Locals Remember Thermopolis Woman Killed In Hit-And-Run As "Remarkable"

Thermopolis residents were shocked and saddened Friday when an active member of a local church was killed in a hit-and-run collision.

The woman was Bernie Blacketer, who was on her way to open up the St. Francis Catholic Church, as she does every morning, Thermopolis Mayor Adam Estenson told Cowboy State Daily on Friday. Some teachers who were walking to school found Blacketer, tried to render aid and called emergency services.

Between 15 and 20 parishioners gathered almost immediately to pray the Rosary at St. Francis. The bell in the church tower tolled for 3 minutes for her, other witnesses told Cowboy State Daily on scene.

Blacketer was pronounced deceased, said Estenson.

"She was a truly remarkable woman and her faith community at St. Francis Catholic Chruch was very much a center part of her life," said Estenson, who knew Blacketer well and was emotional as he spoke of her.

She lived her life as a reflection of Christ, he said, and "she would be preaching forgiveness in light of this tragedy."

Estenson said Heaven is fortunate to have her, but "we're sad to lose her on this end of things."

"This is a big blow to our community," the mayor said. "We do believe in a just forgiving and loving God, and we put our faith in him." 

‘Like A Mother To Me’

Other residents voiced admiration for Blacketer's dedication to her faith, church and community as well.

“Not only did she open and close the church daily, sing and read at mass, she offered kindness in her smiles, hugs, prayers, encouragement and Bernie Bunny Easter Egg Hunts for the kids. I also loved when she sang at church because she picked the best songs that were easy to sing along to in an alto tone. She will be dearly missed," said Cortney O’Connor.  

“Bernie was such a huge part of our church family,” said the mayor’s wife Carrie Estenson, adding that her children looked forward to Blacketer's high-fives and hugs during Mass services. "There is a huge void in our hearts that will be hard to fill with the passing of our dear friend.”

Blacketer's neighbor and fellow parishioner Dan Fahrenkrug said she knew everybody and kept everyone safe as head of the neighborhood watch.

She would deliver meals to her homebound friends, play the easter bunny for kids and lead church events, community members said.

Blacketer's neighbor and good friend Parish Lawson described her as always on the go, and "like a mother to me."

“She was just it was just a really great lady,” Lawson said. “It was just really heartbreaking to see ambulances and her just laying there. She did a lot for everybody in the neighborhood.”

Driver Found

The hit-and-run happened at around 7 a.m. in the 700 block of Arapahoe Street, says a Friday morning statement by Thermopolis Police Chief Pat Cornwell that included a public plea to help locate the suspected vehicle and driver.

The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render aid, says the statement.

Though police urged residents initially to help them find the driver, the department soon updated its statement with a notice the driver and vehicle had been located.

“If you have doorbell or video cameras on Arapahoe Street, 6th Street, 7th Street or anywhere else in town, and your footage covers the time period from 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. this morning, please contact dispatch,” wrote Cornwell in the initial statement. “We urgently need your assistance solving this case.”

Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com and Jackie Dorothy can be reached at jackie@cowboystatedaily.com.