Obituary: Barbara Ann Hulen Wise

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Barbara Anne Hulen Wise, 87, of Pinedale, Wyo., passed away Aug. 20, 2022 at home, after a prolonged illness.

Barb, also known as "Bobann," "Gram," and “The Bird Lady,” was born in Lordsburg, New Mexico on Nov. 21, 1934. Her father, Wood Richard Hulen, was a telegraph operator for Southern Pacific Railroad and her mother was Lillie B. Clark. Barb lost both her parents at age 11, and went to live in Iowa with her grandmother in 1946. Barb graduated from Melcher Dallas High School in 1952. She later went to Drake University to study American History, French and English, graduating with the class of 1965. She earned her Master’s of Art in Communications from the University of Wyoming in 1973.

Barb spent many years enjoying family and friends in Pinedale, living on the creek and being active in the community. This is where she met the love of her life, Marlenn Wise. They were both involved with conservation in the area for years and helped to install osprey nest poles around the Sublette County area. Barb had a deep love for all animals, but especially had a “thing” for parrots. This led her to adopt a hyacinth macaw named Sulie, whose company she enjoyed for years. Aunt Bobann moved Sulie down to the Gabriel Foundation in Elizabeth, Colorado to live out the rest of her life with fellow parrots in large aviaries several years ago. Barb also enjoyed teaching swimming lessons and being involved in church. Eventually, she moved into town to live with her three cats and little poodle, Gadget. “It was always a fun time at Gram Barb’s.”

Survivors include her brother Dennis Hulen (Carol) of Bowie, Md., many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews, stepson Ward Wise (Natalie) of Pinedale, Wyo., step-daughter Melanie Collins (Edd) of Gillette, WY, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and wonderful friends including Kathy Allen, Phyllis & George Staidl, JJ Huntley, Carmen Hittle and many more.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband Marlenn E. Wise, parents Wood Richard Hulen and Lillie B. Clark, her brother Woody Hulen, sister Sandi Paskins Nagel, Sister-in-law Betty Jean Gilbert Hulen, niece Carol Hulen Dockter and nephew William “Bill” Hulen.

In lieu of flowers, Barb wished for donations to be made to St. Andrew’s in the Pines Episcopal Church of Pinedale. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.