Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Oct 20, 2006 - Jan 5, 2026 (Age 19)
I remember meeting Ariana and her sister because I worked with their mom and she was the sweetest little girl anybody could ever imagine always happy, always joyful, always smiling you were took way too soon, but God needed his angel back. I’m so sorry to hear of this. I know you’re going to be the best Angel you can be.
Lillian W
January 15, 2026 | Banning, CA | Coworker
Although I only knew you as a little girl, your smile, your kindness, your love will always be remembered. You are so special and will forever be in my heart! ❤
Sara Braham
January 12, 2026 | Coronado, CA | Friend
I was Arianna's teacher for a time and I remember her warm smile, her positive attitude and her gentle nature. She was a good student and worked hard in class. The world lost a bright light and it is a little bit of a darker place today. But Arianna's memory will shine in our lives and memories forever.
Chris Paganini
January 10, 2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Teacher
The words that been written about u just make me you cry your loss is hurting lots but not a day goes by I won't sit in drive thru thinking of you..God had other plans for you and bigger dreams..keep dancing in the skies and laughing..
Ariana was a beautiful girl her personality of diamonds always got to the right people in a way she never knew..not everyone was engaged in the sensitivity of her mind but once they seen past the dark and the light came through everyone knew she was back...
Kylie yeigh-hussien
January 09, 2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Coworker
T. D.
January 09, 2026 | Omaha, NE
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amanda Williams
January 08, 2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Neighbor
I do not know you, nor your beautiful daughter, but I read what you wrote and I cried. I cannot imagine the pain you are enduring, but please know what you wrote was a tribute of Arianna's legacy. Bless you.
January 08, 2026
Meg,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter. There are no words that can make sense of something so sudden and so profoundly unfair, but I want you to know that you are not alone in this.
Losing a child is a pain no parent should ever have to carry, and my heart aches for you as you walk through this unimaginable grief. Your daughter mattered. She is loved, and she will always be part of you.
Serving with you in the Navy, I came to know your...
Sara Klare
January 07, 2026 | St. Augustine, FL | Military
Even though we weren’t that close I still was very thankful in meeting you that one day at a birthday party, knowing that you have passed I wish we were closer so I could be there to check up on you.
Danica Wingen
January 07, 2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Arianna Barajas, age 19, passed away on January 5, 2026, leaving behind a love beyond measure.
A memorial service honoring Arianna’s life will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Family will be present one hour prior to the service for a time of visitation. Burial will take place at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made directly to them to assist with funeral expenses.
My Dearest Arianna,My sweet girl, my sunshine in my darkest days—you will forever be my baby bear, my first true love.Words are hard to come by right now. The more I think and talk about you, my baby girl, the more this immense pain strikes me down. It feels dark. I see rain pouring, hear the roar of thunder, and then—snap—it strikes me right in my heart. A hole was created, one that will never return to me in this lifetime.
But I have to believe that when my earthly body expires, my soul will return to heaven, and you will be the first person I run to. Endless hugs and kisses. Long walks through Heaven's gardens. The sun will be shining, and there will be no more storms. I will finally be able to breathe again. The piece of me that was missing will return, and my heart will be whole once more. Until I see you again, my sweet girl, I will see you in my dreams and long for the day I can see your beautiful smile, hear your laugh, and embrace your loving hugs.
Just know that not a day will go by that I don't think about you, my baby bear. I hope you know how deeply and endlessly you were loved—and how incredibly proud I am of you. So proud of you. You became the beautiful young woman I always imagined you would be. You were a success, and I truly hope you knew that.
Please forgive me for not being there with you, and that you were all alone. I choose to believe that Jesus was there holding you, giving you the comfort you needed in my place, and that He brought you home when you took your last breath. I know you are finally free from the pain you endured in this lifetime. Don't look back—go enjoy Heaven. We will all be okay.Goodbye for now, my sweet girl, but I will see you later, alligator.
Love always and forever,Your Mama BearP.S. Your bear and blanket are with me—and yes, I am sleeping with them.P.S.S. I will love and take care of Nixie and Jasper forever, so don't worry about them.
To watch the service virtually please use the link listed below:
Heritage Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Arianna's funeral Time: Jan 12, 2026 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/86955732437?pwd=gVqsjd0pm8MyrBbwIiRnVwOTGi4lEW.1
Meeting ID: 869 5573 2437Passcode: 369174
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