Katherine Ann Wallingford

Katherine Ann Wallingford, 71, of Thermopolis Wyo., passed away February 5, 2023 after a long illness.

Born in Thermopolis on October 8, 1951, as the oldest child of Thermopolis residents Norman and Pat (McCabe) Wallingford, ranchers on Buffalo Creek and Copper Mountain.

Kathy graduated with the class of 1970 from HSCHS and up and through last July helped out with many Class Reunions. After graduation from high school, she received her associates degree at Casper College. Kathy moved to Montana to make her home in Browning. There she became the County Clerk and worked for years in that position. She received many accolades and awards for her work as the County Clerk. She also got to know the residents of the small town of Browning, which is located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and the only incorporated town on the reservation. There she enjoyed the weekend rodeos and was usually seen timing the many rodeo events and team roping events. Upon leaving Browning she became the County Clerk in Lewiston, Mont., for around three years. 

Kathy made the decision to move back to her hometown of Thermopolis in the early 2000's. In Thermopolis she became the Director of the Chamber of Commerce for years and met many new and old friends while working and traveling for the Chamber. 

Kathy was a friend to many and was willing to help out wherever needed. She was an active member of the St Francis Catholic Church in Thermopolis, and volunteered in many areas of the women's ministry and outreach in the state. 

Kathy will be truly missed. Those who knew her well know she loved the rancher's way of life and was a blessing to her family and friends, and all will miss her sense of humor. 

She is survived by her sister, Connie, (Mike) Lohse and their two sons Clint (JoeCrocket), and Reo (Katy) Lohse; brother, Doug (Cindy) Wallingford, and their three children, Amber Armajo, Shiloh (Tina) Wallingford, and Sadie (Dave) Eckley; two great-nieces, Tymber Eckley, Scotlyn Armajo; and one great-nephew Casen Eckley. 

Preceding her in death were her parents, Norman and Pat Wallingford; grandparents; and great-niece Mesa Wallingford. 

Kathy will be cremated per her request. A Rosary will be on February 23, at 7 p.m., at St Francis Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be on Friday, February 24, at 10 a.m., St Francis Catholic Church, Thermopolis.