Barbara ‘Barbie’ Jean Riesland was born January 30, 1976 in Belle Fourche, SD, and entered heaven on January 18, 2025. Barbie lived at Butte Creek until she was 8, and then moved to the home ranch at Belle Creek. After 3 years at Belle Creek, she lived in Miles City for 2 years before moving to Belle Fourche where she graduated from high school in May of 1994.
During high school, Barbie worked at the Penguin, and was a cheerleader. A couple of summers she worked for her Aunt Polly at the Black Forest Inn. After high school, Barbie gave college in Bozeman a try and quickly decided the ranch at Belle Creek was more her calling. Barbie remained on the ranch until her death.
After the passing of her Grandma, Beverly Jean, Barbie assumed the role of nurse and caregiver for her Aunt Penny. After a couple of years, Barbie and Patty switched roles, with Barbie moving to ranch hand and Patty taking over care of Penny.
Barbie loved God’s creation, and was in her element with her goats, bum lambs, milk cows, chickens, cows, sheep, horses…any animal! Barbie was also a ‘jack of all trades’ ranch hand, and ran every piece of machinery on the ranch.
Barbie loved her family, and was definitely a favored aunt to her 3 nephews and 1 niece. The kids loved the special times Barbie could get away from the ranch to babysit them. As they got older, they loved hanging out with Barbie. Some of the ‘hanging out’ involved hunting, shooting prairie dogs, spot lighting, playing games, going to the carnival and rodeo during the Belle Fourche Roundup, tickle wars, and general rough housing. Barbie shared her knowledge of ranching with Kjell and Wyatt, as took them to the lambing shed, bum barn to feed lambs, fixing fence, and teaching them to drive.
Barbie looked forward to and enjoyed getting to spend Sundays in Belle, going to church followed by a trip to Dairy Queen with Pam (when weather and lambing allowed). Barbie had a very close relationship with Pam; her mom was her best friend.
Several summers Pam and Barbie took road trips together. Some of them included a trip to Kansas to visit the Truelove side of the family, Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. Some of the trips they took the kids with them – Bear Country, Pioneer Auto Museum, 1880’s Town, and through the Badlands. Barbie was also able to get away from the cold north, and take a trip to Florida with Brent and Angie and the boys.
Barbie had an amazingly kind, caring and generous heart, and was first in line to help someone out. She was always ready with a smile and a hug, and her sense of humor showed itself many times at Christmas when presents were duck taped, or in several boxes, or had a log of packing noodles in the box!
While her family is devastated, hurting and grieving, we take comfort in knowing that Barbie is with her Savior. Barbie lived her life to love and serve God.
Barbie attended Countryside Community Church from its start up, and followed it through location changes and growth. While at Countryside, Barbie was blessed to have been led by Pastor Chris Conrad and his wife Mary. Barbie went on 2 mission trips with Pastor Chris, going to San Francisco and Tijuana, Mexico. After many years attending Countryside, Barbie started attending Connections Church in Spearfish.
Barbie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Elmo and Jean, and by her Aunt Laura Ruth.
Barbie was joined in death by her 2 aunts, Penny and Patty.
Barbie is survived by her mother Pam, sister Angie (Brent) Kragnes and their two boys, Kjell and Wyatt, as well as her brother Dave (Susan) and their 2 children, Curtis and Raelee. Barbie is also survived by her uncle Clark (Ruby), aunt Polly Ashland, uncle Curt (Miriam), and aunt Priscilla (Adrian) Timmons, and numerous cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Countryside Church in Spearfish, SD. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Rockypoint Community Hall at Rockypoint, WY. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, donations can be made in Barbie’s name to Connections Church, Spearfish, SD for Connect Care, 720 N. 12th Street, Spearfish, SD 57783. https://spearfishconnection.churchcenter.com/giving for local families that foster and adopt children.
Ginger says
Pam, Angie, David, and all the extended family–
Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. Barbie was an angel on Earth, and will certainly be an exceptional angel in Heaven. Treasure your memories.
Bob and Carolyn Traub says
Our deepest condolences to all the family. Barbie was such a kind person and always had a smile on her face. She will be deeply missed. Hugs and Prayers for you all🙏
Tom and Cheryl Larsen says
Tom and I send our deep Heartfelt Sympathy to the Riesland family on your tremendous loss. Sending Prayers for Comfort.
Linda & Dick Hurley says
Barbie was such a beautiful,sweet,caring person.She will be missed by everyone whoever met her.Our thoughts are with her family at this sorrowful time,so stay strong and remember the good times.
Les & Jane Thompson. says
Dear Riesland Families,
Sending our love and prayerful condolences in this tragic time of loss. There are no words ;just know we feel your pain in this ever so difficult time.
Cheryl Bolton says
Sending prayers for peace to the entire family.
Virginia Dooley says
we are very sorry for this!tragic loss
Holly Rumph says
🌷thinking of you all!
Vance & Deb Pruss says
Rest in peace sweet Barbie our condolences to the families
Dennis Pruss says
We are so sorry for this overwhelming loss. May God be with you and help you in this very difficult time.
Dennis and Donna Pruss
Tracee Follette Limb says
I will always remember the two missions trips I went on with Barbie! She was such a joy to be around and I loved her smile and laughter.
I send my love and hugs to the entire family! May the Holy Spirit comfort you in your grief.
Brent and Cindy Riley says
Dear Pam, Angie and family
Memories of seeing you each week at Countryside. We are so sorry for your loss. May your memories and the knowledge that she is in heaven comfort you at this time until you see her again!! Sending love and prayers.
EllaMae and Allen Drane. says
God’s love and Blessings to all of you,peace be with you,we are so sorry and hurting with you.
Wahl says
So very sorry for this tragedy. Please know we will be praying for comfort and peace to all of the family
Carolyn E Hays says
I didn’t know Barbie personally, but I know so many of her family and my heart goes out to you in your loss. This is Truely a dark day when our world loses 3 wonderful people in one tragedy. May your faith comfort you at this sad time. Hold tight to your memories and she will live forever with you. Prayers to all of you! Cooky Warford
Gideong Gilger says
Prayers
Chip and Debbie says
So sorry for this tragic loss! Prayers for all!!
Anya Shafer says
Barbie was sweet, calm, kind, caring, and so much more that cannot be fully expressed in words. Her presence was a joy and comfort. We are so sorry for this tragic loss. She, Penny and Patty will be deeply missed. You are all in our prayers.
Mary Ann Larsen Brown says
Dear Pam, I’m so very sorry for your tragic loss of your daughter, Barbie. My prayers of comfort and peace go up to God for you and your family! My heart hurts with you all and the good part is, that Barbie is with Jesus and you will be together again someday. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️💕
Cody Morris says
Dear Riesland family:
I will always remember her warm smile and hugs. Words cannot express the sadness I feel for losing Barbie here, but also the joy in knowing she is with Jesus.
Esther Nelson says
I feel for the family of Barbie passing . Losing a loved one hurts,my prayers and sympathy are with you all 🙏
Eugene Cadwell says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are lifting you up in prayer!
Jim and Elaine Bingaman says
Our hearts go out to all of the Riesland family. We feel so sorry for all of the family.May God wrap His loving arms around you. We love you and are praying for you a lot. Love Jim and Elaine
Sherri says
Pam, Angie, David and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at the tragic loss of Barbie. I loved my beautiful cousin so much and treasured the time we spent together. May God give you peace and comfort in knowing that she is in heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Hugs Sherri Burr