Gay Lynn Barry

Funeral services for Gay Lynn Barry were held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist. Bev Rubel was in charge of registration, and Jan Schrader was flower attendant.

Casket bearers were Rich Rubel, Ben Hoffart, LeRoy Miller, Tom Miller, Matt Miller and Mike Miller. Honorary casket bearers were Gay Lynn’s grandchildren: Samantha York, Layne Olson, Elliot Olson, Matilynn Stevicks, Tatum Olson, Kadyn Fiscrer, Callie Olson, Vanessa Fischer, Marisa Fischer, Jake Fischer, Gay Lynn’s card playing friends and the Historical Society. Interment was in the Hillview Cemetery in Dallas, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Gay Lynn Barry was born to Al and LeArlie (Engel) Barry in Fremont, NE, on June 19, 1954. She was the younger of two daughters.

Gay Lynn grew up in Dallas, SD, spending much of her youth at her parents’ indoor roller-skating rink, “Al’s Roller Dome”, in Dallas. Gay Lynn graduated Gregory High School in Gregory, SD in 1972.

Gay Lynn married Jerry Olson. The couple had two children: Jamie and Kristi Lynn.

She attended business school at National American University in Rapid City, SD. Gay Lynn worked for a business office in Red Wing, MN, before moving back to Gregory and starting The Flower Garden. Gay Lynn had a love for flowers and was an entrepreneur. She ran two flower shops, and a café in Gregory and Winner for a brief time. She later focused on the shop in Gregory. Gay Lynn had a passion and creative gift working with flowers and especially enjoyed working late nights developing beautiful casket sprays.

Gay Lynn adored spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren’s activities. She loved her house dogs and always had a small four-legged companion.

She also enjoyed traveling, making trips to New Mexico, Texas, and attending a couple NASCAR races.

She liked drinking Coca-Cola and collecting memorabilia. Since retiring from the flower shop, she especially enjoyed spending time in her yard and flowerbeds.

Gay Lynn appreciated playing cards with her friends at the Senior Center and hosting card parties at home. She was an active member of the Gregory Methodist Church and the Gregory County Historical Society.

Gay Lynn passed away on June 7, 2022, at the age of 67, after a battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Gay Lynn is survived by her son Jamie (Mica) Olson of Bloomfield, NE; ten grandchildren: Samantha, Layne, Elliot, Matilynn, Tatum, Kadyn, Callie, Vanessa, Marisa and Jake; sister Marilee (Curt) VanAsperen of Custer, SD; a niece Andrea (Cory) Lewis; and nephew Cory (Lisa) VanAsperen.