Barbara Ann Pray
July 13, 1949 — October 11, 2014
Barbara Ann (Wenschlag) Pray, 65, of Groton, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2014, at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD.
Her funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Groton. Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Groton with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Groton Union Cemetery.
Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign her online guestbook at schriversmemorial.com.
Barbara Ann (Wenschlag) Pray was born July 13, 1949 in Aberdeen, SD to Marvin and Julia Mae (Luken) Wenschlag. Barb was raised and attended school in Pierpont, SD.
Following high school graduation, Barb was married to Jim Pray in Pierpont, SD on June 14, 1968. The couple moved to Sisseton, SD, where Barb was employed at the local grocery store for seven years before they moved to Georgetown, MN. While living there, Barb remained at home and raised their three children. The family then moved back to the Pray Farm outside of Groton, SD, where Barb worked at the local cafAC. and baked for the Groton School until she was diagnosed with cancer in 1984.
Barb is survived by her spouse of 46 years, Jim Pray of Groton, SD. She is also survived by her three children: Kelly James Pray of Dallas TX; Paula Ann (Paul) Winther of Mina Lake, SD; and Michelle Lee (Shawn) Kelly of Plano, TX. Barb is also survived by her grandchildren; Alexa Jaiden Rossman, Maddie Nicole Kelly, and Christopher Shawn Kelly. Adopted in love are her step grandchildren; Kristen, Bryce, and Harleigh Winther of Groton, SD; and Christina Guerra of Dallas, TX. Barb's brother and sisters are John (Eileen) Wenschlag of Mobridge, SD; Eunice (Dennis) Temple of Bullhead City, AZ; Madonna (Byron) Paulson Springfield, MO, and Tamela Kieso-Eaton of Wichita, KS.
Barbara loved her family. Her life was devoted to her children and husband. Barb enjoyed crafts and making gifts for others, it gave her great joy to touch another's lives.
Barb's most accomplishing work besides her children was her book. She wanted to express to others that even in sickness or tragedy, victory can be found, and Barb was able to pick up the smallest joy and give that joy to others. The Bible tells us, "God is perfect love." Barbara reflected that type of love.
Jim is Barbara's Jim. She loved him so much and that love they showed never wavered even in all the trials they shared.
To Barb: Kelly, Paula, and Michelle are true blessings! Congratulations Barb you did a great job. We love you and are joyful in the fact now you are no longer in pain and can run with the wind - love you Mom!