Barbara D. (Chilcot) Oates, 86, passed away August 1st, 2025, after a lengthy battle with dementia.  Barbara was born March 2nd, 1939, to Milton and Francis (Murphy) Chilcot in Manhattan, Kansas.  After moving to Lead, South Dakota, Barbara spent time helping her father who was a publisher of the Lead Daily Call/ Deadwood Pioneer. She graduated from LHS in 1957 where she was a member of the glee club, drama, debate team and on the Nugget staff (writing the yearbook).

After high school, Barbara married William James Oates.  They quickly started a family having 5 children Diane, Mike, John, Mary and Robert. Barbara was a wonderful mother and took great care in raising her children.

Barbara continued her lifelong education journey, graduating from Black Hills State University in 1971 with her teaching degree.  She also graduated from the University of South Dakota with a master's in teaching with emphasis on children with special needs.

Barbara spent her life as a teacher, she taught special education at Meade County School District (Sturgis) for 25 years.  Her students loved her, and she treated them all as her own. After retiring, she continued to teach special education classes at underserved rural schools across South Dakota.  Barbara was an advocate for those with Special Needs.  She was a member of the ARC for over 30 years eventually serving as President.  She always advocated for integration and allowing those with special needs to have a full life.

Barbara was active in the Episcopal Church, a devote believer in Jesus Christ.  She was involved with Sunday school, the vestry and support of the church.

Barbara is survived by her daughters: Diane and Mary Oates and Sons: Mike, John and Robert.  11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Milton and Francis Chilcott, brothers John and David Chilcott.

Memorial services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Lead, South Dakota, Friday August 8th at 1:00pm.

In a lieu of flowers, please donate to any organization that cares for children.

Cremation arrangements were under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.