Mary Love Obituary

Mary Christine "Christy" Love of Big Horn, Wyoming, passed away Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri, at age 76, following a brief battle with cancer.
Born in St. Louis June 22, 1948, to Christine Gempp Love and Edward Kimbrough "Bud" Love, she attended high school at Mary Institute in St. Louis; graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, Virginia; and a Masters in French from Middlebury College, Middlebury, Virginia. Christy divided her time between her homes in Wyoming and the farm where she was raised in Florissant, Missouri. She was the owner of The Best Out West Antiques & Collectibles Mall in Sheridan, Wyoming, and the manager of the family UM Ranch in Buffalo, Wyoming.
Christy was a remarkable woman who made her mark as a successful rancher, businesswoman, real estate owner and philanthropist. She worked tirelessly to uplift her community and preserve the land she loved. Her commitment to land conservation made a lasting impact, as she fought to protect the natural beauty of her surroundings for future generations. As an accomplished photographer and art collector, Christy had a keen eye for capturing the beauty of the world around her. She found joy in mushroom hunting, horseback riding, walking with her dog, and spending time with family and friends. Fluent in French, Christy traveled the world, enriching her life with new experiences and a deep appreciation for different cultures. Christy's heart was also dedicated to the arts and to the welfare of animals. She generously supported foundations that aligned with her passions, making a significant impact on both local and national causes. Her love for the arts and for animals reflected her deep compassion and appreciation for life in all its forms.
Christy was also a member of the Colonial Dames, where she immersed herself in the study of history and genealogy. She enjoyed tracing the stories of people's ancestors, always eager to understand and preserve the past.
Although Christy received many awards for her contributions to philanthropy, conservation and her professional endeavors, she remained ever humble. She preferred to focus on the work and the causes close to her heart, rather than seeking recognition for herself.
Christy Love will be remembered as a woman of strength, boundless generosity and unwavering dedication. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and the countless lives she touched.
She is survived by her brothers, Dr. Charles Chadwick Love (Linda) of College Station, Texas, and William Kimbrough 'Kim' Love (Mary Kay) of Sheridan, Wyoming; nieces, Elizabeth Alayne Love of Austin, Texas, and Lauren Christine Love (Arnaud Ferret) of Whitesboro, Texas; and nephew Charles Ian Love (Brianna) of St. Charles, Missouri; and two grandnieces, Kennedy Rose and Lillian Marie Love of St. Charles, Missouri. Christy was preceded in death by her nephew, Edwin Alexander Love and her mother, Christine Gempp Love and father, Edward Kimbrough "Bud" Love.
A funeral service will be held at Lupton Chapel, 7233 Delmar Boulevard, University City, Missouri at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, with a reception to follow at the St. Louis Country Club.
A second celebration of life will be held Saturday, Nov. 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Frackelton's Restaurant in Sheridan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to: The Wyo Theater, P.O.Box 528, Sheridan, WY 82801 (wyotheater.com); Johnson County 4-H, 30 Fairgrounds Road, Buffalo, WY 82834; or Tower Grove Park (towergrovepark.org.)
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary, please visit our Tree Store.