Barbara Ann Maluchnik

Barbara Ann Maluchnik, 66, beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on March 4, 2026 at her home in Casper, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Barb was born on September 23, 1959 at Memorial Hospital of Natrona County to John and Sally Kennedy. She was the baby sister of the family and was adored by her older brother and sisters who all loved to call her “Bubba”.

Barb married Stanley Maluchnik in 1977. She graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1978. This union was blessed with four children, Stanley “Spiker,” Allison, Sarah, and Joseph. Spiker was born premature and lived a mere day. Barb cherished being a mom more than anything and raised her three living children with fierce love and devotion.

Barb and Stanley divorced in 1990, after which Barb went to get her A.A. from Casper College and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming at Casper.

Barbara worked for various places. Before her children were born, she worked as a manager at Red Barn (now known as Peaches). After she obtained her degree, she worked for Jefferson Elementary School, then left the teaching field to work for Boise Cascade (Office Max). After Office Max closed, Barb went to work for I-Reach directly assisting independent living participants. After I-Reach, Barb worked for Elkhorn Rehabilitation as a receptionist. She finished her career serving as an AmeriCorps Member at the Food Bank of Wyoming before having to go into early retirement. Barb was a people person and enjoyed helping others and volunteered for many community projects, including assisting with the painting of the Star Court Mural at Riverview Park.

Nothing meant more to Barb than family. As a child, she enjoyed going on excursions with her mom and her sisters. They liked to sneak off and go fishing without the boys. Some of her fondest memories are of being a Girl Scout, where they all met their dear lifelong friend, Irene Thompson.

She helped her parents build a cabin on Casper Mountain, something that she was proud of and dreamt about, even in her final days. There were many nights she spent at that cabin, enjoying the company of her parents and extended family.

Barb loved to craft and made many latchhooks for which she would create her own patterns. In each latchhook, she would hide a heart for her loved ones to find. She will be remembered for being a compassionate, generous person with an unforgettable sense of humor.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Spiker; and her sister, Kathi. She is survived by her brothers; Richard Kennedy and Daniel Kennedy, both of Casper and sister; Karen (Tom) Abbott of Port Allegany, PA; her beloved children; Allison (Anthony Gamroth) Maluchnik, Sarah (Chris) Neubauer, and Joseph (Kitty) Maluchnik; her beautiful grandbabies; Hazel, Gabriel, Tommy, and Merak; along with various aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and her friend of over 50 years, Berni Kuck.

A viewing will be held on March 11, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin with visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12 followed by a service from 11:00-Noon. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held at the Nicolaysen Art Museum beginning at 1:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Barb are welcome to attend. Please wear something blue in support of Barb’s heroic battle with Colorectal Cancer.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Barb’s name to the Nicolaysen Art Museum.

To share a memory of Barbara or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.