Josephine Barger

Josephine "Jo" Barger February 9, 1918 to September 25, 2010 Josephine Barger, 92, passed away at her home on September 25, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her daughters and their husbands, who provided care so that Jo might remain in the home she loved. Jo was born on February 8, 1918 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Anna Amelia and William Silsby Dieffenbacher. Jo grew up through the Depression, during which she excelled in school and held different jobs to help her family. In 1940 she married Jack Willis Barger, a Navy serviceman and draftsman. Their two daughters were born in Pennsylvania. Jo and Jack moved with their girls to New Mexico in 1952, when Jack was recruited to work with the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Jack traveled frequently for lab research, and Jo and her daughters enjoyed being part of the Los Alamos community in the 1950's and 1960's. Jo and Jack spent later years in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following Jack's illness and death in 1988, Jo moved to Casper, Wyoming to be near her daughter Ann's family. Jo loved being a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, especially enjoying the friendship of the "Wild Bunch" senior group. She loved her dogs, liked to bake, and her angel food cakes in particular are fondly remembered by family and friends. Her friends and neighbors enjoyed her lively conversation and interest in their activities. Survivors include her daughters, Ann Richard and husband Jack of Casper and Kathie Bell and her husband Jack of Auburn, California; her brother Boots; grandchildren Lindy, Kerri Jo, and Jason; great grandchildren Molly, Max, Martha, Daniel, Ryan, Sierra, and Tess; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jo was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and grandson Marc Vernon Richard. Cremation has taken place. Jo will be buried next to her husband in the family cemetery in Pennsylvania where her family will hold a private memorial service. Jo's family is grateful for the kindness and support shown them by Central Wyoming Hospice in-home care and special helper Babbs Aldridge. Memorials may be given to Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions or Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.