the Honorable Nancy Guthrie
1943 – 2024
The Prettiest and Smartest Girl in Law School (…aka the only girl!)
The Honorable Nancy J. Guthrie, 81, a respected judge, dedicated public servant, and devoted mother passed away among loved ones at her son’s home in California on October 19, 2024. Judge Guthrie was a pillar of the legal community in Wyoming for over 40 years, known for her unwavering commitment to the rule of law, her unique blend of toughness and kindness, and her trademark red glasses. She loved serving the Ninth District in Jackson, WY, a place she called “paradise” for eighteen years. She ultimately moved to a retirement community in Santa Barbara to be “close to the ocean” and her family, in 2021. Beyond the gavel, Nancy had a remarkable ability to connect with people. Her quick wit and spontaneous sense of humor could lighten even the most serious of proceedings, reminding all that justice and humanity can coexist. Colleagues and defendants alike appreciated her compassionate approach.
Judge Guthrie was a relentless community advocate who mentored many young women throughout her distinguished career. Whether supporting youth and family services, serving on the local school board, promoting arts and humanities, or fighting to ensure women’s reproductive rights, she brought a beautiful combination of wisdom, empathy and humor to every organization. Her friends and colleagues often described Nancy as “one of a kind,” a “trailblazer,” a “fabulous story-teller,” a “serious practical joker,” a “force of nature,” an “avid reader,” a “world traveler” … It went on and on.
Over her remarkable career, “Judgie” (a term used by her closest confidants) earned numerous awards and accolades, reflecting her exceptional dedication to her profession. She was proud to be the first female elected county prosecuting attorney in Wyoming history, the second female District Court Judge, and the ONLY female in her law school class at the University of Wyoming. Her accomplishments provided inspiration and paved the way for future generations of women in the legal field.
Born to Rodney and Mary Belle Pemberton Guthrie, she spent her childhood with siblings Mary, and Will, in the small town of Newcastle, Wyoming. She had a lively early life which included cheerleading, playing the saxophone and initiating her life-long love of unique and bold fashion. The daughter of the Chief Justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court, Nancy defied the odds, and her father’s advice, to pursue a career as a lawyer. She attended the University of Wyoming on a special three-year undergraduate and three-year law school track, graduating in 1968.
Nancy married a fellow law student, Chris Hinckley, with whom she opened a practice they operated for over 20 years. Their son, Becket, born in 1970, would take them all over the Rocky Mountain Region pursuing his athletic career. So devoted was Nancy, she adjusted her work hours to be home for Becket after school. Taking advantage of the ability to close their practice for the month of February, they discovered each of the Hawaiian Islands as a family.
She moved to Virginia Beach in 1991 to reunite with the self-proclaimed “love of her life,” Jim Schuyler, a retired Naval Aviator, whom she met as an undergrad. They married and eventually returned to her home state in 1993. After his passing, she was appointed, by Governor Mike Sullivan in 1994, first as the Special Master in the Big Horn Water Adjudication and later as a Wyoming District Court Judge. While serving the 9th District as a judge, she was able to take advantage of long breaks where she could satisfy her wanderlust to travel, making friends in every corner of the world. She explored far-off lands and treasured her trips to places like Europe, China, Nepal, and Africa.
After retirement, Nancy continued serving her community as a mediator and an advisor to Governor Dave Freudenthal. Her service continued to extend beyond the law, to her numerous statewide committees and non-profit boards, too many to include here. She continued her community service after moving to Santa Barbara, all the while making great friends at her retirement community of Maravilla.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Schuyler, her parents, Rodney and Mary Belle Guthrie, and her brother Will Guthrie. Nancy leaves behind her son Becket, his wife Gingee (Prince), two beloved granddaughters, Madeline and Addison Hinckley, her sister Mary Guthrie, nephew Bartley McFadden, and her feisty chihuahua, Riggs.
A memorial is planned in Wyoming, spring of 2025 (TBD), where friends, family, and distinguished colleagues will gather for a Celebration of (her extraordinary) Life led by the Reverend Jimmy Bartz in Jackson Hole.