Lillian Clarabelle Barsness

(April 3, 1931 - May 26, 2018)

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Clarabelle was born April 3, 1931, in Roundup, Montana, to Clay and Hulda Carter. She was the fifth of 11 children born to her parents. Her family moved to Charlo, Montana, where her family owned a dairy farm. Clarabelle graduated from Charlo High School in 1950 and was salutatorian of her class. After high school, she moved to Missoula, Montana, where she met and married the love of her life, Dick Barsness. They were married for 62 years. 

Clarabelle died May 26, 2018, at Powell Valley Care Center. She was 87.

In April 1958, Dick and Clarabelle bought the Western Rexall Drug store in Cody, and Cody became their home for over 55 years. Clarabelle was very active in Cody. She was the first woman to coach Little League Baseball in the state of Wyoming. She was an announcer for the Fourth of July Stampede Parade for more than 20 years and was also very active in the Newcomers Club and Republican Party.

One of her biggest enjoyments came from being involved with the makeup and costumes for the annual Cody Rotary Show. Rotary was a very important part of Clarabelle and Dick’s lives. They loved to travel the country as well as Canada, Germany, Scotland and Norway with Rotary.

More than anything, Clarabelle loved following her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the numerous activities they participated in, ringing her cowbell for them when it was allowed. Her family and friends will always remember the laughter and love she brought to so many people. She enjoyed dressing up for any and all holidays, especially Halloween, and received many laughs for her April Fool’s pranks. She was very social and loved visiting with her customers at work or later in life with her friends at the senior center, the manor, and the care center. She was an avid sports fan and could often be heard rooting for the Colorado Rockies, the Washington Redskins, and the Denver Broncos.

Clarabelle was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters and four brothers; her husband Dick and three children, Toy, Donald and Bobby.

Clarabelle is survived by her son Dick (Diana) Barsness of Sunburst, Montana, her daughter Cindy Storti (Steve Christiansen) of Bemidji, Minnesota and daughter Kathee (Ray) Hernandez of Powell; grandchildren Christopher (Allison) Barsness; Kevin Barsness, Kyle (Brianna) Barsness, Amy (Ryan) Mikkola, Angela Storti (James De Torre), West (Katie) Hernandez, Wade (Brittney) Hernandez and Whitney (Nick) Miller; and great-grandchildren Breanne, Colton and Kaden Barsness, Carter, Avery and Teague Barsness, Evelyn De Torre, Landon, Emery and Paxton Hernandez, Liam and London Hernandez and Tyler Miller. She is also survived by one brother, two sisters and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Clarabelle will be held on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Ballard Funeral Home in Cody.

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