Barbara Juanita Pinnell
Barbara Juanita Pinnell, nee Thompson, of Spearfish, South Dakota returned to the arms of her creator on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Monument Health Hospice center in Sturgis. Her celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 1, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, followed by a luncheon and inurnment at the Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Arrangements and cremation provided by the Fidler-Isburg Funeral Home in Spearfish. In lieu of flowers or cards, please donate to the Western Hills Humane Society.
Barbara was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Lowell (Tex) Thompson and Dora Lena Thompson nee Steensma, on January 16, 1935. She was the 2nd born of 8 children. She grew up being like a 2nd mother to her younger siblings. Her 1st job was as a waitress at the Nickle Plate restaurant, serving customers throughout her teen years at Washington High School. At 18 years old Barb got married and started a family. In 2 years, she had 2 daughters, Dara and Zana, and went to work at Sunshine Food stores as a meat wrapper. Until the time of her passing, Barb was proud of her career and the community connection she had at Sunshine. Barb retired after 40 plus years. She liked to joke that she had “only 1 job, but 4 husbands”. The list in order is Dale L. Ter Wee Sr., Nels Braaten, DeWayne Gates, and Robert Pinnell. Barb outlived them all.
In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading books and newspapers, and spending time with her family and pets. She crafted and painted ceramics which adorn the homes of her children and grandchildren. She also had a passion for sketching and designed women’s clothing as a hobby. In her advanced age, she liked window shopping by car to view mannequins in styles of the day. She was excited to see her grand and great grandchildren’s outfits for parties, proms and weddings.
Sharing her life and united in the grief of her passing, are her 4 children: Dara Brasgalla of Sioux Falls, Zana (Arnold) Hartman of Spearfish, Dale L. (Robin) Ter Wee Jr. of Sturgis, and Gregory A. Ter Wee of Spearfish; sisters, Marsha (Raymond) Sinclair of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Louise (Lester) Bartels of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Tex and Dora, sisters Janice, Brenda, Eunice, brothers Charles (Chuck), and Lowell J. (Sonny).
Barb spent the last 25 years in Spearfish, South Dakota and loved the Black Hills. She attended Hospice training after the death of her husband and had a real heart for others nearing end of life. She chose palliative care for herself as well.