Barb Renning
VALENTINE — Barb Renning, 83, Valentine, died June 4, 2022, in Laurel, after a long stay at Hillcrest Care Center, Laurel.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., June 8, at the United Methodist Church, Valentine.
Burial will be at a later date, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.
Visitation was June 7 at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines, Valentine. Barbara Ellen Evans was born in Mitchell, S.D., Dec. 17, 1938, to David Evans and Gertrude “Trudi” (Aldrich) Evans. She was the oldest of two children. Brother, John, entered the family three years later. The Evans family moved to Kadoka, S.D., 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, mostly 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. After Bill graduated from Black Hills State, the family moved to Harrison, where Bill started his teaching career. After their son, David, was born, Barb remained a stay at home mom. Another son, Michael, was born in 1961 and their daughter, Sara, in 1966.
Barb could sing and enjoyed doing so. She was active in the choirs at the Methodist Church in Harrison, Albion and Valentine.
In 1971, the family moved to Albion. Barb continued raising 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 again relocated to Valentine in 1981, where Bill continued his insurance career. 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 was active in the Methodist Women’s groups 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, Flandreau, S.D.; and her husband, Bill, while they lived in Valentine.
Barb is survived by her three children, David and wife, Kathryn, Valentine; Michael and wife, Michelle, Emerson; and Sara and husband, Mike Ferguson, Wood Lake; seven grandchildren, Michala Anderson and husband, Bryce, Omaha; Jason Renning and friend, Emma Kucera, Geneva; Mikenzie Blessing and husband, Zach, Auburn; Max Renning and wife, Chelsea, Valentine; Mason Renning and wife, Stephanie, Elkhorn; Michelle Renning and fiancé, Cole Beel, Lincoln; and Lauren Ferguson, Kearney; and eight great-grandchildren, Hogan, Moxley, Lily,