952. They wed on February 7, 1953. From this marriage, Jean and Wally welcomed five children, thirteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Jean spent her life being a homemaker and doing various work while Wally made a career in the Army. They moved and traveled all over the country, allowing Jean the opportunity to see 49 of the 50 US States. After Wally’s retirement from the Army, Jean supported her husband during his time as pastor of the Saratoga Alliance Church in Saratoga, WY. During their time at SAC, Jean enjoyed teaching Sunday School, leading Bible studies, and playing the piano during church services. After retiring from ministry, Wally and Jean spent several years traveling to support their children and grandchildren until making their final move to Cheyenne, WY in 1998.

While living in Cheyenne, Jean became involved with the Cheyenne Chapter of the DAR, Officers’ Wives Club, Christian Women’s Club, Cheyenne Civic League, and the Colonial Dames. Jean cherished her friendships with the women she met in these organizations. Jean also enjoyed her bible study group and the fellowship they shared.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Wally; her parents, Kenneth and Caroline Krouse; Wally’s parents, Charles and Kathryn Rayl; infant daughter, Julie; brother, George; sisters-in-law, Josephine and Shirley; brothers-in-law, Waldo, Gerald, Dan, and Dave; and daughter-in-law Patricia Rayl.

She is survived by her children, Jeff Rayl, Mitch (Shelley) Rayl, Barb (Derek) Hess, and Carolyn (Joe) Gaspari; thirteen grandchildren, Nathan (Kim) Rayl, Renee (Don) Portell, Sarah Rayl, Austin (Kat) Hess, Reann (Robby) Follum, Carly (Lance) Grubb, Amanda (Rob Hampson) Hess, Ben (Stacie) Rayl, Alex (Sami) Hess, Matt (Kelli) Rayl, Chelsie Gaspari, Joe Rayl, and Dave (Jessica) Rayl; great-grandchildren, Jake Rayl, Joey Rayl, John Steele, Sophia Grubb, Autumn Rayl, Haley Grubb, Natalie Follum, Ryan Follum, Matt Grubb, Ellie Follum, Holly Hess, Nora Rayl, Rose Rayl, Mei Hess, Oliver Rayl, Henry Rayl, and Lucy Rayl; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am at Schrader, Aragon, and Jacoby. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 am, with a reception immediately following in the reception hall at Schraders. Interment will commence at 1:00 pm at the Cheyenne National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Jean.