Mary Edna Barbour

Mary Edna (Neiman) Barbour, 97, of Hulett, Wyoming, died Thursday, July 11, 2024. She went to meet her Savior peacefully with family by her side, in the same home she lived in for the past 73 years.

Mary was born August 8, 1926 in Eads, Colorado, to Albert Carmel and Annie Mable (Gerber) Neiman. She was the sixth of eight children.

During her early years, Albert worked in the sawmill industry, resulting in the family moving often to where there was available timber. They lived in Colorado and Nebraska before they eventually settled in Hulett.

Her dad purchased the property and set up his mill at the current location of the Neiman Sawmill. Over the years she attended many different schools and graduated from Hulett High School in 1944.

On Mary's thirteenth birthday, she went to a revival meeting in Upton with her sister Ruth and accepted Jesus as her Savior. In her words, "This changed the course of my life."

The rest of Mary's days were guided by her faith in the Lord. Sunday School and church were an important part of her life; she had 44 years of perfect attendance to Sunday school.

Areas of ministry were not limited to, but included, children's church, singing, puppet ministry, plays and programs, and creating Sunday School curriculum. Mary also enjoyed stirring up a good theological discussion about the Bible. One of her favorite verses was 3 John 1:4 - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

While attending church in Gillette Mary met her future husband, Richard Barbour. They were engaged on February 29, 1944 while Richard was in the Army during WWII.

They married when he was on furlough, on August 30, 1944. After the wedding she moved with him to Malden, Missouri, where he was stationed.

Soon after, Richard was shipped to Italy and Mary returned to Hulett. When the war ended, they made their home in Gillette.

In 1946, Shirley Marie was born and, 11 months later in 1947, they had Dixie Mae. Life in Gillette was good but Richard desired to own his own business.

In 1951, Richard, and Mary's brother Hank, formed B&N Loggers, which resulted in the family moving to Hulett. Mary established the family home, which she would remain in for the rest of her years.

Serving as a mother and housewife brought her much joy! Mary was a Brownie Scout leader, an avid gardener who canned the fruits of her labor and the family seamstress. Richard and Mary owned Hulett Cash Store for a number of years.

On May 31, 1989, while on a trip, a tragic accident in Arkansas claimed the life of her beloved husband Richard and youngest daughter Dixie. Since that day she longed to "go home" to her heavenly home. She said she could not have made it without God's abiding comfort and strength.

Teaching children's church and praying for her family helped keep her focused with a reason for living during those lonely years. Mary's strong will and opinionated disposition helped her navigate the new independence she was faced with.

The next 35 years, she continued to find fulfillment in life with sewing, gardening – including push mowing her large yards through age 96, crafting, cross stitch, children's church, playing cards, especially Rook and SkipBo, word puzzles and visits from family and friends. For over 40 years, Mary hosted the annual Barbour Thanksgiving gathering in her home, with 50 to 70+ relatives in attendance.

Mary is survived by her brother, James S. (Sally Ann) Neiman; daughter, Shirley (Bill) Mangrum; son-in-law, Tim (Jeri) Tromble; grandchildren, Bobbi (Ken) Frazier, Rick Leonard (Kari Markley), Pam Scheline, Darrin (Brettnee) Tromble, Julie (Sam) Paulsen, Brian (CindaRae) Tromble and bonus granddaughter, Kari Preston; 23 great-grandchildren and their spouses; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Annie Neiman; husband, H. Richard Barbour; daughter, Dixie Tromble; siblings, Ruth Dickman, Carrie Greer, Albert, Henry "Hank", Adam "Ray" and William "Bill" Neiman; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Greater Hulett Community Center. Pastor Charlie Bauman of the Hulett Assembly of God will officiate.

Food and fellowship will follow the service. Memorial donations may be made to Hulett Assembly of God Children's Ministry or Hulett Senior Center.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at http://www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com