Barbara Anna (Oliver) Cassel passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, at Barrington Place, Clinton, Utah, due to complications of dementia and Parkinsonism. Barb was born Nov. 30, 1941, to Iva “Babe” Peterson and Thomas Wayne Oliver, in Gillette. She joined her older brother Clare “Sonny” Richards.
After her parents’ divorce, Barb grew up with a strong bond with her maternal grandmother, Clara Peterson. Barb loved to roller skate and spent much of her time at the rink. She met and married Rodger Dean Wagner, in May of 1959. Out of this union was born three children, Michael Marie, William Joseph and Jackie Rae Wagner. They divorced in 1977. Barb was remarried to Zane Cassel on March 19, 1977. Out of this union was born two sons, Cameron Clayton and Jeremy Andrew Cassel.
During the course of raising their children, Barb and Zane lived in Sheridan, Laramie, Cody and finally, in Evanston. Barb was a very talented artist. Early on, she enjoyed oil painting and was always very crafty; she could take a favorite pair of pants apart and use those pieces as a pattern.
As time passed, she became enthralled with photography, and through the lens she took thousands of pictures with her passion, settling on the wild mustangs of Wyoming. She possessed a passionate eye for the beauty that God created and an extremely quick wit. Her life was dedicated to Jesus Christ, and she was always ready to pray for all who needed it. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. She will be truly missed by all, as she touched many through prayer and photography using Facebook.
Barb is preceded in death by her father, Thomas Wayne Oliver; her mother, Iva (Babe) Kirkpatrick; her brother, Clare (Sonny) Richards; granddaughter, Jaymie Myshele Allison; stepmother, Barbara Jean Oliver; and brothers, Thomas Duane Oliver and Robert Oliver.
She is survived by her husband, Zane Cassel of Evanston. Her daughters, Michael (James) Allison of Wyarno, and Jackie Wagner (Galen Knight) of Conjilon, New Mexico; her sons, William (Jenny) Wagner of Sheridan, and Cameron Cassel (April Hill) and Jeremy Cassel (Lindsey Larson) of Evanston; her grandchildren, Amber Allison and Autumn Mullenix (Dylan), Jonathan, Christian, Peyton, Mathew, Levi, Gianna, Jayce and Karter Cassel; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; her sister, Beverly Oliver May; brother, Gary Oliver; and countless nieces and nephews.
Barb’s burial was at Mt Hope Cemetery in Big Horn, Nov. 28, two days before her 79th birthday. She was laid to rest with a graveside memorial celebration officiated by Pastor Scott Orchard of the Family Life Center, Sheridan.
Celebration of life will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Evanston Alliance Church, 235 Overthrust Rd., Evanston.
