Long-time Laramie County Clerk Debbye Lathrop has passed away.

"The entire county is deeply saddened with the loss of Debbye," said Laramie County Commissioner Buck Holmes. "Not only was she a great administrator as a county clerk, but she also was very knowledgeable and a very nice person to work with."

Lathrop, who was first elected in 1994, had recently lost her husband, Steve, and had been battling health problems for quite some time.

"She'd gone through quite a series of cancer treatments and she seemed to be getting along pretty well with that, and then she'd had some health difficulties prior to Steve's passing," said Holmes. "When Steve passed away, I think that probably was a shock to her."

The County Clerk’s offices have been closed for the remainder of the day to allow employees to mourn. Funeral plans have not been released.

Holmes says the Commission has about 25 days to name Lathrop's replacement.

"We have to notify the County Republican Party within a timely fashion," said Holmes. "They have fifteen days to select three names to present to the County Commissioners, and then the County Commissioners have five days to appoint a replacement."

Lathrop's replacement will serve out the remainder of her term, which expires the end of 2018.

 

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