Barb South

***The slideshow and service recording is available below the obituary.***

Barb South, 92, of Omaha, NE, formerly of Atlantic, IA, died Sunday, August 17, 2025, at St. Joseph Villa Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Omaha.

Barbara Ann was born on November 17, 1932, in Audubon, Iowa, the daughter of Joe and Ione (Bean) Hollenbeck. She attended school in Anita and graduated in the Class of 1950. Following graduation, she moved to Des Moines to find work and this is where she met Billy South. The couple married on July 1, 1951, at the United Methodist Church in Anita and were blessed with two children, Billie and Rusk. The family looked forward to their summer vacations that included many trips to Okoboji and a memorable 10 state car trip, let’s just say Barb didn’t like the drop off’s on the mountain roads. The kids always knew they were in big trouble when they heard her shouting their full names. Billie will always cherish the time she was able to spend with her mom the last 20 years while she has lived in Omaha, lunch and shopping was what they did most and Barb looked forward to what the next bouquet of flowers from Billie would be. Rusk was always thankful for the game feed she did after his hunts. The couple enjoyed their frequent trips to Phoenix to see close friends, Short and Carolyn, whom she spoke to every Sunday on the phone.

Barb started her working career at JCPenney gift wrapping and later moved to clothing. Seifert’s was likely where she was remembered most, being there 30 years. Her high energy, peppy, and vibrant spirit made her the perfect sales woman, this being evident in her receiving many top sales awards. Prior to retirement she worked for Job Service of Iowa/Iowa Workforce Development.

Some of her hobbies included sewing clothes for the kids and Barbie dolls, crafting, tending her large vegetable and flower gardens, roses and her lilacs were her favorites, cooking and golfing. Anything that Barb made was delicious but her fried chicken was a family favorite. Barb sipped on a Diet Coke every day and had a bit of a sweet tooth. She wouldn’t think twice about skipping a real meal if ice cream, peanut butter cups, peppermint patties or red velvet cake were within arm’s reach.

Have we mentioned Barb’s style sense? She was always “dressed to the nines,” even while living in the nursing home, laying out her clothes each night before bed. It didn’t end with the outfit but she accessorized with jewelry, high heels, and just the right shade of lipstick to pull it all together. There is no doubt she is giving styling tips in Heaven!

Barb is survived by her daughter, Billie (Dave) Whitmarsh of Bellevue, NE and their children, Leigh Ann (David Driggers) Whitmarsh and JD Whitmarsh; son, Rusk (Eileen) South of Bellevue, NE and their children, Shawna, Rusky and Ryan South; and dear friends, Roya and Jim.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Ione Hollenbeck; husband, Billy; and brother, Dick Hollenbeck.

Visitation with the family present will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 23rd at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The service at the funeral home will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by end of day Saturday.

Burial will be in SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Atlantic.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Barb’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.