Barbara “Barb” Zobrist, 68

Barbara “Barb” Alice Zobrist, 68, of Brandon, passed away comfortably on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the Dougherty Hospice House, after experiencing a sudden and insurmountable medical event.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home.

Barb always appreciated the work done by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and her family is thankful for the care she received at the Dougherty Hospice House. Please consider a donation to either of these wonderful organizations in her honor. 

Barbara Alice Birath was born Oct. 29, 1956, in Brookings, S.D., to Harry and Mardella (Smith) Birath. She was their only daughter and was born on her parents’ wedding anniversary, making it the best gift they ever received. 

Barb moved to Lake Preston before starting high school. She was initially upset by the move because there was no swim team for her to join, despite the school mascot ironically being The Divers. However, she ended up making life-long friends among her class of 32 people. 

Barb married Doug Zobrist in 1987 and was blessed with two daughters from that union.

Barb held a variety of interesting jobs during her life but her years as a florist were most notable, as she had a passion for flowers and a gift for arranging and caring for them. She worked for many years at Citibank where she again made life-long friends.

Barb loved swimming, being in the sun, reading, house plants, correcting people’s grammar, and all her family and friends. She was known for being accepting, warm, and fun-loving. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh.

Barb is survived by her daughters, Mara Zobrist and Sarah Goth; three grandchildren, Caspian Goth, and Theobella and Leif Larson; brothers, Bob, Dick, and Tom Birath; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mardella Birath.

For online condolences, visit heartlandfunerals.com.