Barbara Lee Soliday, 75, Spearfish, died on Tuesday, March 26 after a brief battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by love and family, and passed peacefully in her sleep.

Barb received her Masters degree in education from Black Hills Teachers College. She spent several years teaching in Panama and Washington State. She chose to retire early to return to Spearfish to care for her aging parents. After her retirement, she remained active and busy by engaging in a number of volunteer organizations. For the past several years, the Christmas gifts she gave family members were donations to various charities. She knew that her family had all the worldly goods they needed and more, and sharing good fortune with those who needed it more was the best way to truly embrace and spread the spirit of Christmas and selfless giving.

Barb donated her body to science, and did not want any formal funeral or memorial. For anyone interested and able, it is the family's wish that a charitable donation be made in her memory. Donations to any charity would be welcome, but we have included a list of some of Barb's favorites: Hospice of the Northern Hills, Heritage Museum, Western Hills Humane Society (or your local humane society) and Matthew's Opera House.


She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Ellen Jane and Frank Soliday. She is survived by her sisters, Carolyn Page, and her children Iris Page, Ivy Griffiths, and Dan Page; Georgia "Peachy" Norquist, and her children Merle, Frank, Craig, and Ernie; Sherryl Schulz and her children Beth and Brandon Flanagan; and brother, Dan Soliday. In addition to family, she is survived by a host of friends, both human and furry.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.