Zane J Wallace Matheson

Zane Matheson, a 17-year-old beloved son and brother, of Baggs, Wyo., left to be with the angels and his family waiting in heaven on May 14. He was born July 13, 2005, in Wheat Ridge, Colo., to Chris Matheson and Danielle Romero, where he joined his older sister, Cylee, completing the family.

Cylee took her job as Zane’s big sister seriously, and she was his protector and his best friend.  Wherever one sibling was found, the other was not far behind. They were each other’s half.

Zane was known for making people laugh. He filled his parents with joy and pride. He was a mama’s boy and not afraid who knew it. He learned how to love, be kind and to be of service to others from his mother. He brought great peace and happiness to her life. From his father he learned how to be an outdoorsman and how to hunt and fish.  He loved being outside and would leave the house when the sun went up and would come home at dusk with a handful of treasures. A day didn’t go by when he didn’t say, “I love you.”

Zane’s family moved to Baggs from Weldona, Colo., in 2015. He found a home and a community family in the Little Snake River Valley. Young or old, it didn’t matter to him; he wanted to make everyone's life brighter with a smile, kind words, or just a silly joke. If something was needed, everyone knew to call Zane and he'd be there to help.  Little did people know, work wasn’t work for him, it was just another opportunity to have fun. He worked in many jobs around the Valley.

When he was just 11, Zane saved his family when he realized their home was on fire in the night and helped get them out. He was honored with a “hero” award by the school district.

As a member of the class of 2024 at Little Snake River Valley School, Zane was involved in just about every school activity possible, including FFA, Student Council, and National Honor Society. He was a three-sport—and quite talented—athlete, but also humble and hard working. Every time he laced up his shoes and threw on his jersey (#18 in football and #3 in basketball), his face would light up with a smile from ear to ear. He played with his whole heart and loved every minute of it. He helped lead the Little Snake River School in many of its achievements as the football quarterback and defensive back, a basketball guard, and three years on the track team. He also had a talent for true leadership in the offices he held in FFA, NHS, and Student Council. He showed pigs at the county fair each year. He was learning to play the guitar and was a talented artist as well. Zane was amazing at everything he tried, but he was also dedicated to developing his talents through many hours of practice and working to fulfill his responsibilities.

He also excelled academically, fortunately, because he had a knack for waiting until the last minute and not always making it easy on his teachers. When Zane did get into trouble, he could quickly be forgiven by smiling with his silly grin. He was loved by so many that he may have been a little spoiled. Even the lunch ladies called him considerate, polite and well mannered, which helped him to know where to find all the good snacks and how to get them.

Zane lived his life with great joy and compassion. His smile would light up a room, and he could make friends with anyone. In addition to his parents and sister, Zane is survived by a paternal grandmother, Reta Shurbet, a paternal aunt, Misty Miller, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Marvin Romero and Lynda Salas, a paternal grandfather, Jewell Shurbet, and paternal great grandparents Otha Dee and Junior Wallace Stinnett. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Valley Community Center on Thursday, May 25, at 2:00 p.m. A reception dinner will follow. Flowers and donations are both welcomed and appreciated. A fund has been established and money can be given to Joel Thomas or Lew Waldron. For more information see: casadacares.com/obituaries/zane-matheson.