Barbara J Heylens Culey, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 23, 2026. She was born July 17th, 1931 in Volga, SD to Con and Margaret Heylens. Barbara started her teaching career at age 18, teaching all grades in a one room schoolhouse. She went back to school and received her degree with honors in 1977 from Black Hills State College. Barbara finally retired from teaching in 1994. Barbara married Robert (Bob) Culey on June 8th 1952. They lived in Castlewood, Worthington and Mobridge before settling in Rapid City in 1967. In 1965 they were blessed with a son, Jim. The family was complete in 1968 with daughter Connie. Having children was always very important to them and spending time with their East River nephews helped fulfill and prepare them for parenthood. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) Culey, her parents Con and Margaret Heylens, her brother Bill Heylens.

She is survived by her son Jim (Elaine) Culey, grandchildren Ethan, Lane (Clayton), Ashton and daughter Connie (Dan) Even, grandchildren Katie, Hannah (Austin), Megan (Logan) and Greg. Also, great grandchildren Emma, Ayden, Austin JR., Jefferson, Ophelia, Ivy, Wren and Eve, her sister Connie Culey and nephews and nieces that held a very special place in her heart.

Barbara lived the kind of life we should all strive for, a life of dignity and grace. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church.

Interment services will follow at 2:30pm at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Barbara’s name to: www.stjude.org or one of your favorite charities. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverfd.com. Arrangements are under the directions of West River Funeral Directors in Rapid City, SD.