Dickse Harbarger

Dickse Ann (McClain) Harbarger, age 86, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in the Memory Care Unit, a loving and caring community at Mountain Plaza Assisted Living, Casper, Wyoming.

Dickse was born in Maud, Oklahoma to Charles Wesley and Dora Jean McClain on July 3, 1933. Her father worked in the oil fields moving the family where his work took him including Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming. At the beginning of her senior year the family moved from Wellington, Colorado to Casper, Wyoming. Going from a small rural school to the much larger Natrona County High School was a big adjustment for Dickse. She didn't forgive her dad for uprooting her until she met a handsome young man named Ira Lewis Harbarger while riding on the school bus. Dickse graduated from NCHS in 1952 and continued her education at the University of Wyoming. She married Ira on June 30, 1956 in Casper. The two were married for  35 years until Ira's untimely death in 1991. Dickse worked for several oil companies as a secretary before eventually retiring from the State of Wyoming Data Services after 25 years.

In the 1960's Dickse and Ira were members of a square dance club and she took great pride in sewing their elaborate matching outfits. Dickse passed on her love of books to not only her  children but grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite authors were Stephen King and Dean Koontz. She loved working in her flower gardens, walking her dogs, mastering the daily crossword puzzle and attending exercise classes. Dickse could be found feeding peanuts to squirrels from her back patio and sitting there enjoying the tranquility. She will be remembered for her dry sense of humor, wit and sarcasm. Those bright blue eyes would twinkle and her face would light up when she teased you.

Dickse is survived by daughters Gina Harbarger (Joan), Albuquerque NM; Lori McCoy (Chuck), Casper WY; son Kirk Harbarger (Adina), Gillette WY; grandchildren Kimber Pina (Carlos), Casper WY; Conor McCoy (Kelsey), Broomfield CO; Caylin Harbarger, Gillette WY; Kyle Smith (Jillian), Gillette WY; Bridgette Case (Quinton), Gillette WY; seven great-grandchildren; and   brother Charles Kent McClain (Beverly), Roseville, CA.

She was predeceased by both her parents and husband Ira.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date with internment at the Oregon Trail Veteran's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Casper Humane Society, 849 E. E St., Casper WY 82601 or Natrona County Library, 307 E. 2nd St., Casper WY 82601.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home , 600 CY Avenue, Casper, WY 82601.