Barbara Joan (Smith) Besler

Barbara Joan (Smith) Besler, a beloved pillar of the Besler family and a true daughter of the prairie, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026.

Born a "firecracker" on July 4, 1932, in Reeder, North Dakota, Barbara was the daughter of Sampson and Anna (Larson) Smith. She loved growing up on the South Grand River (Glendo), eventually moving to Strool, South Dakota. Her life’s greatest chapter began on October 28, 1950, when she was united in marriage to Wayne Besler in the Homme Lutheran Church at Prairie City, South Dakota. They celebrated 71 years of marriage. Together, they built a life and a legacy on the Besler Ranch south of Bison, near Rabbit Butte. Barbara spent her entire married life on the ranch, finding profound beauty in the vast prairie and God’s creation. She loved to take coffee and lunches out to the field and would happily sit on the highest hill, keeping a close eye on her family as they worked.

Barb’s heart was as wide as the South Dakota sky. A devoted wife and mother; she raised five children: Donna, Joan, Bradley, Chris, and Casey. Her home was a place of warmth, kindness, and music. Barbara was a gifted pianist who could harmonize beautifully, often filling her home with beautiful music. She was also an amazing cook, known for ensuring that no one ever left her table hungry.

While she loved the ranch, her greatest joy was her family. Barbara was a cherished grandmother to 16 grandchildren, and her love continued to grow through numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was the steady, kind hand that guided her family through generations, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and faith.

She is survived by her daughter Joan (Larry) Schecher, her sons, Bradley (Fern), Chris (Rose Ann), and Casey (Angie) Besler, and her sister, Ramona Brockel; her extensive family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever carry her memory in their hearts and numerous nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Michael Johnson, her parents, her three brothers Don, Claire and Gene Smith, and one sister Cleo Covey.