Barbara Jean Swenson passed peacefully with family by her side at Touchmark Care Facility in Sioux Falls, SD on June 28, 2026.
Private family services were held July 1, 2026, followed by burial with her husband Roger.
Barbara Cundy was born in Belle Fourche on March 3, 1936 to parents Earl and Mildred (Engelson) Cundy. In her youth, the family moved a lot, but she mostly lived in rural Belle Fourche After her father’s death they moved and she attended high school in Sturgis where she was known as a gifted singer and also worked at the local A&W, complete with roller skates.
On June 6, 1954, Barbara was wed to Roger Alix Swenson and the two enjoyed almost 72 years of marriage. Roger’s education and career brought the family briefly to Quinn, SD, then to Cheyenne Eagle Butte. Along the way, they were blessed with children David, Michael, Terri, and Joy. After another move, this time to Flandreau, Barb began attending Dakota State College in Madison, graduating in 1971 magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education and a minor in English. She enjoyed a career in banking and investments, including at Merrill Lynch, then for many years at First Western Bank in Sturgis.
The Black Hills were always home to Barb and in 1981, she and Roger finally settled back there on their peaceful little acreage. As the grandkids came along, they loved hosting everyone for holidays and get-togethers.
Over the years, as the family moved and settled in new places, Barb always found ways for them to enjoy time together, from bowling at the new bowling alley in Eagle Butte, to dancing in nearby Red Elm, and golfing at the Flandreau country club. She became an excellent golfer and loved time spent on the course.
Barb’s life was a testament to her faith in the Lord. She was active in her church, the Calvary Assembly of God, sharing her lovely singing voice in the choir and ministering to those in need. For many years, she and Roger hosted missionaries and pastors each summer. After retirement, Barb volunteered and served on the Board of Directors at the Bella Pregnancy center and regularly supported single moms as they got on their feet.
Barbara is survived by her children, David Swenson, Michael (Pam) Swenson, Terri (Robert) Ross, and Joy (Kevin) Johnson; nieces and nephews who were like children to them, Kelly (Marcie) Simons, Karen (Fred) Parks, and Krystal Simons; grandchildren Shannon, Valerie, Marya, Laura, Jeremy, Jared, Jennifer, John, Shasta, Chris, Kelly, Lance, Nathan, Jordan, and Bethany; and over 30 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Roger, her parents Earl and Mildred, sister Anita Simons, brother Dwight Cundy, and brother-in-law Virgil Simons.