Barbara Ellen Evans was born in Mitchell, SD, on December 17, 1938 to David Evans and Gertrude (Trudi) Evans (Aldrich). Barb was the oldest of two children. Brother John entered the family three years later. The Evans family moved to Kadoka, SD, in 1943. Barbara graduated from Kadoka High School in 1956. While growing up, Barbara and the Evans family spent many summers at the cabin in the Black Hills near Hill City. Barb enjoyed knitting, making her great grandkids Christmas stockings, playing bridge and spending time with family and friends. While attending high school in Kadoka she worked several jobs, most in the waitressing area.
Barbara met her future husband, William Renning, while attending school at Kadoka High School. Barbara went to college at Huron College for two years and then she and Bill were married in August, 1958. Their first child, David, was born in August, 1959 in Deadwood, SD. After Bill graduated from Black Hills State the family then moved to Harrison, where Bill started his teaching career. Barb remained a stay at home mom at the time with the birth of their son Michael in 1961, and their daughter Sara in 1966.
Barb could sing and enjoyed doing so. She was active in the choir at the Methodist Church in Harrison, Albion and Valentine.
In 1971, the family moved to Albion. Barb continued the raising of the three children while Bill spent many days on the road with his insurance career. Once the children were all of school age, Barb worked in the Albion school system as a para. She spent countless hours following her children by attending their activities literally 12 months a year. The family then again relocated to Valentine in 1981 where Bill continued his insurance career. Barb then worked for Tetherow Cattle Company, keeping track of their herd. Barb then became Bill’s secretary and remained so until she retired from working. Barb was an active member in the Methodist Church in each community the family resided in, and she was active in the Methodist Women in each community.
Barb had a love for her family that included three children, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. She was a great babysitter and enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, David and Trudi Evans; her brother, John Evans from Flandreau, SD; and her husband Bill while they lived in Valentine.
Barb is survived by her three children, David and wife Kathryn of Valentine, Michael and wife Michelle of Emerson, and Sara and husband Mike Ferguson of Wood Lake; seven grandchildren, Michala Anderson and husband Bryce of Omaha, Jason Renning and friend Emma Kucera of Geneva, Mikenzie Blessing and husband Zach of Auburn, Max Renning and wife Chelsea of Valentine, Mason Renning and wife Stephanie of Elkhorn, Michelle Renning and fiancé Cole Beel of Lincoln, and Lauren Ferguson of Kearney; eight great grandchildren: Hogan, Moxley, Lily, Sophia, Brooks, Casen, Boe and Bria.
Barb passed away on June 4, 2022, at the Hillcrest Care Center in Laurel.
Funeral services for Barb Renning, age 83, of Valentine were held Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Valentine. Burial will be at a later date, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is entrusted with service arrangements.
