LaBarbara Lee Hassell was born on September 16th, 1942 in Elk City, Oklahoma to Roy and Oleta (Musick) Long. She passed on February 22, 2024 in the Elk City Nursing Center at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 6 days. LaBarbara married Jimmy Hassell on April 9, 1958 and to this union two children were born Shirley Ann and Lora Lee.

LaBarbara loved cooking, reading and studying recipes. One of her most favorite memories was cooking for President Jimmy Carter. She said the secret service followed her every move while she was cooking. LaBarbara told them" You are making me nervous" After successfully completing her presentation where it met her expectations, they began sampling the foods. She exclaimed, " What are you doing? You are ruining the looks of my presentation!" LaBarbara was a very meek and mild mannered individual. She will be greatly missed by many.

LaBarbara is preceded in death by her husband Jimmy Hassell, parents Roy and Oleta Long, and daughter Shirley Hassell.

She is survived by her daughter Lora Lee Pace; grandson Shawn Pace; brother Roy L. Long; sister Reta Weaver and sister-in-law Carolyn Sue Billings; many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.