Carol Sue Barney, a cherished sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 10, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Born on May 17, 1954, in La Porte, Indiana, Carol’s life was marked by her friendly spirit, thoughtful nature, and creative soul.
Carol’s journey was one of dedication and service. After obtaining her GED, she joined the United States Air Force in 1973, where she committed twenty years to serving her country, retiring as a Tech Sergeant. Her post-military career saw her working for United Airlines in their call center, where her warm demeanor and helpful attitude were greatly appreciated by all who interacted with her.
Her interests were as colorful and diverse as her personality. Carol was an artistic soul who loved to draw and expressed her creativity through crochet and tatting. She found joy in the fictional worlds of Star Trek movies and the rugged scenes of westerns and spent countless hours connecting with friends and family on Facebook, sharing her life and passions with the world.
Carol was the embodiment of kindness and generosity, always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand. She is fondly remembered by her three sisters, Linda Essmaker, Toni Toney, and Sharla Sanders; her brother, Ken Barney; and numerous nieces and nephews who reveled in her imaginative tales and creative gifts. Carol’s memory will be treasured by all who knew her, and her legacy will live on in the stories shared and the lives she touched.
She now joins her parents, Kenneth Barney and Margery Sanders, and her brothers, John Sanders and Bill Barney, who preceded her in death. The absence of her vibrant presence will be deeply felt by her family and friends.
In the words of the great William Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances.” Carol played her role on this earth with grace and left behind a script of memories that will be recited with love and admiration.
Carol Sue Barney’s life was a tapestry of service, creativity, and connection. As we celebrate her life and mourn her passing, we hold close the laughter, the stories, and the indelible mark she made on this world. Her spirit, a beacon of friendliness and thoughtfulness, will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with compassion and to cherish the beauty in life’s simple pleasures.
Upon her request cremation has taken place and services will be held in West Valley City, Utah at a later date.
Friends and family may sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFuneral.com.
Arrangrments are under the direction kf Dean Moncur at West River Funeral Directors in Rapid City.
