Rapid City – Barbara Clauson, born August 19, 1948, in Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away on February 10, 2025, finally reunited with her beloved husband, Donald, in heaven. She was a woman of strength and spirit—ornery at times but always with a heart of gold.

Barbara married the love of her life, Donald Clauson, on August 20, 1969, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. She was a devoted mother to two sons and one estranged daughter and cherished her role as a grandmother to nine grandchildren and a great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Sandie, and her sister-in-law, Sandy, who will miss her dearly. She was a loving aunt who cared deeply for her niece and nephews, and they, in turn, loved her dearly.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Miles, her sister Joanne, and her brothers Tom, Mike, and Jim. She now joins them in eternal rest.

She graduated from Tamalpais High School in San Rafael, California, and went on to work at Wells Fargo in San Francisco. Throughout her life, Barbara embraced a spirit of service and camaraderie. She was actively involved in the **Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)** in her early adulthood and later became a dedicated member of the **Moose Club** in her later years, always fostering a sense of community and support for others.
Barbara lived a life of dedication—not just to her work, but to her family and community. She held many jobs over the years, including working at Prairie States Life Insurance and later at the corrections facility. But her real passion was giving of herself. She was always there when her family needed her, whether it was coaching soccer, volunteering with the Scouts, or jumping into any opportunity that would help her loved ones have a better life. She never hesitated to lend a hand, a dollar, or a shoulder to lean on.

More than anything, **Barbara loved being involved.** If something was happening, she wanted to be a part of it. If her family was doing something—**anything**—she wanted in. Whether it was a road trip, a backyard barbecue, or a random adventure, she would go anywhere she was able, just to be with the people she loved.

She poured her heart into her family, never missing an opportunity to support her children and grandchildren in their pursuits. She was their biggest cheerleader, their protector, and sometimes their greatest source of laughter—especially when they found her ticklish spots, sending her into fits of flinching and squealing, convinced a bug, spider, or scorpion had found her first.

Her reflexes were legendary, proven beyond doubt the day Shaun "accidentally" released a garter snake in the car on East North Street—while she was driving. Faster than lightning, she bailed out of the still-moving vehicle, proving once again that nothing could slow her down when properly motivated.

Barbara also made lifelong friendships along the way, none more cherished than Joe and Rosemary Arcierto, with whom she shared many summers and countless memories. Their friendship was a testament to the love and loyalty she showed to those she held dear.

Barbara's presence filled a room, her generosity knew no limits, and her legacy is one of resilience, love, and a bit of mischief. While she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort knowing she is at peace, reunited with Donald, her parents, her siblings, and probably calling out "Bingo!" in heaven—while keeping a wary eye out for anything that crawls.

**Rest easy, Barbara. Your laughter, your love, and your legendary reflexes will never be forgotten.**

Arrangements with www.osheimschmidt.com