Barbara Riley Austin

Barbara Riley Austin, of Cheyenne, passed after a brief battle with cancer. She lived most of her life in Cheyenne, graduating from Cheyenne High School in 1956, and the University of Wyoming in 1960. While in Laramie she was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. She married Tom Austin and lived in Missouri, Virginia, New York, and Alaska before returning to Cheyenne in 1974.

She was a first grade teacher at Deming Elementary for 25 years and retired in 2000. She is remembered as a devoted educator. In 1979 she united with a long time high school friend, Leonard "Pinky" Zeiler. Pinky and Barbara became life partners and dedicated members of the weekend recreationalist. They enjoyed motorcycles, snowmobile, jet skis, UTV's and their beloved motor homes. They were especially fond of Dobermans and had many in their life.

They travelled all over the intermountain west with their numerous friends. They even drove the Al-Can Highway and worked one summer on the Kenai Peninsula as campground directors.

They cruised the Alaska inside passage several times. Their greatest love was the Albuquerque Balloon Festival that they attended every fall. They eventually became crew members.

She is survived by numerous friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her mother Pat Lyon, and her sisters Sue Vosler, and Penny Pinette. She has two children, John Austin, MD, Saratoga, and Melanie Austin, Hot Springs Arkansas, who were by her side during the final passage. She has numerous nieces and nephews in Cheyenne; Mike Vosler, Todd Vosler, Cecil Vosler, Tana Erickson, Greg Erickson, Rod Erickson. Nieces Dottie Buckley and Valree Lopez live in New Mexico, and Jodi Bower lives in Alabama. Her family also includes Pinky's children Scott and Julie Zeiler and Stephanie Pena all of Cheyenne. Kory Toro, John's partner was also like a daughter and lives in Saratoga. She has 6 grandchildren, and 1O great grandchildren

The family wants to express their greatest appreciation for Doctors Kaan and Workman at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Barbara had an extended stay at CRMC this summer and was so appreciative of all her caregivers; nurses, therapist, and case management team. Davis Hospice was also incredibly supportive in her transition. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cheyenne Meals on Wheels in memory of Barbara Austin. Celebration of life is pending.