Jerry Ann Barber

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our mom, Jerry Ann, a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-aunt,

Jerry Ann (Long) Barber was born on May 4, 1938, in Sturgis, South Dakota, to Lucille Frances (Connell) and Reginald Dewey Long, farmers and ranchers in the Newell-Vale area. Her paternal grandparents were Ontario immigrants and early Butte County pioneers; her maternal grandparents were Lead-area gold miners, with her grandfather later working as a carpenter in the Homestake Gold Mine. Her maternal great-grandparents joined the Catholic covered-wagon migration to Spalding, Nebraska, in the late 1800s under Bishop John Lancaster Spalding.

Jerry Ann graduated as valedictorian of Newell High School’s Class of 1956. Active in speech, drama, chorus, 4-H, and student government, she was her class’s Girls’ State Representative, Student Body President, and “Most Representative Girl.” She also excelled in 4-H, winning a state championship in Dairy Foods demonstration and directing county-winning presentations.

She attended Black Hills Teachers College, now Black Hills State University, graduating in 1960 with degrees in communication and education. While there, she was active in forensics, journalism, Spanish Club, Sigma Kappa sorority, and student government. She was named “Most Representative Woman” of her senior class, elected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and served as a debate coach for Spearfish High School.

After marrying, Jerry Ann taught and coached speech at Newcastle High School, Wyoming. In 1963, her family moved to Casper, where she began a long association with Natrona County schools. She worked as a lay reader, tutor, ESL instructor, and elementary school aide while raising four children. She was instrumental in starting the Cross-Walk Program at Manor Heights Elementary and remained deeply involved in parent and volunteer groups.

In 1981, she returned to full-time teaching, spending 19 years as an English teacher at Kelly Walsh High School. She also taught summer school, tutored homebound students, and served as a University of Wyoming student teacher supervisor. She helped develop district curricula, coached debate and forensics—earning a National Forensic League Diamond Key—and was named “Most Influential Educator” by former students.

Following her retirement in 2000, Jerry Ann remained active in education, working as an adjunct instructor at Casper College, ESL tutor, and test administrator. She continued judging speech and debate tournaments and volunteering for school and community events.

A lifelong Catholic, Jerry Ann was devoted to St. Patrick’s Church in Casper, especially through St. Anne’s Circle. She also engaged in Democratic Party activities, History Day judging, and community service. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Wyoming Education Association, and numerous retired teacher and social groups.

Jerry Ann cherished family, travel, and laughter throughout her life. Memorable journeys included visits to Ireland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her four children—Jeffery Lee Barber (Dershie) of Cheyenne, WY; Ann Marie Veloso (Kwang) of Eagle, ID; Dorcie Lucille Wides (Jonathan) of Denver, CO; and James Delbert Barber (Alice) of Lawton, OK. Grandchildren include Austin Criss (Alex) of Denver, CO; Andrew Criss of Laramie, WY; Madison Barber of Centennial, CO; Aaron Barber of Omaha, NE; Naomi Veloso Kassebaum (Brent) of Spirit Lake, ID; William Veloso of Eagle, ID; Nicholas Retsek-Barber (Jessica) of Tulsa, OK; and Isaak Barber of Casper, WY; as well as great-grandson Radley Retsek. She is also survived by her brother William R. Long (Janet) of Newberry, SC; niece Marie R. Long Puryear (Scott) of Casper, WY, and their children Miles and Ella; along with numerous cousins.

Services: Rosary will be held at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Casper, WY, on Friday, September 19, 2025, followed by the Funeral Mass at noon and luncheon at 1 p.m. Graveside ceremony and burial will take place at Vale Cemetery #2, Vale, SD, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.