Barbara Marie Harts

Barbara Marie Harts, a beloved sister, cherished aunt, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Hospice in Yankton, South Dakota, at the age of 84.

A graveside service will be 11:00AM on May 23, 2026, at the Mission Hill Cemetery in Mission Hill South Dakota with Pastor Mark Ostrem officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice in Barbara’s memory.

Barbara Marie Harts was born on July 15, 1941, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Worthey and Marie (Schmidt) Harts. She was raised on the family farm near Irene and graduated from Irene High School, where classmates affectionately nicknamed her “Barbie.” From an early age, Barbara was known for her spirited personality, independence, and determination.

Barbara eventually made her home in Texas, where she built a successful 23-year career with Sun Oil Company. Beginning as a typist, she steadily advanced through the company, earning a place among its first group of female draftsmen before ultimately becoming a master cartographer, a remarkable achievement in a profession then largely dominated by men.

Later in life, Barbara returned to Irene to help care for her mother. She went on to work at the South Dakota Human Services Center in Yankton and became well known for her generous heart and willingness to serve others. “Barb,” as many knew her, especially enjoyed volunteering with residents at Avera Sacred Heart Majestic Bluffs senior living community, where her warmth, humor, and friendly nature made her a favorite among residents and staff alike.

Barb also had a keen mind for finances and took pride in carefully managing her affairs. She became a familiar face at local banks, where tellers knew her by name from her frequent visits, a reflection of the independence and self-reliance that defined her throughout her life.

Living independently in her own home well into her later years was a source of great pride for Barb. In her final years, she made her home at Angelhaus senior living, where staff and residents came to know her as social, quick-witted, and unmistakably feisty, qualities that remained with her until the very end.

Barbara is survived by her brothers, Russell Harts of Irene, South Dakota; Clayton Harts of Omaha, Nebraska; and Ken (Sue) Harts of Liberty, Missouri; her nephew, Kerry Harts of Kansas City, Missouri; and her beloved great-nieces, Anna and Caiti, whom she adored.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Worthey and Marie Harts, and her nephew, Kenny.