Cloudy, 26° F
Glenda Louise Wirt Bell, 82, died on Feb. 9, 2021, at home in Fort Collins, Colorado. Glenda was born to Virginia and Louis (Bud) Wirt, in Leavenworth, Kansas, on March 1, 1938. She was preceded in death by her parents and her life companion of 25 years, Barbara Fisher.
A graduate of West Georgia College and the University of Wyoming, Glenda taught English and geography in New Mexico and Billings, Montana, before becoming a school librarian.
In 1988, she retired from public education and launched a second career as a professional speaker. Joined by her companion, Barbara Fisher, the two entertained for 17 years as Calamity Jane and “BarbWire.” In conducting research on Martha Jane Canary (Calamity Jane), Glenda became one of the nation’s experts on the famous Old West personality.
Glenda loved to fish, hunt, gather rocks, watch birds and wildlife, garden and explore what was beyond the next hill. Although greatly appreciating Colorado’s medical community and its services to treat her rare autoimmune condition, scleroderma, her heart was always in Wyoming.
She leaves behind one half-sister and five half-brothers, two nieces, three nephews, cousins, Barbara Fisher’s loving family, and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Yellowstone National Park.
