Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 271707
Title: Barbara J. Olson
Date: 4/4/1961-5/24/2025
Creator:
Inscription/Marks: 4/4/1961
Summary: Barbara Jean Sanders Olson, 64, of Williston, ND, passed away May 24, 2025, at CHI St. Alexius Hospital, with her family and friends by her side. Her funeral service was held May 29, 2025, at Faith United Methodist Church in Williston. Barb was born April 4, 1961 in Minot, ND, to John and Sandra Sanders. She attended Glenburn school until 1973 when her family moved to Williston, where she started 7th grade. On her first day of school, she met her lifelong friends, Cathy, Patti, Deeann and Misti. She graduating with the WHS class of 1979. Barb attended St. Cloud State University for one year, transferring to Moorhead State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1984. Barb was a Development Disabilities Case Manager at Northwest Human Service Center for 21 years as well as a guardian ad litem for 16 years. She was a Right Track Screener for 9 years, Opportunity Foundation for 5 years, and she helped with meals at Briarwood, following her retirement. Barb’s career focused on advocating for children and adults, with passion and dedication felt by those she helped. She was described as an Angel by families she helped through her work. Barb loved her time working in the concession stand at the baseball park and watching Eric play baseball. Barb was a wonderful friend to many. She was a member of Peggy’s Pals/Share the Spirit which has been fundraising for cancer patients for 22 years. On November 10, 1984, Barb married Rick Olson. To their union Libby and Eric were born. Barb also gained a stepdaughter, Nichole. Barb enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, Halle, Madden and Lainey. The joy they brought to her life was evident when she spoke of them. Barb is survived by her children, Libby (Darin) Burau, of Williston, ND, Eric Olson, of Colorado Springs, CO, Nichole Koch, of Williston, ND; brother, Craig Sanders, of Gillette, WY; former husband, Rick Olson; grandchildren, Halle, Madden and Lainey Burau, Salena, Hunter, Sienna and Tanner Koch; sister-in-law, Marilyn Olson; brother-in-law, Ryan Olson; children’s godmother, April Wallner; lifelong friends, Cathy Walsh, Patti Ogurchak, Deeann Long, Misti McMullen and Peggy’s Pals; numerous nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, John and Sandra Sanders; father and mother-in-law, Elvin and Patti Olson; brother-in-law, Brad Olson; and her grandparents.
Red ID: FND_I_79203 Image ID: 529912 Image Notes: FND001 271707

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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