Barbara Sage

Services for Barbara Lee Sage were held May 6, 2010 at Bustard's Funeral Home. Interment was at Highland Cemetery. Mrs. Sage, 85, died at her home in Casper on May 2, 2010. Barbara Lee Sage was born to George and Sarah Howard on April 10, 1925 in Shoshoni, Wyoming. The family moved to Casper where Barbara attended McKinley grade school and NCHS. On March 23, 1954 she married Russell G. Sage. The family included 7 children. More than anything, Barbara loved being a mother. Russell traveled a lot at work when the children were young, but Barbara did not hesitate to talk all 7 children on camping trips to Alcova Lake by herself. She was patient even when the 5 year olds were learning to water ski. All the children helped pitch the ten, wash dishes and do routine camping duties under her loving watch. She would also pile kids into the '52 Chevrolet suburban and travel the southwest, stopping at various places of interest. Barbara sang to and with the kids, encouraging their love of music. She opened her heart and home to anyone in need. Some were taken in to live for weeks or months and made to feel welcome. She loved cooking and canning food for her family. Kids got homemade decorated birthday cakes and Easter baskets, also Halloween costumes. Barbara was a school volunteer and sometimes the kids volunteered for her when a teacher would ask who could bring cookies from home, Sage kids hands went up. When the children were grown, she found adult activities to excel in. She enjoyed Duplicate Bridge and became a Life Master. She did gardening and talked to the plants as if they could hear her. Bowling was fun for her. She was one of the women who started the program for checking school kids for strep throat. She was a charter member of the Suicide Prevention League and also the Better Breathers and she was also a Hospice volunteer. She is survived by husband Russell, daughters, Barbara Cubin, Carol (Mike) Cunningham, sons Patrick (Sherry) Sage, Michael (Neva) Sage and beloved pet Gypsy. She was preceded in death by sons Gary and Russell, Jr., and daughter Valerie. Condolences for the family may be left at bustard'sfuneralhome.com.