Ashlyn Jean Barse “Boo Boo” was born on January 23, 2012, in Watertown, South Dakota, to her loving parents, Darin Donavon Barse and Alesha Ann Barse. From the moment she entered the world, Ashlyn brought a spark of light, joy and energy that touched the lives of everyone around her.
In 2015, A shlyn moved with her family to the beautiful Black Hills, settling in Blackhawk, SD. She attended Blackhawk Elementary School, where she made countless memories and friendships until 2022. In 2023, she began attending West Middle School. But long before she began school, Ashlyn’s heart was already filled with discipline and passion. In 2015, she found her calling in martial arts, joining her sister Lilly and brother Dakoda, at Bright Path Martial Arts School. With fierce dedication, determination and perseverance, she earned her black belt on October 26, 2019, a moment of great pride for Ashlyn and her family. Ashlyn’s strength in the ring was undeniable-she was a true warrior. Her martial arts journey led her to numerous taekwondo tournaments, including the United States National Championship, where she brought home a silver medal, making her family and dojo extremely proud. Ashlyn also trained in Hapkido at the same Martial Arts School with her daddy and brother, learning an array of self-defense techniques. Her father, Darin, wanted to make sure his little girl knew how to protect herself in this cruel world, and she certainly did.
Ashlyn lived life boldly, fearlessly taking on new adventures and embracing every moment. Whether it was flying on her grandpa’s jet ski at the lake, planting roses and flowers with her daddy, or the countless hours spent getting ready with her mom, stealing her makeup, clothes, and shoes. She loved her mommy-daughter days, going shopping, getting Starbucks and gossiping while getting her nails done, she was Alesha’s little shadow. Her mom was her best friend forever. Ashlyn’s love for the outdoors and family time was a constant in her life. She loved camping, dirt bike riding, boating, fishing, and watching both sunsets and sunrises-moments that brought her heart and soul peace.
She had a deep compassion for animals, especially her bulldog, Sylas, who always seemed to need a bath. Even when others turned him away, Ashlyn showed him nothing but love and empathy. She extended this same care to all the family pets and even the wild bunnies she chased around the backyard, always trying to convince her parents to let her keep them. But her empathy extended far beyond animals, though. Ashlyn was a loving and humble soul, touching the lives of everyone she met.
Ashlyn had a playful, trickster side, always ready to make people laugh. She was known for sneaking into her brother Dakoda’s room to play Xbox when he wasn’t home, tracking him on Life360 so she could sneak out just in time. Her entire family played along with her mischievous antics. She would secretly borrow her sister Lilly’s clothes, wear them, wash them, and put them back before anyone noticed. Ashlyn’s pranks and jokes filled the house with laughter and light.
When she wasn’t making her family laugh, Ashlyn was a dedicated athlete. She excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track, showing the same passion for sports that she did for martial arts. Her love for music, especially for Drake, whom she affectionately called her “future husband,” filled her days. She would lock herself in her room, playing Drake or Zach Bryan at full volume, sending snaps, making TikTok’s, and dancing and singing without a care in the world.
Boo Boo was proudly boujee in the best way. She’d often tell people, “my daddy is a business boss man and can buy me anything I want,” and without question, she had him wrapped around her finger. Whether it was refusing to settle for a rented instrument or making sure she had the best clothes, dirt bikes, makeup, nails, hair done, or ordering her favorite meals from DoorDash-Ashlyn’s confidence was contagious. She loved showing off her hard-earned tan lines, always saying, “my tan lines go hard,” and kept up with all the latest trends and fashion.
Ashlyn’s bubbly personality, her mischievous spirit, and her unwavering love for her family and friends defined her life. She deeply loved those closest to her, always willing to do anything for them. She was courageous, caring, and brought joy to everyone lucky enough to know her.
Ashlyn will be remembered for her fearless heart, her infectious laughter, and her boundless love. Though her time with us was far too short, she left a lasting mark on our hearts, and her memory will live on forever in the lives she touched.
Boo boo leaves to cherish her memory, her loving parents, Darin & Alesha Barse; her siblings, Dakoda Barse, Lilly Barse & Rylan Fox; her grandparents, Jan Redwing of Sisseton, SD, Darrell Barse and family of Spearfish, SD and Dean & Sherrie Block of Midland, SD. Great Grandmother, Isabelle Sampson of Midland, SD and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was reunited with, her great grandparents, Raymond & Belva Hatle, Dick & Betty Block, and Vern Sampson.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 22, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Rimrock Church, 12200 W Hwy 44, Rapid City, SD. Services will be at the church Friday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Nemo Cemetery, Nemo, SD.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
