Barbara J. Havely

Barbara Jeanette Havely, 81, of Slater, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 with family at her side. Barb was born on August 28, 1943, in Gering, Nebraska, the third and youngest child of Jake and Christine Ross. Barb graduated from Gering High School in 1961. She met her husband, Melvin from Slater, WY on a blind date and they married in 1962. Barb quickly learned the ropes of being a Wyoming farm wife and the couple proudly farmed and ranched on Slater Flats. Barb made a huge contribution to the lives of young people serving as a girl scout and 4-H leader, winning a special award for her leadership in 4-H. She was also very civically minded and enjoyed membership in and served as President of the Slater Women’s Club for many years. In addition, Barb worked the elections for their rural Slater precinct and met two U.S. presidents in her lifetime, Gerald Ford during the farm strike in Washington DC and George H.W. Bush when he visited Cheyenne. Barb, a proud Nebraskan, loved living in Wyoming & never tired of admiring the sunsets behind Laramie Peak. She enjoyed gardening, crafting and going on long drives with her family to bird watch or scout photography locations. Barb was a phenomenal cook and baker, especially known for her fried chicken, pies, & cookies. She won a grand champion ribbon for her baking at the Platte County Fair. She especially loved Christmas and had huge collections of Santas and angels. She went above and beyond to make people feel special through her many acts of kindness. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, parents, Jake & Christine (Green) Ross; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Warren & Ruth and Leon & Katie Ross, and many cherished relatives and friends. She’s reunited in eternity with her favorite Wire Fox Terriers, Mia, Sarah & Maggie, and many other pets. Barb is survived by son Kelly, daughters Candace(Mark) Havely & Crystal (Marc) Stratton, granddaughters, Madalynn & Macey Stratton and many relatives and friends. Barbara was a humble person who will be greatly missed, but remembered well. She and Melvin were wonderful parents and their children will miss her dearly. Family will scatter her ashes privately at some of her favorite spots in Wyoming and Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, WY, who provided such loving care for Barb or to the Slater Community Hall foundation.