Service Schedule

Visitation
Barbara's visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Williston, ND.

Service
Barbara's Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Faith United Methodist Church in Williston, ND. Pastor Ross Reinhiller will officiate.

The Funeral Service will be recorded and posted as soon as it is available. You can view Barbara's service directly on this page.

Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston, ND is assisting the family.

Please Click Link to Watch Barb's Video Tribute

Barbara Jean Olson
April 4, 1961 - May 24, 2025

Place of Birth: Minot, North Dakota
Residence: Williston, North Dakota
Age: 64

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Barbara Jean Sanders Olson, 64 of Williston passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025 at CHI St. Alexius Hospital, with her family and friends by her side.

Barb was born April 4, 1961 to John and Sandra Sanders. Barb attended Glenburn school until 1973 when her family moved to Williston, here she started 7th grade. On her first day of school, she met her lifelong friends, Cathy, Patti, Deeann and Misti. 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 Gillete 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; son-in-law, Mike Koch; brother-in-law, Brad Olson; sister-in-law, Debby Olson and her grandparents.

Barb’s smile will live on in our hearts forever!

Memorial Contribution

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Share the Spirit/Peggy’s Pals, checks made payable to Share the Spirit, 1322 East Hillcourt, Williston, ND 58801 or Faith United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

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Sue Treider (Williston, ND)
May 24, 2025

Libby and family I am so sorry to hear this May peace be with you all sending hugs and prayers. RIP Barb fly high my dear!!

Jeanne Buschta (Williston )
May 24, 2025

Barb was our neighbor and she was so kind. It seemed like we were friends from the time we met. Barb was a good listener, always letting me know that she would do whatever she could for me! I will miss her. My sympathies to hall of Barb’s family.

Joni Andre (Williston, ND)
May 24, 2025

Craig, Libby, Eric and family,
It is sad to lose Barb but now she can rest in peace and no have pain. We loved Barb so much. We will treasure the wonderful memories we share.

Jeanne Knudsvig
May 25, 2025

My prayers & thoughts are with all Barbs family & friends ! Heaven gained a beautiful angel will miss you dearly! Keep her memories close to your hearts to help you through the days ahead...

Sincere sympathy
Jeanne Knudsvig
Bonnie Smith

Michelle Woodard (Columbia Falls, Montana)
May 25, 2025

Barb was always smiling and full of energy! A beautiful person inside and out! Her friend group will surely miss her. Prayers for her family and friends.

Monica Haskin (Williston , ND)
May 25, 2025

To all of Barbs family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. She will be sadly missed by alot of people. I met her when she just finished H. S. She had the most beautiful smile, even though she never showed ANY pain or discomfort, or bad times. I have NEVER seen her without a smile. Barb, now you are at peace. Remember all your memories and cherish them all.

RIP and Fly High, let all your family and close friends feel that you arei free, she’s soaring through skies and watching over her loved ones. You all have a very special angel with you at all times.

Rhonda (Larsen) Gilbert (Williston , ND)
May 25, 2025

My prayers to the family Libby Eric and Nicole she will be missed. Lot of friends will miss her too. Glad her suffering is done. She is in her family's arms and God will hold her now. Much too young to leave

Sam Seaton (Billings, Montana )
May 25, 2025

Pray for peace in Libby Nichole Eric and Rick Oh my heart is heavy. Barb Patti Misty and Deeann.
Love and prayers.

Melanie Vennes Eller (Lowell, IN)
May 25, 2025

Condolences to Barb's family. I remember Barb moving to Williston. We were both in the Clarinet section of the Junior High band. Barb rocked those silly Navy jeans which we had to wear on Band Day.

Karen Fixen-Bercier (Williston, ND)
May 25, 2025

To the Olson family,
Barb and I went to high school together. She was always so kind and friendly to everyone. Her smile lit up the room. I am so sorry for your loss.
Karen Bercier

Shirley Fender
May 26, 2025

To all of Barb's family- I am so sorry for your loss, she was an amazing person and always had a smile and laugh readily available when we talked. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Fly high my friend!

Val Gorder Trumpower
May 26, 2025

I saw Barb a few months ago and this beautiful lady was smiling her same smile. Barb was a wonderful gal who will be greatly missed by many.

Tammy Booke (Williston, ND)
May 26, 2025

My heart is so sad and the tears come too easily - Barb and I struck up a conversation the first week I started at NW Human Services in 1991, and we never stopped. We so enjoyed working together years later in the same unit and we thrived as a team. Barb was amazingly kind and thoughtful during my husband's illness and death - even arranging our daughter's graduation reception. If there was a need, Barb and her kind heart were there. She was everything rolled into one person to have justly earned the title of "a perfect friend", and all without trying. She was a brilliant beautiful smile, kind words, wonderful listening ear and had a heart bigger than her body. She hated being ill, hated it - it does lighten my heart a little to know she is at peace and watching over all her family and friends. Thank you for being you, Barb - you are so loved!

Perry Smith (Bismarck)
May 26, 2025

Many of us worked with Barb many years ago when we had a PAMIDA. Barb was so much fun to work with. Saw her on and off after that and she was always the the same Barb, always with a big smile on her face and always happy to see you. Thoughts and Prayers are out to Barbs family.and friends.

Peggy Sundby (Williston , ND)
May 26, 2025

Libby, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Thinking of you during this time. Prayers for you and your family.

Linda Stevens (EPPING, ND, North Dakota)
May 27, 2025

I first met Barb when she worked at NWHSC. I always loved visiting with her. She had a great sense of humor and was one of the nicest people I know. She will be missed. Her family is in my thoughts and my prayers.

Janel Lorentz (McGregor, ND)
May 27, 2025

Libby & family, I am so sorry for your
Loss! My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Steve Helstad (Grand Forks, N.D.)
May 27, 2025

Sorry to hear of Barbs passing, have known the family since they moved to Williston years ago. R.I.P. BARB

Jane Urbatsch (Williston, ND)
May 27, 2025

So very sorry to hear about Barb, she was such a sweet person, I babysat for Eric and Libby so got to see Barb and her smiling face quite often. You can rest with the angels now Barb

Pam Kennedy-Schneider (Bismarck , ND)
May 27, 2025

I was blessed to run into Barb a couple of years ago when she was in Bismarck with Libby & Barb’s very loved grandchildren. Barb had her usual big, beautiful Barb smile for me and we exchanged many hugs. She introduced me to her beautiful daughter & adorable grandchild. When I left her she just brightened my whole rest of the day. That was Barb. May Barb’s love & memories comfort everyone that loves her.

Wendy and Dave Ellingson (Minot, ND)
May 27, 2025

Craig, Libby, and family- sending condolences and hugs to each of you. Barb was such a beautiful person and so proud of her family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Darin & Amy Krueger (Williston , ND)
May 27, 2025

Thoughts and Prayers to the Olson family.

Jeanne Smith Knudsvig , Bonnie Smith
May 28, 2025

Our prayers & thoughts are with all Barb's family & friends. She will be dearly missed by all of us. Class of 1979 keep her memories close to your hearts to help us through the days ahead... fly high my friend...

Sincere sympathy
Jeanne & Bonnie

Leon Helstad (Trout Creek, MT)
May 28, 2025

Very very sorry to hear this. Loved Barb

Debbie Williams (Williston, ND)
May 28, 2025

My thoughts and prayers to Barbs family and friends, I am very sorry for your loss. Barb was a positive influence on my daughter Nichole’s life, and she became a friend to me. We are fortunate to have had her in our lives, she will be missed

Jim & Yolanda Fransen (Queen Creek, AZ)
May 28, 2025

We were sorry to hear of Barb's passing. We met Barb when she was our daughter, Jamie's case manager. She was so upbeat and had a great smile. She loved Jamie and Jamie loved her. She was so good to my mother when she was at Briarwood. She will be missed.

Bonnie Cunningham (Williston, ND)
May 28, 2025

Heaven gained a beautiful angel..... Will miss you my friend and your amazing smile that lights up any room. RIP
Libby, Eric, Nichole, Rick, family and friend's, I am so sorry for your loss.

Nancy & Jeff Vickers (Williston, ND)
May 28, 2025

To Barb’s Family
So sad to hear about Barb’s passing. Glad we knew Barb in those earlier years. Prayers for all of you. Rest in peace Barb. You will be missed and not forgotten.

Bindes (Williston, ND)
May 29, 2025

Barb was one of those truly beautiful people—inside and out. I had the pleasure of working beside her and she was so good to everyone. I pray your many memories provide you joy and comfort. God bless, Duane and Kathy Binde

Can and Sally Bakken (BELLINGHAM, Washington)
May 29, 2025

While we could not be there ourselves, we joined you online for the beautiful service and are there in spirit with you. We send you all love and healing. Barb was indeed a special person to us.
Ken and Sally

Lacey Dixon
May 29, 2025

Libby and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been thinking about you all week. Sending hugs and prayers.

Nancy & Jeff Vickers (Williston, ND)
May 29, 2025

To Barb’s Family
So sad to hear about Barb’s passing. Glad we knew Barb in those earlier years. Prayers for all of you. Rest in peace Barb. You will be missed and not forgotten.

Mark and Cathy Kruse (Williston , ND)
May 29, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Barb was a wonderful lady.

Fern Leier (Napa, CA)
May 29, 2025

My most heartfelt condolences to everyone who loved and knew Barb! I wish I could have been there to say a final goodbye, but I guess I did that a few months ago when we talked on the phone. We basically said our goodbyes as she told me she didn’t have much time left. We shared “I love yous” and we were both smiling. I am so grateful for that.
I will never forget Barb, her heart, her soul, her love, her passion, her greatness and that smile! I loved her so much and my heart aches… What a beautiful lady…..she was a gift to every one who knew her.
Love to all,
Fern

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