Barbara Ann Beals was born at home in Cranford, NJ, on April 15, 1934 , to Ansie and Wilhelm Schatz. She went to be with her son on September 19, 2007, at the age of 73 years. Barb grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Cranford High School in 1951.

Barb met her future husband, Varner Beals, at a USO dance while he was stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. They were united in marriage on July 2, 1955. They lived in New Jersey and Texas before moving to Fairfax in 1960. To this union seven children were born: Jimmy, Suzy, Debbie, Gary, Cindy, Vicki, and Robbie.

Barb enjoyed crafts, crocheting, playing cards at the Haisch Haus, putting puzzles together, collecting coins and Hummels, e-mailing friends and family, her grandchildren and her great-granddaughter.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 52 years Varner; their children: Jim and wife Jan of Tampa Bay, FL, and daughters Jonell and Jacqui; Sue of Wall, SD, and sons Jordan and Jesse; Deb and husband Russ of Rapid City, SD, and children Angie and Austin; Cindy and husband Jerry of Norfolk, NE, and children Kendra, and her daughter Caydence, Bret, Jeremy and wife Misty, Sarah Jo and husband Nate; Vicki and husband Matt of Rapid City, SD, and children Jenna, Drew, and Tod; Rob and wife Rhonda of Rapid City, SD, and sons Colton and Cayden; "adopted" daughter Cathy Schaaf of Fairfax, SD; a sister Gail Lawrence of Newton, NJ; sisters-in-law Eleanor, Idel, Judy, brother-in-law Duane, numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents and a son Gary Richard on July 22, 1965.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the Fairfax City Hall. Burial will be in Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel, SD. Visitation will be Friday from 1 to 4 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Haisch Haus, 220 Garrison Street, Bonesteel, SD 57317