Obituary: Barbara Swanson

Barbara Swanson

West Fargo, N.D.

Barbara A. Swanson, 76, of West Fargo, N.D. passed away August 9, 2021 at Sanford Fargo Hospice House, surrounded by her family, after nearly three years living with pancreatic cancer. She was an inspiration to all who witnessed her positive attitude, humor, and strong faith in God throughout life's challenges.

Funeral service was held on Monday, August 16, 2021 in Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, N.D. Burial was held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Augustana Lutheran Cemetery in rural Sheyenne, N.D.

Barbara Ann Moore was born April 3, 1945 to parents George and Mildred (Nelson) Moore in Maddock, N.D. As an infant, the family moved to New Rockford, N.D., where she grew up, graduating from New Rockford High School in 1963. She graduated from Valley City State College in 1969.

On April 16, 1966, Barb married Dan Undem, and two daughters were born to this union. They lived in Leal and Rogers, N.D. Later, she and the girls moved to Valley City where she worked at Municipal Utilities and the Chamber of Commerce. On February 21, 1976, Barb married Gordon Swanson. They lived in Tower City, and then moved to West Fargo in 1978.

Barb's excellent phone and people skills served her well. For many years, she was a Hotline (now First Link) volunteer, answering phone calls from people in crisis and providing them with resources, a listening ear, and friendly voice. She also phoned farmers and ranchers around the state conducting surveys for N.D. Ag Statistics for about 33 years, the last few years as a supervisor. She enjoyed talking to them and connected with nearly everyone. Barb also worked in Walmart's jewelry department for 22 years, retiring in March 2016. She enjoyed meeting customers and was sought after to replace watch batteries.

Barb loved music and performed in high school, college, church choirs, VCSC's EBC Hit Parade, and the Son's Trio. In her high school and college bands, she was a percussionist, specializing in the timpani. If you wanted to know an old song or church hymn, no matter how obscure, she probably knew all the words and would sing it for you. She also loved movies (especially old or WWII), flower gardening, watching birds, driving around to look at landscaping, Christmas decorations, and wildlife (especially deer and bison), playing cards, reading, going to the lakes, and the color pink.

During high school and college, Barb was a cheerleader and lifeguard. She was her daughters' cheerleader in their athletic, musical, and academic events. She also enjoyed watching the Class A and B state tournaments, Minnesota Twins and Vikings, VCSU and NDSU athletics, especially "coaching" Bison football games.

Barb is survived by her daughters Lisa Undem and Danelle "Nellie" (Jim) Walker; her "baby" Georgie Girl (Siamese cat); close friend and ex-husband Gordon Swanson and his sons, Timothy (Susan) and Michael (Cyndie), and their families; sisters Gayle Moore-Morrans and Doreen (Dave) Green; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother George Jr.; and ex-husband Dan Undem.

Barb's family extends their appreciation to the caring staff at Ethos Home Care and Sanfords' hospitals, Hospice House, and Roger Maris Cancer Center, especially Dr. Mahendra Gupta.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Roger Maris Cancer Center, Sanford Fargo Hospice House, Faith Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by West Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center of West Fargo, N.D.