Barbara Jean Bouchie died Friday, January 25, 2019 at her home in Mitchell, SD surrounded by her family. The family is holding a Celebration of Life in Barb's honor, January 31, 2019 at 5:30 PM at The Lake House Restaurant in Mitchell, SD.

Barb was born on November 26, 1931 in Des Moines, NM, the only child to Jack and Bertha (Cox) Thornton. Barb and her mom moved to La Junta, CO in 1940 where she attended school and graduated in 1949. While in high school, she was voted "best dancer" and "best dressed" by her classmates – which surprises no one today. She went to Otero Junior College and began working shortly thereafter.

Barb married Vern Tate in 1952, and they have two sons, David and Andrew.

Barb was many things: a wife, a model, a school secretary, an interior decorator, but above all, she was a dedicated mother to her sons. She spent thousands of days watching sporting events and hollering from the stands. It was Barb's competitive nature and love for sports that was instilled in her sons and that helped steer them to pursue careers in coaching.

Barb married Mervin Bouchie on November 21, 1974. The couple was known for their skills on the dance floor and love of golf. They traveled to New York, Boston, Aspen and many PGA events. Together they managed golf courses in Huron and Mitchell until retirement, where they met many lifelong friends.

Barb spent much of her time following grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren to their activities even if it meant traveling across the state. She was present at every concert, wrestling match, golf tournament, school play, basketball game, dance recital, football game, baseball game, and birthday celebration. She never missed an opportunity to show her family how special they were to her.

Barb's voice will forever ring in her loved ones' heads reminding them that barefoot is best, a Coca-Cola and Hershey's chocolate is a balanced breakfast, not to settle for less than incredible when it comes to purses or love, that screaming from the bleachers is socially acceptable, and to love their families with reckless abandon.

Barb is survived by her husband, Merv: sons, Dave (Patty) Tate, Andy (Hallie) Tate; grandchildren, Tiffany (Tyler) Stoeser, McKinsey Tate, Miles Tate, Amy Mancuso, Kristen (Colton) Carter; great-grandchildren, Quinn, Asher, Hudson, Tate, Lavin, Jace, Finn, Andi and Baby Carter arriving in May.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha Fritz and Jack Thornton, her father-in-law, Elliot Bouchie, mother-in-law, Eileen Bouchie and daughter-in-law, Andrea Tate.