An outpouring of condolences are being shared by politicians from Wyoming and across the country after Wyoming Senator John Barrasso announcing the death of his wife.
In a media release, the senior senator from Wyoming says, “After a courageous battle with cancer, Bobbi is now at peace and at home with the Lord. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Bobbi was a leader, fierce advocate for Wyoming, and friend to everyone she met. We miss her dearly. On behalf of our entire family, we thank everyone for your prayers and continued support as we remember her and grieve together.”
A native of Thermopolis, Bobbi Barrasso attended the University of Wyoming, graduating with degrees in Speech Pathology and law. She had a long and distinguished career in public service, including working for U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop and Craig Thomas. Concerned about the high suicide rate for her home state of Wyoming, Ms. Barrasso helped coordinate and started the group Congressional Spouses for Suicide Prevention and Education. In 2015, she was recognized for her work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wyoming Champion for suicide prevention.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon released a statement recognizing the impact Bobbi had on the citizens of Wyoming. “Bobbi was a longtime friend, a stalwart supporter of Wyoming and a resolute warrior against cancer. She always put service ahead of self. As a compassionate soul, she advocated tirelessly for Wyoming children, education, mental health and suicide prevention. She made a difference, and has left an indelible legacy. The Lord doesn’t make many as good as Bobbi. Wyoming was blessed to have known her. She will be missed.”
Also, Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) also expressed their sympathies. Representative Hageman reflects, “I first remember Bobbi Barrasso as Bobbi Brown, that was her name when we met while attending law school together in Laramie. Bobbi was always warm to everyone, welcoming them with a big smile and a kind word. She served our state both in her career and alongside her husband, Senator Barrasso. My prayers are with Bobbi’s entire family.” Senator Lummis, who knew Bobbi since they were kids, reminisced “Bobbi Barrasso has been lighting up rooms with her infectious smile, natural warmth and generosity of spirit since we first met as teenagers at the University of Wyoming. She had a fierce love for her family and her beloved Wyoming, both of which she gave to tirelessly her entire life. The people of Wyoming and her beloved hometown of Thermopolis will always count her among its greatest blessings. To Bobbi’s husband, my friend and Senate colleague, John Barrasso, her daughter Hadley, family and Bobbi’s many special friends across Wyoming, I extend my sincere sympathies.”
Bobette Kay (Bobbi) Brown Barrasso passed away following a heroic two-year battle with a Glioblastoma brain tumor. In 2003, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following surgery, radiation, chemo and complete recovery, she championed early detection and treatment, playing an instrumental role in the Angels program in Casper for cancer patients. She went on to become a founding member of the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative.
On January 1, 2008, John and Bobbi were married in Thermopolis, Wyoming. They became a blended family of five with Hadley, Peter and Emma.
Senator Barrasso’s office has confirmed a memorial service for Bobbi Barrasso will be held on Saturday, February 3rd at 11 am MT at the Highland Park Community Church in Casper.
Bobbi Barrasso was 71.
