Christel ‘Christy’ Meta Barlow Walrath was born on December 17, 1951 in Hot Springs, South Dakota to Gertrude Jessen Barlow and Henry L. Barlow. Born with a hole between heart chambers, 18 month-old Chris had the first open heart surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado in 1953. Although she had no memory of the event itself, the experience was one that defined her. In her view, every day was a gift and an opportunity to make the world better.
After a successful recovery, she thrived with her siblings on the Gillette ranch. Her days were spent taking care of the animals, riding horses, sewing her own clothes (finding clothes her size was a lifelong challenge), and learning to cook. She later became known for her peanut brittle at Christmas. At Campbell County High School, she was a member of the Honor Society, the Rodeo Club, and editor of her senior yearbook.
After high school graduation in 1970, Chris earned her Associates of Dental Hygiene in 1973 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Her love of the region remained throughout her life. In 1971 after her freshman year, she was crowned Miss Rodeo Campbell County.
While practicing dental hygiene in Laramie, Wyoming she earned a bachelor’s degree in Food Science in 1976. She also met David (who assisted with trigonometry). After their marriage on July 24, 1976, they moved to San Antonio, Texas, the first of many adventures together.
Returning to Laramie in 1977, they welcomed their first daughter, Elaine in 1979. They explored the eastern states together while Dave attended the University of Delaware. Returning to Laramie, Chris continued in dental hygiene practice and was president of the Wyoming Dental Hygienists Association. They were joined by Erica in 1983, Erin in 1985, and Michael in 1989.
Throughout her career as a dental hygienist, she taught children and parents the importance of oral health, in practice, classrooms around Laramie and throughout Wyoming, and eventually on Andros Island, Bahamas. “Ignore your teeth, and they’ll go away.”
As a wife and mother, Chris was generous and pragmatic. When life felt impossible, she provided love and support immediately and selflessly, without waiting to be asked for help. She was kind and curious: she gave her children the space to become themselves, then learned from their experiences. As a grandmother (although she preferred ‘Oma’) her grandchildren were the loves of her life. She lived to be able to share in their activities and dreamed of taking them skiing some day.
Chris’ boundless generosity extended to many causes. She was president and a board member of The Laramie Plains Museum and a supporter of The Wyoming Women’s History House. She worked on or advocated for a number of community development projects including Laramie Ice Rink and Recreation Center construction, field upgrade for Laramie Youth Baseball, co-chair of Laramie Project Graduation, president of her neighborhood road improvement district, and many others. Chris became very skilled at drywall finishing and painting while helping remodel the Mason Loft Condos and during construction of the Alice Hardie Stevens addition. She was also an active member of the P.E.O. sisterhood.
In her free time, Chris organized bridge games, was very active in the tennis community, hiked, crocheted, and traveled the world. She loved diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean, and journeyed there frequently with her friends, and occasionally, even her husband.
Chris was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, David; her siblings, Carol (Steve) McGuire, Glenn (Joy) Barlow, and Thomas (Mary Pat) Barlow; her children, Elaine (Cassandra) Walrath, Erica (Joshua) Cook, Erin Walrath, and Michael (Kailee) Walrath; and her grandchildren, Walker Blue Walrath, Owen Fritz Walrath, and Sullivan James Cook,
In lieu of gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Chris’ name to Wyoming Women’s History House, Laramie Plains Museum, or Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on March 22, 2025 at the LPM Alice Hardie Stevens Center with reception to follow. Please come share your stories at the reception.
My sympathy to all. You will be miss.
We are so sorry for your loss of Chris. Her extraordinary smile and big heart will be missed by all who knew her.
Chris was a wonderful human. She taught so many young children how to brush their teeth. When I asked if she would make a house call, she joyfully came over to help. We have lost a bright light in our world. May her family find peace.
Chris was always so intensely present with whomever had the privilege of being with her. She made you feel respected and appreciated. She so loved children, especially her own and her grandchildren, and talked about them with such pride. I think the only time I've seen her thrown off balance is when I called to ask if Michael, not Erin, could babysit my sons and was thrilled to learn how his first babysitting adventure was so full of fun. This community has lost one of our best.
I was so sorry to hear about Chris's death. Our kids grew up together and my daughter,Alison, was at your house many times. Chris was always fun to share their activities with. She was taken way too soon and will be missed by many. My heart goes out to your family. Jean Nicholls
Chris blessed so many people in her life. During my late wife Cindy's battle against brain cancer, we saw Chris regularly because she made homemade ice cream for Cindy and brought it to our home. She knew what brought joy to Cindy and made sure Cindy had what she needed over those two years of Cindy's fight against cancer. Thank you Walraths for reinforcing the good in Chris so that she could lift up others facing difficulties. She made a difference in the lives of many of us. We are very grateful for her. Mark Peterson
So sorry to hear about your loss. Nothing but fond memories of the years I knew Chris. Definitely the type of person who made the world a better place, and enriched the lives of those of us who were fortunate enough to have known her.
The McGarvin Family extends deepest condolences to the Walraths. We are grateful to have had wonderful conversations with Chris at our Dad's service in October. What a gift Chris was to this world!
My most sincere sympathies to Chris’ family and closest friends on her passing. I had the great pleasure to be a colleague of Chris’ and a casual friend, as well. Her quick smile, empathic style and joyfulness in her life are qualities I knew her for. She lived fully and set a high bar.
Chris is still the most amazing person, she lives on as we will remember her and forever see her smile. I will think of her often.
Dave and family, My condolences to you all. I am so sad about your loss. Blessings, Jamie Egolf
Kris was a wonderful person, we became friends in college. Such a vibrant personality and full of life and lived life to the fullest. Prayers to all her family and friends. ( I treasure the baby blanket she made for my youngest son when he was born.) ✝️💜
My prayers go out to Chris’s family, we became friends in college. She was an amazing human, I know how much she is going to be missed., she was so full of life, i still cherish the baby blanket she made for my youngest son. ❤️ I think a life well lived would describe Kris.
Dear Dave and family, my heart is heavy for you. I’ll remember Chris for her enthusiastic and caring personality, as well as her beautiful smile.
Saddened to read about Christy who I knew in high school--she always a bright smile and was full of fun. It appears that hers was a life well lived. Our condolences to the family at this time of loss. Reminds me of the Barlow family legacy in Gillette, Wyoming. Jim (and Karen) Naramore; Gillette, Wyoming
Dave, Elaine, Erica, Erin and Michael our entire family sends our sincere condolences to the entire family. She was gem and will be missed by all. Hugs to all.
The warmth in our hearts for our mother never grow cold. Lainee, I hope with time the pain decreases and the warmth assures you your mom’s love continues to nurture you. Love, Tiger.
Dave and family, We were shocked and saddened to hear of Chris' passing. Being neighbors for almost 20 years, she was always an active, vibrant positive individual. Although our visits were few she always had a smile on her face and showed interest in the simple things in life while doing all of her own grand adventures on the side with family and community. Blessings of wonderful memories to you all. She will be missed.
Dear Dave and family. Mark and I are so saddened by your loss. Chris led an exuberant life. Her smile brought joy to everyone lucky enough to see it. She was kind and loving to all that met her. She will be missed evey day! Hugs and blessings, Cindy and Mark Garnich
Chris was a client but more importantly a friend of mine and Susan's I echo all the adjectives that have been used kind, curious, friendly, smart, and etc. tenacious too. I will miss our wide ranging chats. Selfishly her world class peanut brittle, our in process plans for a group trip to the Rose Parade and African safari will be a serious miss. Our condolences to Dave, Elaine, Erica, Erin, Mike and family's may Chris RIP DON and Susan
To the extended Walrath family, my deepest condolences and sympathy. Chris was a truly a force of nature. One of those extraordinary people who makes an impact on the lives and world around her. Still remember that warmest of smiles, and the positive energy you would feel in her presence. All the best.
Dear Dave and Elaine, Erica, Erin and Michael - Our deepest condolences on your loss. Chris was delightful, smart, and always giving of her time and energy. She had a beautiful welcoming personality, and we will forever remember her friendship. Edwin and Susan Odom
Our deepest sympathy to the Walrath Family during this difficult time. She was a wonderful person who will be missed deeply. Tammy Comer and the Board of Directors at the Eppson Center for Seniors
Chris was my dental hygienist since I was a child through college when I moved away. She was a lovely and fun person. My condolences and sympathy to her family.
Dave and family: Chris was a wonderful woman. She not only was a fine dental technician, she was a friend. She even loaned me her children to help me with research for my MA. She was dedicated to her community and contributed in many ways to making it better.
Dave and family, Deep condolences on the loss of wonderful Chris. She was a light in our community.
Chris was a truly remarkable woman; so kind and sharing with everyone she met. She will be missed by all. Sharon Attebery
Dear Dave and family. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. I always loved being in the room with Chris. She exuded such good energy and was so generous in her friendships and to community.
Dave and Families, I am so very sorry to learn of Chris' passing. We had been friends since our first year of college in 1970. I admired Chris for her enthusiasm for life and community. May God bless each of you. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind Chris is now wearing beautiful angel wings.