Barbara Ann Costopoulos

Barbara Ann was born on August 2, 1935 in Wheatland, Wyoming to Dale Carson Windom and Mildred “Honey” Meglemre Windom. Her father was employed by the Farm Security Administration and was moved to Torrington, Wyoming, for six weeks in 1940 and then on the Lusk, Wyoming, where the family remained. Barbara was a active and happy participant in school activities and a cheerleader for six years. She attended Wonderful Wyoming Girls' State in 1952 and won her office as State treasurer. She treasured the friends made as Girls' State throughout her lifetime. 

She loved growing up in Lusk. She spent time on the Running Water Ranch with the Willson family west of Lusk and with Mac and Margaret DeGering McCulloch at the Empire Ranch in Moorcroft, Wyoming in the summers. After riding ornery Shetland ponies for three years, she was delighted when her Dad bought her a "Big Horse" from the Robinsons at Flat Top when she was six years old. Being horseback and wrestling calves were her favorite things to do. She attended Silver Spruce Church Camp and made many lifelong friends. Barbara graduated from Lusk High School in May 1953, and attended the University of Wyoming in 1953-54. 

Barbara married Kent McDaniel in 1954. Two children joined this union, a boy mark and a girl Marcie Ann. Kent's occupation had them moving to Lovell, Ponca City, Oklahoma, Houston, Texas, Denver, Colorado, Thermopolis, Wyoming, Linch, Wyoming, Lewistown, Montana, and Casper, Wyoming. The McDaniel's were later divorced. While living in Casper, she was elected President of the Casper Newcomer's Club., worked for Dr. A.A. Dona, an orthodontist, Tennecco Oil Company until they moved to Denver and then Dr. Williams, a dentist, and the Delta Orthodontic Studio. 

In 1969, Barbara married a first generation Greek from Sunrise, Wyoming, Nick Costopoulos, who worked for Colorado Fuel and Iron Company.(CF&I).  Nick, Barbara and her son Mark moved to Guernsey when they were married. She held several offices while employed by the Platte County School District #2. In 1970, she was hired as the school secretary with Lunch Account responsibilities, and In 1973,  was appointed the Tri-City Community Education Coordinator of Eastern Wyoming College Outreach. For 18 of the 25 years at the school, she had a reading hour for children 3-5 years of age. In 1982, she was appointed by the school board as the Parks and Recreation Director. She served as Past Worthy Matron of Alveda Eastern Star Chapter 43. Barbara was a charter member of the Trail Ruts golf course, a charter member  of the local American Laegion Auxilliary, a charter board member of the Platte county Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of Platte County Project Safe, board member of the Platte County Historical Society and a member of the Platte County Hospital Advisory Board. 

Barbara was instrumental in establishing the Services for Senior and the Senior Center program  in Guernsey and served as secretary to the Sky View Villa for 29 years. She served on Governor Herschler's Children's Project Board. He later appointed Barbara to a five year term on the Wyoming Recreation Commission. Other responsibilities were: Chairperson of the Partners for Parks and served as Public Affair Personnel of the Wyoming Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Governor Sullivan appointed her to the Wyoming Judicial Commission for a four year term. She served as a member of the Board of Directors of General James Spence Armory in Guernsey and was elected as President of the Wyoming Pioneer Association in 2007.

She was honored in receiving the Outstanding Community Service Award promoting patriotism, citizenship and literacy from the Elizabeth Ramsey Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. Barbara was elected Regent of the DAR chapter in Wheatland. She was awarded a Service award from the State Historical Society. Her interests included: People, History of Wyoming, the Native Americans, her yard, bird watching, reading, bridge and giving tours of the Hub of the Oregon Trail and Guernsey State Park. She happily enjoyed her membership in Chapter AW of PEO. She wrote three books: Nine Miles on the Laramie River, Sunrise Silhouettes, Shadows from the Shafts and the Legend of Posey Ryan. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Wilse and Margaret Wilde Meglemre and Frank and Cora Courtright Windom, her baby daughter, Marcie Ann in 1959; her father, Dale, in 1980; her mother in 2001; husband, Nick, in 2003; her son Mark in 2014. She is also pre-deceased by her brothers-in-law: Zack Costopoulos, Bill Costopolous and his wife Clara, Tommie Costopolous and his wife Dorothy.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Larry and his wife Linda, their sons, Bryan and Jason of Mulkiteo, Washington; her grandchildren: Brandy McDaniel  Loe and husband Chris,  Lauren McDaniel and Cameron McDaniel,  her daughter-in-law, Sandy McDaniel of Casper and two adorable great-grandchildren: Carter Allen  Loe and Finley Mae Loe of Casper, sister-in-law Helen Costopoulos of Cheyenne and many well-loved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. There will be no services according to her wishes. 

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