Florence Lydia Buth

Florence Lydia (Kiefert) Buth, 88, of Barnesville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, while under the compassionate care of Sanford Hospice.

Florence was born on October 6, 1937, in Marion, North Dakota, to Leo and Pearl (Liebing) Kiefert. She was one of eleven children. As a young girl, her family lived in Lisbon, North Dakota, before later settling in Menahga, Minnesota.

Florence worked as a caregiver on a farm in Wilkin County, where she met the love of her life, Arnold Buth. They were married in 1959 and welcomed four children, building a life centered on family, hard work, and love in rural Rothsay, Minnesota.

Those who knew Florence knew she was happiest when creating, exploring, or spending time with family. She was a gifted self-taught artist whose beautiful nature and wildlife paintings filled her home and the homes of those she loved. She also enjoyed quilting, creating handmade pieces that will be treasured for generations.

Florence had a deep appreciation for God’s creation and loved exploring Minnesota’s backroads and state parks, especially watching buffalo calves, migrating birds, and the beauty of every changing season. Whether it was a scenic drive or a quiet evening around a bonfire, she found joy in life’s simple moments.

She also enjoyed trying her luck at casinos, playing cards, dice, and board games with family, and relaxing with her favorite game shows and outdoor documentaries, often with her beloved companion, Kitty, curled up beside her. Every holiday season, family eagerly looked forward to her homemade oatmeal candy, a tradition that became a favorite for many.

Above all, Florence treasured her family and the time they spent together, creating countless, lasting memories.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Cindy Blair (Rothsay, MN), Steven (Susan) Buth (Moorhead, MN), Bradley (Wendy) Buth (Moorhead, MN), and Linda Buth (Fargo, ND); her grandchildren: Jessi Lehn, Elise (Kyle) Christenson, Kami (John) Schauer, Kelly (Corey) Allen, Joshua Olthoff, Jeremy Olthoff, Jennifer (Asa) Burck, Morgan (David) Buth-Dobis; and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Verla (Raymond) Putnam of Otsego, MN, and Claris (Dick) Krohn of Grasston, MN; her brother, Marlin (Liz) Kiefert of Glencoe, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; her parents; her brothers, Ned, Orlin, Myren, Arnold, Harold, and Fred (infant); her sister, Lois Nordick; her son-in-law, Gary Blair, and great-grandson, Landon.

A family graveside burial service will be held this fall at Riverside Cemetery in Breckenridge, Minnesota.