Barbara Bollig

Barbara Lucille Bollig, age 66, passed away peacefully at her home in Baxter during the early morning hours of February 16 in the presence of her immediate family and beloved pets. She was diagnosed with cancer this past July, and had spent the last eight months intrepidly battling her disease with courage, strength, and unbridled optimism.
Barb was born March 19, 1947 to Violet (Johnston) and Ralph Ruckdaschel at the family's farm in Claire City, South Dakota. After graduating from Sisseton High School in 1965, she attended cosmetology school at the Stewart College of Hair Design in Sioux Falls, SD. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Brainerd where she began her career. May 1, 1970, she married the love of her life, Ronald Duane Bollig in Brainerd. They were happily married for 42 years until Ron's passing in 2012. She and Ron raised two daughters in the Brainerd area, and had two beloved grandchildren.
For over 30 years, she worked as a stylist at Salon El Rio in partnership with two of her sisters. After retiring from the salon, she enjoyed working in the company of many new friends at Wal-Mart, and also at Madden's on Gull Lake where she tended the flower gardens and made them even more beautiful. She will be dearly missed by her former co-workers and also by many of her former clients at the salon, many of whom she had styled for more than 20 years.
Barb spent her entire life taking care of her family and friends, always putting others' needs ahead of her own. If you had only just met her, assuredly she would have done anything she could to help if you happened to be in need. During her lifetime she enjoyed the outdoors with her husband and daughters, quilting, crocheting, and gardening. She was also a very skilled artist, cook, and baker. She enjoyed many quiet moments creating beautiful paintings in both oil and acrylic for her family to enjoy for generations to come. Though she often worked long hours, she always made dinner for her family every night, and for friends and other family that visited her home, she always made sure there was a freshly made cake or pie to enjoy. Later in life, she enjoyed visiting with her two grandchildren Maddie and Levi. They were her pride and joy. She will always be remembered for her easy and vibrant smile, her bright eyes full of energy, and most importantly her warm, caring heart and kind nature. Hers was a life we can all aspire to.
Barbara leaves behind a large and loving family: two daughters, Julie Bollig and Chrissy (& Bob) Schuld, two grandchildren, Maddie and Levi Schuld, all of Baxter, nine brothers and sisters, Jay (& Margaret) Ruckdashel of Hopkins, MN, Marlene (& the late Bob) Isensee of Boise, ID, Luella (& Louis) Betterman, Seneca, PA, Alvin (& Susan) Ruckdashel, Spearfish, SD, Lyla (& the late Ray) Harris, Sisseton, SD, Earl Ruckdashel, SD, Donna (& Tom) Sherman, Sisseton, SD, Betty (& John) Maxe, Ocala, FL, and Alice (& Dan) Conklin, Baxter. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, a sister in law, Vickie Bollig of Brainerd, and also a special relative, Twila Danzig of Los Angeles, CA. Also left behind, her beloved pets Dasie, Zed, and Mercedes, who comforted her during her illness and who also had comforted her husband during his illness. They will be taken care of lavishly for the rest of their lives.
We are at peace knowing Barb has joined her husband Ron in Heaven. A celebration of her life will be held in June for family and close friends. A date will be announced. Cards or memorials may be sent to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.