Dr. Rosemary G. Kariker died Tuesday morning, April 10, 2007, after suffering respiratory problems and heart failure in Riverton. She was 87 years old.
Cremation has taken place and private services will be held at a later date.
Rosemary Goodspeed was born in New Orleans, La., on April 22, 1919, the daughter of George Francis Goodspeed, Sr., and Rose (Flynn) Goodspeed
"Dr. Rosy" was one of the original Hurricane Katrina victims who evacuated to Riverton after surviving the storm. She returned to New Orleans, La., to oversee the reconstruction of her home in Metairie, La., in November of 2005.
Her family said that in July of 2006, she decided to move back to Riverton with the belief that Riverton was "a far better place to be."
She was involved with the Riverton Artists Guild and attended every Wednesday. Although partially blind, art was her passion and she was very fond of all her new friends.
Dr. Kariker also enjoyed the Riverton Aquatic Center swimming pool and her family said she was amazed at how friendly the staff was and how clean they kept the pool.
Despite her poor vision, her family said Dr. Rosy was able to appreciate the pure beauty of every aspect of the Wyoming countryside. She would often say, "Wyoming's countryside was a gift straight from God." Leaving the flat swamp land of Louisiana was a lot easier, her family said, with her new-found love for the Wyoming mountains.
Dr. Kariker was a graduate of Nova University with a doctorate in adolescence and child psychology and development, a former member of the U.S. Masters Senior Swim Team, ranked 10th in the nation in several events. She was a member of the Silver Slammers basketball team and also played in several tournaments.
Dr. Kariker is survived by sons, Garland Arthur Kariker, Jr., of Riverton, Douglas Brian Kariker and David Patrick Kariker, both of Louisiana, and Timothy Steve Kariker of Mississippi; daughters, Bonnie Lucy Wibel of Louisiana and Sarajane Lisa Damrill of Riverton; 11 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Garland Arthur Kariker, Sr.; father, George Francis Goodspeed, Sr.; mother, Rose Flynn Goodspeed; brother, George Francis Goodspeed, Jr.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.