Jesse Ellen Lopez

With heavy, sorrowful hearts, we announce that Jesse Ellen Lopez (Jess) gained her wings to fly high on June 21, 2026, just one week after her 44th birthday. 

Jess began her journey here on Earth in Minnesota, where she was raised by her father, Curtis Westphal. It was there that she developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, fishing, and the Minnesota Vikings. Reflecting on her life, her father shared: "I find it impossible to describe with words both the joy that Jesse brought into my life on June 14, 1982, and the heartbreak of her passing on June 21, 2026. I believe that when we are born it is not the beginning, nor is it the end when we pass, but just a chapter in the circle of life. Jesse had the spirit and soul of a true champion. I love you always and forever. I would also like to thank all of her friends, family, and the amazing nurses on floor 600 for all their care and support. She truly loved all of you." 

Getting the chance to travel all over the country, Jess made long-lasting friends everywhere she went and created memories no one will ever forget. As the absolute life of the party, everyone who knew her has their own little "Jess story." In 2012, she made her way to Wyoming, once again planting deep seeds of friendship. 

Jesse faced her first battle with cancer in 2013. Showing everyone just how strong she really was, she rang the bell of remission for breast cancer in 2014 after all the odds were stacked against her. While recovering, she was lucky enough to run into Adam for a brief moment—an encounter that took his breath away at first glance. By 2015, they were inseparable, showing everyone what a powerhouse team they made. Being the bold, beautiful individual she was, Jess asked Adam to marry her, and just like that, the queen had found her king. On July 16, 2016, she married Mr. Lopez and gained a beautiful stepdaughter. 

With a full heart and believing life was complete, she was blessed once again. Against all odds and what doctors had told her would never be possible, she announced her pregnancy to ecstatic friends and family. On July 28, 2017, she brought a healthy baby boy, Kashis Robert, into the world. Jess absolutely loved being a mother and shed happiness and love at every opportunity, even dedicating herself to homeschooling to ensure the best possible outcome for the kiddos. 

She shared many joys and hobbies in life, including arts and crafts, music, pets, Legos, gardening, and most of all, turning her house into a beautiful greenhouse. She cherished every moment spent with her family and loved having hour-long conversations on the phone with her friends and family. Jess was a true social butterfly who made time for everyone, all the way up to the very end. 

The last two years of Jess's life were spent riding many ups and downs after receiving another harsh cancer diagnosis. Her family battled hard alongside their warrior queen, watching her push forward with all her might. Regrettably, she lost her fierce battle with cervical cancer. Words that will forever be tied to Jesse are bold, fighter, courageous, feisty, "closed mouths don't get fed," and queen. Jesse is survived by and will be forever missed by her husband, Adam Lopez; her son, Kashis Lopez; her daughter, Calina Lopez; her father, Curtis Westphal; her uncle, Kent Westphal; her grandmother, Sharlene Faith Baughman; her brother, Jake Britt; as well as many cousins and extended family members on both her side of the family and Adams. She is now peacefully reunited with her auntie, Denise Barker; and at each side, her beloved pups, Angel and Hades. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 18th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Sherrie’s Place Restaurant, 310 West Yellowstone, downtown Casper, WY. If you wish to make any donations to Adam and the children to support their family during this difficult time, please do so at Sherrie's place to Sherrie, (Jess's Mother-InLaw), or at the GoFundMe that was already started in Jesse's name to help support the family. gofund.me/4c9538994. Please bring and share your favorite photos and memories of Jesse. Let’s send her off with the best gettogether possible!

To share a memory of Jesse or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.