50th reunion 2018:
Married to my husband Gary Ellefson. We are now living in Rapid City. We have 2 sons, Erik is doing well with our 2 grandchildren and his wife in Nevada. Our oldest son passed away in 2005.

OBITUARY...
Barbara Jean Ellefson, 70, Rapid City, SD lost her battle with cancer on January 18, 2021. She fought hard and long but cancer won; she did win the respect of those that knew her for her battle.

Barbara Ellefson was born Barbara Jean Williamson to Lawrence and Juanita Williamson on September 3, 1950 in Rapid City, SD. She was an only child and admitted to being spoiled by her parents. After an early bout with rheumatic fever, she completed her entire education in the Rapid City School District. She was a member of one the last graduating classes from Rapid City High School in 1968. She briefly attended South Dakota School of Mines and Black Hills State College.

She worked many jobs in and around Rapid City including working at the deli at the Baken Park Safeway. While working there, she met her future husband who couldn’t escape that smile and those eyes. Barbara married Gary Ellefson on February 26, 1972 and began almost 49 years of close companionship. The marriage resulted in two sons, Thatcher 1974, and Erik 1977 with Thatcher passing on in 2005.

Barbara worked several jobs in Upton, WY and Elko, NV, but her biggest joy was watching her sons play baseball and going to track meets. That joy was overshadowed by the birth of her two grandchildren, Madison in 2000, and Cristopher in 2003. The sun rose and set on those two and they were in her mind till the end. Barb and her husband retired to Rapid City after 13 years in Upton, WY and 23 years in Elko, NV.

She lived her life as she wanted to, even cancer couldn’t deter what she wanted to do. Her life is a blueprint for what to do in the face of adversity. She was preceded in death by her parents and her oldest son. Graveside services will be Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 10:30am at Mt. View Cemetery in Rapid City, SD. F amily and friends may sign Barbara’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com