Zoda Lou Furgason

Zoda Lou Furgason

Zoda Lou Furgason, a loving mother, grandmother, and accomplished violinist passed away in her Laramie home early on the morning of Feb. 23, 2009. She was 69.

A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. on March 7, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Rawlins.

Zoda was born in Greeley, Colorado, on Nov. 27, 1939, the daughter of Charles Harold and Dora Mildred (Hobbs) Suits. She was baptized at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church and raised in Cheyenne. She graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1958 where she excelled on the violin, which was her life long passion, and attended Girl's State, which sparked her interest in politics. She was a member of Bethel #33 of the International Order of Jobs Daughters, rising to the station of Honored Queen. She attended Colorado State University where she majored in Violin Performance. There she also met Max Alan Kaser. They were married on Dec. 12, 1958, and had two children; later divorced. Zoda played in the Cheyenne Symphony and focused on raising the children, which was accommodated by her part-time employment with the March of Dimes. She was active on the Guardian Council for Bethel #33 and served as Bethel Guardian. She was also very active with the mother's club for Capital City Chapter of the Order of DeMolay.

Zoda married Jerry Lee Furgason on Dec. 16, 1973, later moving to Lusk, Wyoming. While Jerry served as a police officer, they owned and Zoda managed Zoda's Soda's, a sandwich shop where the family worked and enjoyed serving the community, and especially the students. She became an active member in the Order of the Eastern Star. In 1980, they moved to Rock Springs where Zoda began her career in the court systems which lasted more than 25 years. She continued her work with the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron. She also became active in Daughters of the Nile, eventually serving as Queen. After they moved to Hanna, she continued her work with both organizations. She served on the Hanna Town Council for seven years and Mayor for four.

Zoda is survived by her daughter, Ada L. (Kaser) Kari and her husband, Dale E. Kari of Elk Mountain, Wyo.; her son, Scott Charles Kaser and his wife, Denise A. Kaser of West Jordan, Utah; grandchildren, Charles K. Seyfang, Ashley M. (Seyfang) Jackson and her husband Terry Jackson, Opal K. Seyfang, Alex Gunn Kaser, and Anna L. Kaser.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jerry.

Honorary pall bearers were Charles Seyfang, Alex Kaser, Jennings Furgason, John "Skip" Seyfang, Dale Kari, Dean "Doc" Schroeder, Mark Furman, and Dave Clark.

The family asks donations in Zoda's name be sent to Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home at 2133 Rainbow Avenue in Laramie, Wyoming, 82070. The funds will be used to promote interest in stringed instruments for young students.

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