Barbara Dalton, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center – L.T.C. She was born on August 11, 1932 in Crookston, Minnesota to the late Charles and Anna Burchard.

Barbara married Robert “Ted” Dalton on January 25, 1952 in Mancelona. They share a mutual passion for simply traveling around and seeing the country while collecting antique dishes. In 1954, they made their home in Rapid City where together they raised 5 wonderful children. Barbara retired from Rapid City Elementary School in 1998 after 24 dedicated years as a paraprofessional. She served as a Cub Scout den mother and was known as the Kool-Aid Mom. Barbara taught Sunday School and Junior Church for many years. She was a member of East Bay Calvary Church. She was very artistic and enjoyed painting, gardening, and fishing. Barbara’s family meant everything to her and she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her love and compassion for children everywhere defined her life. Barbara will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Ted. His tender loving care for Barb during her long illness was beyond measure. Also surviving are her loving children, David Bruce (Kelly) Dalton of Rapid City, Timothy Edward (Lynne) Dalton of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Ann Marie (Wesley) Rowe of Cedarville, OH, and Russell William (Lisa) Dalton of Willow Park, TX; her daughter-in-law, Renee Dalton of Royal Oak; her sisters, Charlyn Templeton of Traverse City, Karen Koenig of PA,; her half-brothers, Jan Burchard, Burchie Burchard, and Gary Burchard; 21 cherished grandchildren; and 3 precious great-grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Robert Theodore “Bob” Dalton, Jr.; grandsons, Derek Dalton and Benjamin Dalton; and her half-brother Mike Burchard.

Visitation for Barbara will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 4 -7 p.m. at Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Dr. Russell W. Dalton officiating. Burial will take be in Clearwater Township Cemetery in the spring.

Barbara’s family would like to thank the staff of Kalkaska Memorial Health Center’s Long Term Care & Acute Care, and Dr. Marc Frick for their kind and compassionate care of Barbara.

Condolences may be left online at www.wolfeoneill.com.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.