Barbara Ann Mattson (1941–2026)

STURGIS, SD — Barbara Ann Mattson, 84, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Muley Hill Lodge at 20829 Mattson Lane, located just outside of Deadwood.

Early Life and Education

Barb was born in Deadwood on December 17, 1941, to Frank and Ruth (Clarke) Rachetto. She grew up working hard on the family dairy farm in Boulder Canyon. After graduating from Deadwood High School in 1959, she pursued her passion for helping others by attending St. John’s McNamara Nursing School in Rapid City.

A Life of Service and Adventure

On September 2, 1960, Barb married the love of her life, Jon Mattson. Together, they embarked on a journey that took them across Colorado and South Dakota as Jon pursued his education. Barb dedicated herself to nursing, working in hospitals in Durango and Gunnison, Colorado, and later in Yankton and Vermillion, South Dakota.

The couple eventually returned home to the family dairy farm in Boulder Canyon. Barb continued her nursing career at hospitals in Deadwood and Rapid City while balancing the daily demands of ranch life.

Beyond nursing, Barb was a vibrant entrepreneur and dedicated civic leader. For over 20 years, she owned and operated the Deer Mountain Ski Area. She also owned the Lucky Wrangler Casino in Deadwood for several years. Deeply invested in her community, Barb served as a Lawrence County Commissioner and as a member of the Lawrence County Planning and Zoning Commission. She was also a proud supporter of local history, actively staging the annual Day of '76 celebration and riding side-saddle in the historic parade. Jon and Barb were long time members of the First Lutheran Church in Lead. In 2013 Barb and Jon moved to their rural Sturgis home just over Sly Hill.

Family and Legacy

Barb is survived by her devoted husband, Jon Mattson of Sturgis; her daughter, Cherie (Rusty) Kluender of Arcadia, NE; her two sons, Jay (Melinda) Mattson and Jimmy

Mattson, both of Sturgis; six grandchildren, Clay, Kendra, Caleb, Bodie, Brett, and Asher; and several beloved great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ruth Rachetto, and her brother, Jerry Rachetto.