GOP Sen. John Barrasso’s wife dies after battling brain cancer

Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming announced Thursday that his wife, Bobbi, died Wednesday from brain cancer.

“After a courageous battle with cancer, Bobbi is now at peace and at home with the Lord. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Bobbi was a leader, fierce advocate for Wyoming and friend to everyone she met,” Mr. Barrasso said.

“We miss her dearly. On behalf of our entire family, we thank everyone for your prayers and continued support as we remember her and grieve together,” he said.

Mrs. Barrasso battled glioblastoma, a cancer in the brain, for two years and died in Casper, Wyoming, his office said.

The Barrassos were married in 2008 in Wyoming and have three children — Peter, Emma and Hadley.

Mrs. Barrasso was born and raised in Thermopolis, Wyoming, and attended the University of Wyoming. She was very active in politics and public service in the state, working for Republican U.S. Sens. Malcolm Wallop and Craig Thomas.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, and made a complete recovery after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. From her experience she went on to play a big role in the Angels program in Casper for cancer patients, and was a founding member of the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative.

“Bobbi’s home state is better for her decades of devoted advocacy for a host of worthy causes,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, said in a statement. “In addition to her tireless work on breast cancer treatment and awareness, Bobbi inspired action in Wyoming and Washington on issues ranging from suicide prevention to historical preservation and support for survivors of child abuse.”

Sen. Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming Republican, said Mrs. Barrasso has “been lighting up rooms with her infectious smile, natural warmth and generosity of spirit,” since they met as teenagers at the University of Wyoming.”

Mr. Barrasso is the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, making him the chamber’s third-ranking Republican behind Mr, McConnell and Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota.