Dolores M. Barker

Dolores M. Barker, age 97, of Bryant, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Avantara in Lake Norden. Private family memorial services will be held at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD.

Family asks for no flowers. Memorials are to be directed to a charity of your choice. 

Dolores was born on March 2, 1928, to Thomas and Elizabeth (Baer) Hansen.

Dolores and her husband, Robert, began their life together farming before moving to Bryant in 1955. In Bryant, they opened the Gamble Hardware store, working side by side to build a business that served the town for many years. Later, Dolores dedicated her time to the city of Bryant, serving faithfully as a finance officer, where she became known for her dedication and steady hand.

Dolores was an active and cherished member of the Bryant community. She found great joy in participating at the Bryant Senior Center and in her parish at the Catholic Church, where her faith was a steady foundation throughout her life. She loved spending time with her grandchildren—sometimes even more than her children—and never passed up the chance to share a laugh or a story. Her pastimes reflected her warm and thoughtful nature, from working through crossword puzzles to sharing coffee and conversation with her close-knit group of friends.

Together with Robert, Dolores shared a beautiful love story that was often expressed through their joy of dancing. Whether at community gatherings or in the quiet moments of home, their bond was a source of strength and happiness. Dolores will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of humor, and her deep devotion to her family and community.

She is survived by five of her children; Susan (Randy) Holiday, Sharon (Greg) Nicholas, Carol (Eugene) Mack, Michael (Sue) Barker, Donald (Monica) Barker; 18 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, daughter Jean Barker, and granddaughter Amy Holiday.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfrodosthus.com Watertown and Hayti.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dolores M. Barker, please visit our Tree Store.