Barbara Berene Wills, 81, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, died suddenly on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, at Prairie Creek Assisted Living Memory Care in Sioux Falls.
A memorial service was Friday, Feb. 19, at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. A video tribute can be viewed at https://youtu.be/-9jtLmaZSb0
Barbara Olhausen was born May 10, 1939, to William and Thais Olhausen in Hartley, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Hartley High School in 1957.
Barbara married Larry Wills in 1958 as Larry began his service in the United States Air Force. During his service they lived in North Dakota and Texas. They then lived in Sioux Falls and Brandon, South Dakota, before moving to Luverne in 1977.
Barb worked for an accountant before becoming a stay-at-home mom to their three children, Todd, Tracy and Thomas. She later worked as a cafeteria aide at the Luverne High School for 25 years. She enjoyed seeing and visiting with students and coworkers.
In retirement Barb and Larry moved to Sioux Falls and enjoyed winters in Arizona with their snowbird friends. They loved going to dances, celebrating special occasions, and playing cards and Boggle. Barb also learned to play mahjong and enjoyed friends for coffee. She cherished time with her family. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls.
Barbara is survived by her three children, Todd (Karen) Wills of Mesa, Arizona, Tracy (Dale) Morrill of Sioux Falls, and Thomas (Wendy) Wills of Sioux Falls; a brother, Gary Olhausen (Olivia MacDonald) of Sioux Falls; a sister, Nancy (Gary) Wenell of Sioux City, Iowa; grandchildren Bethany Wills (Craig Reedy) and Andrew Wills of Mesa; Mara Morrill of Sioux Falls; Morgan Morrill (Rex Lund) of Alexandria; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry; an infant grandson Joseph Morrill; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Olhausen.
Arrangements were provided by Heritage Funeral Home of Sioux Falls, www.heritagesfsd.com.
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