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Rock Springs Today
By the People, for the People
Beloved Rock Springs Native Sarah Gilchrist Dies at 44
Gilchrist was known for her kindness, generosity, and devotion to her daughter Shaye.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:24pm
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Sarah Elizabeth Gilchrist, a beloved community member from Rock Springs, Wyoming, passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 44 after a sudden illness. Gilchrist was known for her exceptional kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for her daughter Shaye. She worked in the food service industry and was admired by colleagues and customers alike for her upbeat attitude and ability to make everyone feel like family.
Why it matters
Gilchrist's passing is deeply felt by her family, friends, and the broader community in Rock Springs and Chandler, Arizona, where she lived. Her story highlights the importance of compassion, community, and the profound impact one person can have through small acts of kindness and care for others.
The details
Gilchrist was born in Rock Springs in 1981 to Connie (Dykema) Fields and Doug Gilchrist. She excelled as a student and athlete, playing on championship softball teams as a teenager. After graduating from Rock Springs High School in 2000, she moved to California and then returned to Wyoming, where she met her fiancé Jay Jones. The couple had a daughter, Shaye, in 2002 and later moved to Nevada so Gilchrist could continue her education at UNLV. In 2014, Gilchrist and Shaye settled in Chandler, Arizona. Throughout her adult life, Gilchrist worked in the food service industry, earning praise from supervisors, coworkers, and customers for her kindness, positivity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome.
- Gilchrist was born on September 19, 1981 in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
- She passed away on March 1, 2026 at Chandler Regional Medical Center in Arizona.
- A memorial service will be held on April 11, 2026 at Living Water Church in Mesa, Arizona.
- An additional service will be held on May 23, 2026 at Fox Funeral Home in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
The players
Sarah Elizabeth Gilchrist
A beloved community member from Rock Springs, Wyoming who passed away at the age of 44 after a sudden illness. She was known for her exceptional kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for her daughter Shaye.
Shaye Leilani Jones
Gilchrist's daughter, whom she raised as a single mother and nurtured with love, encouragement, and support for her many passions.
Hector Cedillo
A friend of Gilchrist's who connected with her generous spirit and mischievous sense of humor, and with whom she shared a loving relationship.
Belinda Cedillo
Hector Cedillo's daughter, who cherished Gilchrist like a sister.
Connie (Dykema) Fields
Gilchrist's mother.
What’s next
Gilchrist's family has set up a GoFundMe to support her daughter Shaye. Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/20474f81f.
The takeaway
Gilchrist's life and legacy serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that one person's kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for their loved ones can have on a community. Her story inspires us to follow her example and strive to make the world a little bit brighter through small acts of compassion.
