Jerry Barber

1938 - 2025

Jerry Ann (Long) Barber was born May 4, 1938, in Sturgis, South Dakota, to Lucille Frances (Connell) and Reginald Dewey Long, farmers and ranchers in the Newell-Vale area. She graduated as valedictorian of Newell High School's Class of 1956, where she was active in speech, drama, chorus, 4-H, and student leadership.

She attended Black Hills Teachers College, now Black Hills State University, graduating in 1960 with degrees in communication and education. During college she was active in forensics, journalism, Sigma Kappa sorority, and student government, and was named "Most Representative Woman" of her senior class.

Jerry Ann began her teaching career in Newcastle, Wyoming, and after moving to Casper in 1963, devoted much of her life to Natrona County schools. She worked as a tutor, ESL instructor, and elementary school aide before returning full-time to the classroom in 1981 as an English teacher at Kelly Walsh High School, where she taught for 19 years. She also coached debate and forensics, qualifying students for national tournaments and earning the National Forensic League Diamond Key. She was honored by former students as "Most Influential Educator" and helped develop district English, speech, and ESL curricula.

After retiring in 2000, Jerry Ann continued to serve as an adjunct instructor at Casper College, an ESL tutor, and a test administrator. She remained active as a judge for speech and debate competitions and volunteered at numerous school and community events.

Her faith was central to her life. A longtime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Casper, she served in St. Anne's Circle and assisted with funeral dinners and parish activities. She was also engaged in civic service as a Democratic Party activist, History Day judge, and community volunteer.

Jerry Ann treasured her family and friends and enjoyed traveling in retirement, with highlights including trips 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 many 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 be at Vale Cemetery #2, Vale, SD, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.