Barbara Crawford
Barbara Crawford, age 77, of Wasta, South Dakota, died on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at her home in Wasta.
Visitation will be held 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 20, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall, with Pastor Christopher McCarthy officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, at the Elm Springs Cemetery.
Barbara Nadeene Eisenbraun Crawford was born November 7, 1944 to Reinhold and Iva (Albin) Eisenbraun at her grandparent Albin’s home north of Wall, South Dakota. She spent her childhood on the family farm near Creighton doing what all farm children do: milk cows, help with the chickens, cook, and garden. Barbara spent her grade school years going to a country school of which her mother, Iva, taught most of those years. Barbara graduated from Wall High School in 1962.
In 1963 she married Earl Crawford and became a part of Earl’s son’s (Tony Crawford) life as well. Barbara and Earl had two children, Rhonda and Justin. They made their home and raised their children in Wasta. They owned and operated the Wasta Bar for 25 years. Barbara also worked at the Redwood Motel for several years.
Barbara was an exceptional seamstress, crocheter, knitter, cross stitcher, quilter, and gardener. Everything was done with precision and beauty. She also enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, doing Suduku, and putting jigsaw puzzles together. Barbara found joy in watching birds and squirrels from her sun porch. She was also very active in the Wasta Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years.
In 2006 Barbara married Jerry Schell. They spent many hours driving the county side looking at and hunting deer.
Survivors include daughter Rhonda (Stewart) Mettler of Wall; sons Justin (Tracie) Crawford of Wall and Tony (Mary) Crawford of Rapid City; eight grandchildren: Matthew, Spencer, Charlsie, Will, Austin, Raiden, Connor, and Mason; three great-grandchildren: Nixon, Jaysie, and Jade; her mother Iva Eisenbraun of Rapid City; two brothers David (Pili) Eisenbraun of Wall and Norman (Marsha) Eisenbraun of Wall; one sister Ruth Beckwith of Rapid City; numerous nieces and nephews who loved going to Aunt Barbara's for Easter; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Schell; her father Reinhold Eisenbraun; and a brother-in-law Gary Beckwith.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Wasta Volunteer Fire Department. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 541 Wall, SD 57790.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Wall.
