Colleen A. Barney, beloved mother, devoted wife, and friend to all, passed from this earth to be with her heavenly Father on Thursday at the State Veterans Home in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Colleen was the only child of Laurette and Robert Emmet Curtin. She grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota and Kansas City, Missouri.

She ushered at the Elks Theatre where she met her husband, Rex. She also worked as a bank teller and clerked for an auction house. She eventually achieved her dream job of librarian at the State Veteran’s Home. Colleen was a great lover of books and was passionate about knowledge and reading. Friends were always amazed at the thousands of books she owned.

She married Rex T. Barney August 26, 1946 and together raised eleven children. Her greatest joy was motherhood. She was patient, loving and truly committed to being the best mom she could be. Furthermore, many people have shared that she was most kind, very accepting, and that she would go out of her way to make others feel welcome. Colleen was very artistic and loved needlework.

She lived her life to the fullest with a huge commitment to her faith. She has now taken the hand of Jesus and is walking in His garden, hearing the melodies of birds, and enjoying the splendor of flowers.

She is survived by her children, Shirleen (John Nogy) Barney, Penny (Mike) Wellman, Robin (Steven) Klock, Robert Barney, Kim (Olga) Barney, Monte Barney, Fawn (Darran) Conrad, Kama (Doug) Stuart, and Kory (Dawn) Barney, eighteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Rex, her daughter, Mary and son, Michael.