Thyra Thomson

Thyra went on to earn a BA degree cum laude at the University of Wyoming in 1939, with a major in psychology and minors in sociology and business administration.

On August 6, 1939, Thyra married Edwin Keith Thomson from Newcastle who was working on his Juris Doctor and managing the University of Wyoming Bookstore.

Thyra received a President's citation for war work at home in Cheyenne while Keith became the youngest infantry battalion commander in the U.S. forces in WWII.

After three terms in the U.S. house of Representatives, Keith was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 1960, and on December 9, died of a heart attack at the age of 41.

Though her name was repeatedly suggested for higher office, Thyra chose to remain Secretary of State and ex-officio lieutenant governor, and she was elected six times by Wyoming voters.

In 1983, she traveled to Taiwan promoting Wyoming products at the USA-ROC Trade Forum and was instrumental in the Republic of China's purchase of one-fourth of the State's entire wheat crop in 1984.

In 1985, she led 16 Wyoming businessmen to meet with a Saudi Arabian trade mission in Los Angeles, which proved productive.

[4][5] Thyra Thomson was called to testify before congressional committees, filled speaking engagements nationwide and television guest appearances.

"[6] In the services held on June 21, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cheyenne, the Reverend Diana Hartman likened Thomson to Abigail from the Book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament.

[8] Lynne Cheney, a long-time Thomson friend, recalled her great grace, spirit, vigor, and dancing ability: "Old age has its rough patches too, but I never heard Thyra complain.