Barbara Ann Smalley, a beloved and radiant light in our lives, passed away at age 77 on Sunday, September 1st, 2024, at Huron Regional Medical Center, leaving an unforgettable impact on the hearts of all who were blessed to be part of her life. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 21st, at American Lutheran Church in Huron, with a visitation one hour prior to the service, as well as refreshments following. All are welcome.

Born on September 5, 1946, to Vernon and Doris (Moller) Gogolin in Huron, SD, Barb grew up in a large, close-knit family with eight siblings. She cherished memories of her childhood, often sharing stories with loved ones. A 1964 graduate of Huron High School, Barb went on to Huron College to pursue clerical studies. Her early career was in banking, followed by many successful years in insurance at Flanagan Agency and American Trust Insurance.

Barb shined as a devoted, constant, and amazing mom. Her daughters are incredibly grateful for her steadfast love, encouragement, and guidance, that were unconditionally and joyfully given.

In 2010 she married Bruce Smalley and became a much loved part of his family's lives as well. Barb and Bruce shared many wonderful years  of traveling, enjoying a shared love of music, cooking, motorcycling adventures, and creating happy memories together.

Barb's love of life was contagious. She enjoyed her beautiful flower gardens, sewing, reading, anything chocolate, volunteering at CLC Preschool (where the children adored her), playing Farkle with her siblings and friends, and somehow never missing an episode of Jeopardy. Her fun-loving spirit brought life to any activity. Family gatherings were always filled with laughter, her delicious cooking, her beautiful smile, and warm, vibrant nature. Her sense of humor was surely one of her best qualities. She treasured precious time with her loved ones, especially her children and grandchildren, cheering them on and encouraging their talents and goals. She was always there for her loved ones with a listening ear and the best warm, comforting hugs. She had a way of not only mending our clothing, but our souls as well.

Barb cherished her family who are grateful to have shared her life. She nurtured a strong bond with her three daughters and their husbands, Michelle (Mike) Lyon, Melissa (Joe) Peterson, and Melanie (Ethan) Jones. She was over the moon for her grandchildren, Zach (Hailey), Jordan, Cassandra, Nate, Haylee, Jase, Sophia, and Anabel, and her beloved great-grandchildren, Logan, Holly, and Keynai.

Her wonderful "bonus" Smalley children meant the world to Barb and were loved like her own; Kadee, Lance, Jackie, Chris and their families.

Barb was "paws down" the favorite human of her grand-dogs Bella and Lola. And although her grand-cat, Kiki, pretended to only reluctantly "tolerate" her, his love was evident as well.

Barb will be profoundly missed by her surviving siblings and their families; Becky Oster, Ron (Kay) Gogolin, Roger (VyDel) Gogolin, Patty (Ray) Iwen, Donna Thompson, Bonnie Martens, and Nancy Schwartz, each of them dear to her and deeply loved. She is also survived by her former spouse of 25 years and father of their three daughters, Ken Tschetter. She will live on in the fond memories of so many who shared her life, including many extended family members and friends.

Barb was preceded in passing by her parents, brother David Gogolin, and husband Bruce.

Though Barb's passing leaves a void, we take comfort in knowing her eternal spirit will continue to shine brightly through her family and the countless lives she touched. We cannot fully express our gratitude for her extraordinary presence our lives, which will remain in our hearts always.