Barbara C. Bloxsom

Barbara Bloxsom, 78, of Rapid City, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Avantara North, Rapid City, SD.

No funeral services will be held. Burial of her cremains will be held at a later date in Wishek City Cemetery, Wishek, ND.

Barbara Christie Obenauer Bloxsom was born on Halloween in 1947 to Edwin and Wilma (Dockter) Obenauer. She spent her early school years attending schools where her father served as an administrator. She graduated from McLaughlin High School in 1965 and enrolled at South Dakota State University that fall, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with honors.

Barbara married Skip Larson, and the couple moved to Arizona. She began her career as a pharmacist with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tucson and later transferred to Denver, Colorado. Two sons, Skip Brian and Christopher, were born to their union. While living in Colorado, Barbara attended the University of Colorado, where she earned her master’s degree in Health Administration with honors. She later attended the University of Denver College of Law, earning her Juris Doctor degree.

Barbara served as an instructor in the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, teaching pharmacy law and ethics. She also advised the Colorado Board of Pharmacy on legal matters and assisted in drafting legislation for Colorado health care providers while serving as legislative chairperson for the Colorado Pharmacists Association.

Barbara’s legal career spanned more than 20 years. She practiced in both federal and state courts, serving as a trial attorney for seven years and as a law professor for five years. Throughout her career, she worked as a sole practitioner, partner, and associate in various law firms. She also served as vice president of Health Script, Inc. and Health Care Containment Solutions, Inc.

Barbara later married Bill Bloxsom, and the couple made their home in Pueblo, Colorado. She returned to practicing pharmacy for several organizations before the couple relocated to Maine for a few years. They eventually returned to Sioux Falls, allowing Barbara to reconnect with her South Dakota roots. She concluded her professional career as a pharmacist with Cigna Home Delivery Pharmacy before retiring.

Barbara was a true people person who found great fulfillment in walking alongside others on their personal journeys of growth and recovery. She never gave up and always gave her best. She was an inspiration to those who knew and worked with her and will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and genuine concern for others.

An active member of Springdale Lutheran Church and a faithful supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Barbara enjoyed baking and reading. Her dogs were her cherished companions, especially Samantha and Emma. As a young woman, she developed a passion for running, and later in life she maintained her love of the outdoors through daily walks with her beloved dogs.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Mark Obenauer of Muskogee, Oklahoma; her sons, Skip Brian Larson and his wife, Kelly, of Fort Collins, Colorado, and their children, Liam and Kacy; and Christopher Larson of Lakewood, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Wilma Obenauer, and her brother, Michael Obenauer.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Barbara’s arrangements.