Barbara “Barb” Alice Zobrist
October 29, 1956 ~ December 14, 2024
Barbara “Barb” A. Zobrist, 68, Brandon, SD, passed away comfortably, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Dougherty Hospice House, after experiencing a sudden and insurmountable medical event.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2pm on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. The service may be viewed online by clicking HERE.
Barb always appreciated the work done by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and her family is thankful for the care she received at the Dougherty Hospice House. Please consider a donation to either of these wonderful organizations in her honor.
Barbara Alice Birath was born on October 29, 1956, in Brookings, SD, to Harry and Mardella (Smith) Birath. She was their only daughter and was born on her parents’ wedding anniversary, making it the best gift they ever received.
Barb moved to Lake Preston before starting high school. She was initially upset by the move because there was no swim team for her to join, despite the school mascot ironically being The Divers. However, she ended up making life-long friends among her class of 32 people.
Barb married Doug Zobrist in 1987 and was blessed with two daughters from that union.
Barb held a variety of interesting jobs during her life but her years as a florist were most notable as she had a passion for flowers and a gift for arranging and caring for them. She worked for many years at Citibank where she again made life-long friends.
Barb loved swimming, being in the sun, reading, house plants, correcting people’s grammar, and all her family and friends. She was known for being accepting, warm, and fun-loving. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh.
Barb is survived by her daughters, Mara Zobrist, and Sarah Goth; three grandchildren, Caspian Goth, and Theobella and Leif Larson; brothers, Bob, Dick, and Tom Birath; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mardella Birath.
Mara and Sarah
I worked with your Mom for many years correcting grammar at Citi. Her smile and positive attitude were infectious. Although it’s been many years since I’ve seen Barb, I’d receive a Christmas card from her every year. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Her light was a gift and may her memory be a blessing to you both.
Bryan Feuerhelm
Barb was such a joy. I worked with her at Citi for a number of years and I don’t think we ever had a conversation that didn’t end in a laugh or a smile.
She was so damn smart and sweet that it cleverly disguised her delightfully wicked sense of humor.
She was my mentor when I first moved into her work group, so I always referred to her as “My Queen” and she wore her crown with style and grace.
I will dearly miss my friend Barb. She was so very special.
I also worked with Barb at Citi. She was always so helpful and happy. She brightened the whole area. So sorry for your loss
Mara & Sarah,
We have been your Mom’s neighbor for years, and she was such a great neighbor. She will be missed terribly. We had no idea she was so sick. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are so sorry for your loss. It will be a loss felt deeply by all who knew her. She was very special to us all.
You both take care and let us know if you need anything.
God Bless!
Lee, Teri, Erin, Kristin, Kodie and Masyn