Funeral services for Barbara E. Evans, 80, of Lower Brule, SD, will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lower Brule, SD with burial at the Jandreau Family Ranch.  Wake services will be 7:00 pm., Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lower Brule, SD.

Anyone wishing to follow, the procession will leave from the funeral home on Thursday at 3:00.

Barbara Eleanore Evans (Jandreau, McGhee), lovingly known as Barb, was born on June 17, 1945, in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, to Leo B. "Tete" Jandreau and Dorothy B. Jones (Langdeau, Jandreau). On January 25, 2026, Barb earned her wings, with her sisters by her side and love all around her—just as she lived her life.

From the very beginning, Barb's life was rooted in family. She grew up surrounded by love, sharing her childhood with her siblings Jerauld, Michael, Jan, Terry, Vance, Scott, and Karen. She was deeply loved by her father and was also blessed to have David Jones as a bonus father, adding even more love and guidance to her life. She was raised close to her grandparents and many cousins, forming bonds that remained strong throughout her life. Family was not just important to Barb—it was who she was.

Barb spent much of her childhood in the Lower Brule area, a place she always carried in her heart. Her very first school was Black Dog School, where she, her siblings, and cousins rode horses to get there—memories she treasured and loved to share. She later attended St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota, and continued her education at Immaculate Conception Mission School in Stephan, South Dakota.

Barb entered her first marriage at a very young age to Wayne E. "Flookie" McGhee, and from that union she was blessed with three sons—Kelly, Kevin, and Kirby McGhee—who were the center of her world. Life taught Barb early about love, strength, and resilience. Later, while living in Lincoln, Nebraska, she met Jack Donald Evans. They married and went on to build a life together in Ellijay, Georgia, filled with laughter, devotion, and companionship. After years of living in Georgia, Barb developed a little southern charm, especially in the way she would call everyone "darlin'." When she came home to visit, she would tell her momma that her Georgia peach was home—a phrase that always brought a smile. Wherever she was, Barb carried herself with grace and quiet confidence, always presenting herself with class—much like the southern belle she became known to be.

After losing Jack in 2006, Barb returned home to the Lower Brule area, drawn back by family, familiarity, and love. She later moved to Sanford Care Center in Chamberlain, South Dakota, where she spent the final chapter of her life surrounded by comfort, compassion, and people who genuinely cared for her.

Throughout her life, Barb worked many jobs, including as a waitress, bartender, and cashier. No matter where she worked, she had a natural way of making people feel welcome. Barb had a generous heart and would give the shirt off her back to anyone who needed it—or even to someone who simply asked.

Barb found joy in the simple things. She loved cooking for others, especially her famous Spanish rice and crispy fried potatoes, meals that brought people together and made everyone feel at home. She loved country music and could sing along word for word. A cup of hot tea was never far from her hand, and she enjoyed reading and sharing her True Romance magazines. Her favorite scent was Red Door cologne, the same as her mother's—a familiar fragrance that always felt like comfort and home.

She also enjoyed going to the casino, not just for the games, but for the laughter, the people, and the joy of being out and about.

Barb was deeply proud to be an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. She carried her heritage with pride and grace, often wearing beaded earrings, moccasins, and Native prints, expressing who she was and where she came from in her own beautiful way.

Through her sons, Barb was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, each one deeply loved and a constant source of pride.

The last twelve years of Barb's life were spent at Sanford Care Center, where she became lovingly known as "Barbie Doll." During her time there, the staff became family, and Barb returned that love with her warmth, humor, and unmistakable charm.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Sanford Care Center care team for the compassion, patience, and love shown to Barb over the years. You were more than caregivers—you were family, and she loved you deeply.

Barb is survived by her sisters Jan Brouse and Karen Jones; her sons Kelly, Kevin, and Kirby McGhee; her grandchildren Justin Fleury, Wesley Skunk, Dayle Lynn James, Kelly McGhee Jr., Torey McGhee, Tia McGhee, Barbara McGhee, Whitney McGhee, Kylee McGhee, and Kourtney McGhee; along with many great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews—all loved deeply and too numerous to list.

She was welcomed home by those who went before her, including her parents; her beloved husband Jack Donald Evans; her siblings Jerauld, Michael "Mike," Terry, Vance, and Scott; her grandchildren Kalup, Taylor, Kevin Jr., and Rachel; and many other relatives too numerous to list.

Barb will be remembered for her southern charm, her generous heart, and the love she shared so freely. Though she was tiny, she was mighty—and she could be a spitfire at times. Don't let her sweet side fool you. Her memory lives on in the countless lives she touched and the love she leaves behind.