Current Services

Barbara “Bobi” Evans
06-10-2026

Barbara “Bobi” Evans arrived in the world on May 16, 1947, the daughter of Mayona and Lee Liston. She spent a memorable childhood on her parent’s rural farm outside of Ireton, Iowa, nurturing baby animals, riding her horse Clipper, attending a one-room country schoolhouse, and having adventures with her beloved brothers, Dennis “Denny” and Bruce Liston.

Those who knew Bobi in her youth often remember her beautiful red hair and freckles, which at times made her feel set apart from her peers. Over time, she came to embrace them as part of her signature look, meeting the attention they drew with the humor and self-awareness that characterized so much of her life

In 1968, Bobi attained her B.A. in Communication Disorders, Speech and Language Pathology at the University of South Dakota and continued in the discipline with an M.A. in 1978. She spent most of her professional life in this field, helping children find their voices as a speech therapist. Bobi was a gifted communicator–she knew that words could heal, encourage, delight, and connect. She also knew that sometimes the most important thing a person can do is listen.

Throughout her life, Bobi was creative to her core. Music was one of her native languages—a dialect she shared with her husband, Fred. At home, the two were frequently in musical conversation, filling the house with sound. Bobi could often be found at her family’s heirloom piano, coaxing beauty from the keys, while Fred, a percussionist, practiced nearby. She was also a talented vocalist; one of her favorite memories was her star-turn singing with Deadwood’s Saloon No.10 band in her early twenties. Her musical tastes were eclectic, spanning many forms of jazz, soul, pop, americana, and folk; her favorite artists included James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, to whom she felt a deep kinship.

Her creativity extended naturally into the language and visual arts as well, where she seemed to possess an endless capacity for imagination. In ink-and-pigment abstracts and illustrations as well as expressive charcoal sketches, she created a vivid and deeply personal vision of her life story. In addition, like her father, she was deeply passionate about books and storytelling, drawn to narratives that reflected her curiosity about people and the world. Creativity was not a hobby for Bobi—it was a way of being.

For those fortunate enough to be in her orbit, Bobi was generous with her gifts. She was happiest sharing her creative world with her circle of friends, who inspired her in turn, and with her daughter, Adrienne, who carries that influence with her still.

Bobi's life was marked by both joy and challenge. Her own struggles deepened her compassion for others and helped her develop a strong sense of justice. Bobi was not someone who stood quietly on the sidelines when she saw someone being overlooked, dismissed, or treated unfairly. She spoke up. She advocated. She believed in kindness and courage and that using one's voice on behalf of others was simply the right thing to do. Along the way, she gathered a beloved family, including her husband, Fred Evans; her daughter, Adrienne Evans; and her stepson, Jonah Evans. She is also survived by her brother Dennis Liston; her nieces: Emily Mowry; Laura Comstock; and Beth Stuecher; and her grand-nephews and niece: Justin Hardin; Alex Stuecher; and Olivia Stuecher.

Bobi’s laughter, her creativity, and her fierce compassion will remain with all who knew and loved her. She will be missed terribly, remembered fondly, and loved always.

"Laughing and crying, you know it's the same release." –Joni Mitchell

Visitation will be Thursday, June 18, 1:30 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 2:30 PM.