Former Wyoming Schools Chief Judy Catchpole remembered as tireless advocate for kids, dies at 81

Oil City News, Cowboy State Daily, and County 10 contributed to this report.

Judy Catchpole, the former Wyoming superintendent of public instruction who spent a lifetime fighting for children, classrooms and community, has died. She was 81.

Gov. Mark Gordon’s office announced her death Thursday, Dec. 4. No cause was released. Flags across the state were ordered lowered in her honor and will remain at half-staff until the day of her burial.

Catchpole served as Wyoming’s top education official from 1995 to 2003, after being elected twice statewide. Even after leaving office, she never slowed down, staying deeply involved in education through the University of Wyoming, literacy programs and statewide advisory boards.

“Judy Catchpole devoted her life to Wyoming’s kids, and our state is better because of her steady leadership and wholehearted service,” Gordon said in a statement. “Jennie and I treasured our friendship with Judy and Glenn. We will miss her deeply.”

During her time as superintendent, Catchpole oversaw sweeping changes that helped shape Wyoming’s modern school system. She pushed for:

• Stronger academic standards;
• Expanded student assessments;
• Updated teacher certification rules;
• Early education technology initiatives;
• Wyoming’s first steps into charter school policy.

Nationally, she also served on the Education Commission of the States and the National Assessment of Educational Progress Board.

Before statewide office, Catchpole built her career from the ground up — starting as a preschool teacher and director, serving on the Natrona County School Board, and becoming a familiar face in education circles across the state. A Casper native, she was known just as much for her community volunteer work as for her public service.

Those who worked with Catchpole consistently described her as joyful, energetic and relentless when it came to helping kids.

Current Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder called Catchpole a lifelong mentor.

“I first met Judy when I was a high school student interested in political involvement,” Degenfelder said. “She later chaired my campaign for superintendent. Her impact on education and Wyoming politics will continue on forever.”

US Sen. John Barrasso also called her a mentor and a friend.

“I could always rely on Judy for advice, counsel and to bring humor to any situation,” he said. “Even in retirement, she never stopped serving the state she loved.”

Former Superintendent Jillian Balow remembered Catchpole for her warmth and wisdom.

“Time with Judy was always precious and sure to be full of laughs, stories, hugs, and words of wisdom,” Balow said.

Friends often talked about Catchpole’s boundless energy, sense of humor and compassion. Jan Larimer, a longtime friend, said Catchpole was “a doer, not a sitter.”

“She was always happy,” Larimer said. “Her spirit made everybody else move too.”

Former Gov. Matt Mead echoed that sentiment, crediting Catchpole with helping launch the Literacy Research Center and Clinic at UW alongside First Lady Carol Mead.

“She had the perfect combination of passion and common sense,” Mead said.

Others recalled her musical side — singing, dancing and playing piano — earning her a reputation as the “life of the party.” But behind the laughter, colleagues said, was what one former adviser called her “steely resolve” when it came to holding people accountable for kids and schools.

After leaving office, Catchpole continued working on education issues well into her later years. She chaired the Wyoming Department of Education’s Advisory Committee for School Accountability, helped lead UW’s literacy initiatives, and served on multiple education advisory boards. She was also a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from the UW College of Education.

She is survived by her husband Glenn and their children Fred, Glenda and Katie, along with extended family.

Funeral arrangements will be shared by the family at a later date.

For a woman described by friends as joyful, tireless and unwavering in her belief in children, the tributes have been consistent: Judy Catchpole didn’t just lead Wyoming’s schools — she lifted the people around her while doing it.