Mother of 5 unexpectedly dies after beating cancer

POCATELLO — Family and friends are mourning the loss of Elisabeth “Lis” Langford Barlow, 42, a Pocatello mother who passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 19. She leaves behind her husband, Ray Barlow, and their five children, ranging in age from 5 to 19.

Lis Barlow had recently beaten breast cancer and was declared cancer-free. According to her sister-in-law, Jenn Barlow, an autopsy confirmed she developed a blood clot following a surgical procedure related to her cancer treatment, which caused her death.

Born and raised in Pocatello, Lis graduated from Highland High School in 2001, where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Ray.

She was known locally for her deep faith, her devotion to family, and her years of service as a lab technician at Portneuf Medical Center.

The Barlow family was well known in the community for their active involvement in local youth sports.

“Lis was one of the kindest people you would ever meet, and the hole left by her sudden and unexpected passing is so incredibly immense,” Jenn said.

Jenn said the family is traveling back to Pocatello for Lis’s funeral service on Saturday and plans to relocate permanently to be closer to loved ones as they adjust to life without her. An obituary and funeral details can be found here as they become available: Manning Wheatley Funeral Home

The Barlow family had relocated to Iowa in recent years for career opportunities, and relatives say bringing Lis’s body home to Idaho—along with covering funeral, travel, and medical expenses—has created a significant financial burden.

“We just want to bring Lis back home to Pocatello to rest and help Ray and the kids be near family during this devastating time,” Jenn said. “There are still four children at home, and the youngest has special needs. His mom was his person.”

Jenn said the family finds comfort in the faith that Lis so openly shared. She lived her life for Jesus Christ every day, showing His love through her kindness and service to others.

“I was reading through her most recent Facebook posts, and they were so positive, so full of her strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the Atonement,” Jenn said. “Through Lis’s own words, we know it’s going to be all right. It’ll take time, but it will be all right. These kids will have the best guardian angel ever.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been started by Jenn to help the family with mounting expenses and to provide ongoing support as Ray cares for their five children in the wake of this profound loss.

Donations can be made here: Help the Barlows Bring Lis Home to be Laid to Rest

“Please consider donating if you’re able to alleviate some of that financial burden from Ray as he presses forward raising their 5 children without his sweetheart,” Jenn said. “Every little bit counts.”