"I know not all that may be coming,
but be it what it will,
I'll go to it laughing"
- Herman Melville.

Joan Arline Barnhart was born in Flint, MI, on October 17, 1927, to Victor and Letha Barnhart. As a young woman, she met and married her surviving husband of 74 years, Paul Priest, after he returned from serving in World War II. She enjoyed cheering him on in the auto races after the war.
She was a dedicated mother who loved camping, fishing and traveling. She served her community as a Girl and Boy Scout leader, Special Olympics volunteer and, later in life, as a foster parent of 12 years to children with special needs. Judy was often recognized for her amazing sense of humor. Whether it was belting out the lyrics to the "Sound of Music" or calling you "Pilgrim" in her best John Wayne voice, she brought sunshine into every situation.
She was also very young at heart. She would be the first to take her kids on a bike ride, take them on playing Atari 2600, and challenge them in cards and board games. She worked at Walmart as a greeter and baker for 15 years into her 80s. She also had a kind heart for animals whether it was rescuing a gerbil from being "plunged" in the backyard, to raising multiple Great Danes and other pets over her lifetime. She was an amazing woman who could find humor in whatever life threw at her.
Joan "Judy" Priest, age 91, Box Elder, died on Sunday, January 27, 2019, surrounded by family.
Judy is survived by her husband of 74 years, Paul; her three children, Lillie (Richard) Pendleton, Tom (Mona) Priest, and Jason (Cyndi) Priest; 8 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of Judy's life on Thursday, January 31. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, 1235 Junction Avenue, Sturgis, SD. A short service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr, Sturgis, SD.