Tamara C Barney

It is with heavy hearts, but also with smiles and laughter, that we share that Tamara C. Barney left this Earth for her next great adventure on May 20, 2026. 

Tam was one of a kind — deeply spiritual, fiercely independent, endlessly compassionate, and just wild enough to keep life interesting. She spent her life rescuing animals, especially cats, fostering more than 50 over the years, and somehow always finding room for one more. If something was broken, abandoned, lonely, or needed love, Tam would find it. And usually bring it home.

She studied Tibetan Buddhism for more than 30 years, strongly believed in karma, and always tried to find a lesson or silver lining in life — even when life was doing its best to test her patience. Her home was filled with Buddha statues, flowers, and, in later years, an almost concerning number of Amazon packages arriving at the door. Honestly, the delivery drivers probably deserve honorary family status at this point. 

Tam loved horses deeply and believed they carried healing energy. In her younger years, she spent countless hours riding and training them. Even when life took her away from the barn, her love for horses never left her heart. 

She also enjoyed the finer things in life: Bud Light, a little gambling, questionable men, cigarettes, and a good story to laugh about later. She had a rebellious streak, a huge heart, and a sense of humor that could make almost anyone feel at ease. Tam lived life her own way, and if she’s reading this somewhere right now, she’s probably rolling her eyes at us making such a fuss.

More than anything, Tam loved deeply. She leaves behind her daughter, Tressa (Troy) Barnes of Mountain View, Wyoming; her husband, Eddie Monzillo of Las Vegas, Nevada; sisters Sharon Brandy of Green River, Wyoming, and Kim (Gary) Kidrick of Montrose, Colorado; brothers Robert Hunley of Riverton, Wyoming, and Michael (Linda) Hunley of St. Perry, Arkansas, along with many people whose lives were brighter because they knew her.

She was welcomed home by her parents, Betty Beebe and Clarence Hunley; her sister, Lois Kelly; and her brothers, Shawn Beebe and Marc Beebe. We imagine that reunion  involved a lot of laughter, a few sarcastic comments, and probably some animals waiting nearby. A private family service will be held in her honor. In true Tam fashion, we hope everyone remembers her by loving fiercely, laughing often, helping animals whenever possible, and maybe placing an online shopping order in her memory.