Dates
Barbara Ann Strain, of San Angelo, passed away surrounded by family on May 31, 2025 at the age of 77. She was born on December 27, 1947 in Colorado City Texas to parents Curtis and Artie (Hartsfield) Dossey.
She was an only child and lived in Corpus Christi before moving to San Angelo at the age of 12. She met Alfred Strain when she was 14 and they were married three years later. She graduated from Central High School in the summer of 1965 after doubling up her junior and senior year so she could marry the love of her life.
She had her first child, Michael Strain, in 1968. Shortly after, she started her business by buying out all of the wigs from JCPenney during a closeout sale. That grew into Barbara’s Mad Rags, Wigs and Bags. She sold her business in 1973 after her second child, Missie Strain Jost, was born. She bought it back two years later. Around 1980, she opened her second store, Pick and Save, a mother daughter matching clothing boutique. Her third store, Sassy Fox, opened in 1983. She closed Pick and Save in 1984 and by the late 80s Barbara had closed the Sherwood Way location to focus on the best customer service possible with just one store. Sassy Fox moved to its present location on Concho Avenue in 1996.
Barbara had too many talents to list, but many remember the years that she made earrings to match every outfit in Sassy Fox. She designed one of a kind jewelry and clothes for decades. Her pride in her work was evident in the countless features in magazines and the many outstanding business women awards that she won over the years. She truly loved being in Sassy Fox, working with our great team and visiting with countless customers that had also become very good friends. Even in the hospital, she was enjoying working with her daughter on a clothing order just days before she went to heaven.
She is survived by Alfred Strain, her loving husband of almost 60 years and their two children and six grandchildren. Their son, Michael Strain, and his wife, Michelle, O’Brien Strain and their children Morgan, Meadow and Miley Strain. Their daughter, Missie Strain Jost, and her husband Jeffrey Jost and their children Taylor, Jake and Justin Jost.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Harper Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 6, 2025 at The Life Church with Pastor Walt Landers officiating. The burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.