CASPER, Wyo. — Bobbi Barrasso was remembered for her positive attitude and eventful life during a memorial service on Saturday at Highland Park Community Church in Casper.
Bobbi, who was the wife of U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, died on Jan. 24, 2024, after a two-year battle with a Glioblastoma brain tumor.
“Even as her strength waned by that vicious brain tumor, her smile still welcomed us and made sure we were still comfortable and had everything we needed,” said Rev. Lynn Williamson, who led the service.
“Bobbi did not welcome death, she wanted to live,” said Williamson, “but she was not afraid to die.”
The service was attended by Wyoming’s delegation, including U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman and U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis. Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and former Governor Matt Mead were also in attendance, as was Cindy McCain, widow of the late Sen. John McCain, who died from the same form of brain cancer that took Bobbi’s life. Other colleagues of Sen. Barrasso were unable to attend when their flights were canceled or postponed due to heavy fog in the Casper area.
Bobbi Barrasso was born in Thermopolis in 1953. After graduating from the University of Wyoming, she went to Washington D.C. to work on Wyoming U.S. Sen. Malcolm Wallop’s staff. She eventually went back to UW for a law degree, and worked on Wyoming U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas’s staff until his death in 2007. She and Sen. John Barrasso married the following year.
She survived breast cancer in 2003 and worked on cancer awareness and preventative programs until her death.
“She made you feel special. Important. Involved. Included,” said John Barrasso during his eulogy. “She shined her light on you and you felt a warmth and embrace and respect, and for some people they may have never felt that before in their life.”
“She was remarkable, truly truly remarkable,” he said.
