In Memory Of
Barbara Irene Bales
1934
2023
Barbara Irene Bales
April 3, 1934 — October 3, 2023
Barbara Irene (Mackovets) Bales, 89, a resident of Casper, WY, passed away on October 3, 2023, at her home of 58 years following a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Barbara Irene Bales was born in Roswell South Dakota on April 3, 1934. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
She met her husband Duane, while he was working in Sturgis, South Dakota and later, they moved to Casper, Wyoming. On November 17th, 1967, Barbara and Duane were married at Phil-Town Inn in Sturgis. Ten months later Barbara adopted Duane's children becoming an instant mother of four.
Barbara enjoyed a life with her newfound family camping, fishing, and many memorable hunting trips. She enjoyed bowling and country dancing, and rodeos. On several occasions, she was able to go to the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas. Since 1984 she was an avid walker with many of her close and dear friends.
Having gained an instant family Barbara was a master at stretching the household budget to make ends meet. She spent many days chauffeuring her children to and from school and attending numerous school activities. She encouraged her sons and led them through Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, baseball, and football, FFA, rifle team, and swimming. Her daughter she followed through 4-H, Brownies to Girl Scouts, rifle team, and swimming.
She also continued this hectic schedule with her grandchildren. Following them around the U.S. as they marched in the Casper Troopers Drum and Bugle Corp. and basketball games around Wyoming and South Dakota.
Barbara also worked as a professional cleaner for new housing construction as well as a professional housekeeper for several private individuals around Casper. It was through these endeavors she met her best friend of over 47 years.
She loved all holidays and never missed a year of decorating inside and out for each of these occasions.
Barbara was dedicated to the Casper VFW and Women's Auxiliary. She held the title of President of Post 10677 and spent many years serving the veterans.
For several years now Barbara was able to enjoy traveling with her husband seeing sights such as Alaska, Canada, and the Northern Territories, Utah, The Badlands of North Dakota, Ohio, Colorado, Texas, Montana, and Redwood and Yosemite National Forests. One of her favorite seasonal trips was to the Montana Music Ranch outside of Livingston, Montana.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Duane Bales of Casper, daughter Jody (Bales) White of Burleson, Texas; three sons, Kevin Bales of Livingston, Montana; Dennis (Adriana) Bales of Parker, Colorado; Daniel (Rhonda) Bales of Toledo, Ohio; and daughter, Betty (Mike) Quasney of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Barbara enjoyed being a grandmother, and she almost instantly became grandma to all children who came into her life whether they were family or friends. With so many who called her Grandma, only family is listed below, however; you all know who you are.
Surviving grandchildren include Darci Reed of Casper; Miranda (Trent) Baker of Burleson, Texas; Bernadette (Richard) Hernandez; Derek Bales; and Ryne Bales all of Toledo, Ohio; Jeff (Kim) Bennett of Piedmont, South Dakota; Duane (Lisa) Bennett of Howes, South Dakota; and Kimberly (Travis) Fouts of Rock Springs, Wyoming; great grandchildren, Marissa and Trinity Baker; Ezekiel "Zeke" and Malachi "Mal" Hernandez; Jadyn and Kalyn Bennett; Caleb Bennett; Lincoln Young; and Nolan and Kinsley Fouts.
Barbara, also known as Ma, Barb, Mom, Grandma and Nini will be missed by her family. We are reminded of a passage from Mitch Albom's book, "The Stranger In The Lifeboat," "When a loved one passes, we ask ourselves why did God take them? A better question would be why did God give them to us? What did we do to deserve Barbara's love, her joy, and the sweet memorable moments that we all shared with her?"
Matriarch is defined as, "a woman who has earned the respect and gained the wisdom to enrich a family." What a fitting word for this beautiful woman. We love you!
Barbara's Interment will be at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery, a private Celebration of Life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Dr. Keith James' Mobile Pet Care Clinic, PO Box 1270, Evansville, WY, 82636 in Barbara's name
To share a memory of Barb or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
Barbara Irene Bales was born in Roswell South Dakota on April 3, 1934. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
She met her husband Duane, while he was working in Sturgis, South Dakota and later, they moved to Casper, Wyoming. On November 17th, 1967, Barbara and Duane were married at Phil-Town Inn in Sturgis. Ten months later Barbara adopted Duane's children becoming an instant mother of four.
Barbara enjoyed a life with her newfound family camping, fishing, and many memorable hunting trips. She enjoyed bowling and country dancing, and rodeos. On several occasions, she was able to go to the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas. Since 1984 she was an avid walker with many of her close and dear friends.
Having gained an instant family Barbara was a master at stretching the household budget to make ends meet. She spent many days chauffeuring her children to and from school and attending numerous school activities. She encouraged her sons and led them through Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, baseball, and football, FFA, rifle team, and swimming. Her daughter she followed through 4-H, Brownies to Girl Scouts, rifle team, and swimming.
She also continued this hectic schedule with her grandchildren. Following them around the U.S. as they marched in the Casper Troopers Drum and Bugle Corp. and basketball games around Wyoming and South Dakota.
Barbara also worked as a professional cleaner for new housing construction as well as a professional housekeeper for several private individuals around Casper. It was through these endeavors she met her best friend of over 47 years.
She loved all holidays and never missed a year of decorating inside and out for each of these occasions.
Barbara was dedicated to the Casper VFW and Women's Auxiliary. She held the title of President of Post 10677 and spent many years serving the veterans.
For several years now Barbara was able to enjoy traveling with her husband seeing sights such as Alaska, Canada, and the Northern Territories, Utah, The Badlands of North Dakota, Ohio, Colorado, Texas, Montana, and Redwood and Yosemite National Forests. One of her favorite seasonal trips was to the Montana Music Ranch outside of Livingston, Montana.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Duane Bales of Casper, daughter Jody (Bales) White of Burleson, Texas; three sons, Kevin Bales of Livingston, Montana; Dennis (Adriana) Bales of Parker, Colorado; Daniel (Rhonda) Bales of Toledo, Ohio; and daughter, Betty (Mike) Quasney of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Barbara enjoyed being a grandmother, and she almost instantly became grandma to all children who came into her life whether they were family or friends. With so many who called her Grandma, only family is listed below, however; you all know who you are.
Surviving grandchildren include Darci Reed of Casper; Miranda (Trent) Baker of Burleson, Texas; Bernadette (Richard) Hernandez; Derek Bales; and Ryne Bales all of Toledo, Ohio; Jeff (Kim) Bennett of Piedmont, South Dakota; Duane (Lisa) Bennett of Howes, South Dakota; and Kimberly (Travis) Fouts of Rock Springs, Wyoming; great grandchildren, Marissa and Trinity Baker; Ezekiel "Zeke" and Malachi "Mal" Hernandez; Jadyn and Kalyn Bennett; Caleb Bennett; Lincoln Young; and Nolan and Kinsley Fouts.
Barbara, also known as Ma, Barb, Mom, Grandma and Nini will be missed by her family. We are reminded of a passage from Mitch Albom's book, "The Stranger In The Lifeboat," "When a loved one passes, we ask ourselves why did God take them? A better question would be why did God give them to us? What did we do to deserve Barbara's love, her joy, and the sweet memorable moments that we all shared with her?"
Matriarch is defined as, "a woman who has earned the respect and gained the wisdom to enrich a family." What a fitting word for this beautiful woman. We love you!
Barbara's Interment will be at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery, a private Celebration of Life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Dr. Keith James' Mobile Pet Care Clinic, PO Box 1270, Evansville, WY, 82636 in Barbara's name
To share a memory of Barb or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara Irene Bales, please visit our flower store.
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