Barbara J. (Justus) McKichan

Chadron, NE - Barbara McKichan, 76 of Chadron, Nebraska passed away at Monument Health Care in Rapid City, South Dakota on April 16, 2022 with family and friends by her side.

 She was born Barbara Jane Justus on September 28, 1945, in Huron, South Dakota to Vernon and Zelda Justus. Barb graduated from Huron High School where she was the Head Drum Majorette leading the Huron Tigers Marching Band in many parades and completions. She then attended Nursing School, becoming an RN. In the spring of 1969, she married Dean McKichan, to that union they had a daughter, Lisa Ann McKichan.  In 1977, she moved to Chadron Nebraska to be close to her parents, sister and family; at which time she started work at Crestview Care Center and worked there until her retirement after 47 years.

Barb truly enjoyed her work in geriatrics. She cared for the residents like they were her own family.  She enjoyed the many years of bowling trips with family and friends. Barb had a special bond with her sister, Rita and where you saw one you saw the other, they were like “two pees in a pod”.  Barb also was able to travel the world with her daughter and thoroughly enjoyed their many ventures abroad.   She was such a kind and caring person, that gave incredible hugs.  She loved life, her family and friends. She had a laugh that was contagious to all that were around her. Barb was the best mother, sister, aunt and friend you could ask for.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Troy) Hastings, Rapid City; a brother-in-law, Bill Wigington, Chadron, Nebraska; a nephew, Kyle (Sherry) Wigington, Concan, Texas; a niece, Kayleen (Dan) Krolikowski of Deadwood, South Dakota; great-nephews, Dustin Hall, Deadwood South Dakota and Kit Wigington, Colorado Springs, Colorado; a sister-in-law, Sherry McKichan, Rockaway Beach, Missouri and a nephew, Gene (Raquel) McKichan, Tomah, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Rita Wigington.

Upon her request, cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date.

Friends and family may sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at www.westriverfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of West River Funeral Directors, Rapid City, SD.

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