Barbara Ann Olson

Once upon a time in the town of Des Moines Iowa, Betty Anderson gave birth to a baby girl and named her Barbara Ann. Barbara was born on July 21, 1954. At the age of 3 she moved to Omaha, Nebraska with her family. In her younger years, she spent time visiting her grandpa and grandma in Creston, Iowa. In 1967, Barbara and her parents moved to Fargo, ND. She attended school at Ben Franklin Junior High and graduated from Fargo North High School in 1972. She worked at various jobs until she started college at NDSU in 1979. While attending NDSU, she met the love of her life. Barb and David Olson were married on August 27, 1983 at St. Peters Lutheran church in rural Audubon, Minnesota. Barb transferred to MSU and graduated from there in 1986 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Their son Jason was born in 1986 and their daughter Amy was born in 1988. Barb had a special gift of working with children for most of her adult life, in a variety of settings. Some of her favorite hobbies were designing jewelry, creating greeting cards, playing piano, and attending concerts. She also loved to camp with her family, which they would do every summer in Chippewa National Forest. Faith played a huge role in her life. She attended BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) for many years and made many lifelong friends. Barb was an outgoing and friendly person who was always the life of the party. She made an impact on anyone that knew her. The birth of her granddaughter was one of the greatest joys of her life. Barb passed away on December 23, 2022 at the age of 68, after a 4-year battle with cancer.

Barb was preceded in death by her father Lloyd “Andy” Anderson and her grandparents. She is survived by her mother Betty, husband Dave, son Jason, daughter Amy (Kyle) Wagers and her granddaughter Lyanna.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amit Panwalker and everyone at Roger Maris Cancer Center for the wonderful care she received while she was there. We would also like to thank Sandford Hospice for making her last days comfortable.

Barb has a couple requests for her service; she wants humor and for everyone to wear colorful clothing.

Visitation will be held at the Wright Funeral home in Moorhead on Thursday, December 29 from 5:00-7:00 pm. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 P.M.

Funeral will be at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo on Friday, December 30 at 1:00 pm.