Barbara Penfield

DEATH NOTICE

Barbara Penfield, 92, of Alpine, Wyoming, passed away Friday, July 12, 2024. A full obituary will follow. 

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Barbara Louise (Hilton) Penfield, passed away July 12, 2024 at Legacy Homes in Thayne, WY. following a short illness. She was born in Lewiston, ID. on August 5, 1934 to Ray and Clara (Asher) Hilton. Barbara and her sisters, Wilma and Rhea, were raised in Seattle, a city that forever held a special place in her heart. She often talked about swimming in the Puget Sound and riding horses, her passion, at the stables. Barbara graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1952. One of her first jobs was working at Bell Telephone as an operator and was a member of the Teamsters, something she was quite proud of.

She dreamt of marrying a cowboy  and her wish came true when she married Luther Penfield. From this marriage came five children. They lived of the Thompson ranch north of Lusk and later the Bauer ranch south of Lusk, raising all their children in the country. Barbara enjoyed being a homemaker and cheering on all her children in 4-H and sports.

When the twins were 13 years old the family moved to town and Barbara began working as a dietician at the hospital. She was involved with the Homemaker's Club and was a talented artist.

Barbara painted a life-size mural of an Indian and horse on a wall of the Ranger Hotel in Lusk, WY. where she had an art studio in the 1970's. Barbara was very happy when she first became a grandmother and enjoyed that role very much. She attended their activities as often as possible and had so much pride for every one of them. When she became a great-grandmother her heart swelled even bigger with love and pride.

Barbara had the biggest heart and wanted to help everyone. She worked as a Senior Companion and spent time with them outside her work hours. At age 76 years old she once complained that "the old people are driving me nuts!" but she never stopped helping them. Even when she was living in the nursing home, she talked about wanting to get a job to help people. Barbara never showed up empty-handed, always offering food to whomever she was visiting, even when she was told it wasn't necessary. Barbara never forgot a birthday or anniversary, sending cards and often gifts from herself and her cat. Barbara had multiple pets throughout her life and every one of them was her favorite. Barbara worried about each person in her family and was ready to help with money, food, or advise at a moment's notice.

Barbara is survived by her children Les (Jane), Dawn, Dick (Jen), and Dean. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 17 great-children, and nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, sisters and  her son Jamey. The family would appreciate donations  to the local humane society or animal shelter in her memory.

No services will be held at Barbara's request. 

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