Barbara M Burley

Barbara M. Burley died at Elim Health Care of Fargo, at the wonderful age of 102, on Monday, January 12, 2026. She was surrounded by her family and caregivers, from Elim and HIA Hospice. She was born on January 19, 1923, on the family farm at Mapleton, ND, the daughter of Paul and Emilie Lisburg. She attended school in Mapleton and West Fargo.

She married Gale Burley on April 8, 1942. The couple farmed at Gardner, ND and also worked for the US Department of Agriculture. After Gale’s death in 1960, Barbara continued to manage the family farm and raise their ten children.

She was an active member of St. Williams Catholic Church at Argusville, ND, where she directed the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine program. She worked on the Gardner Township Election Board as a proud Democrat. In 1970, she was employed by Cass County Social Services as a Homemaker, providing support services for the disadvantaged, elderly, and people with physical disabilities.

Barbara moved to Fargo in 1974. She became an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, grew roses, played cards, and opened her doors to grandchildren needing a place to stay after school and while attending college. Eventually, she lived at Heritage House in Fargo, where she was known for her baking, crocheting, and sharing books with friends and neighbors. She moved to Kinder Care of West Fargo in 2019, where she became famous for her hand crocheted GO BISON clothes hangers. At Kinder Care, she met some of the best friends of her life, including residents, caregivers, and a big dog named Lockie.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Gale, sons Scott (Kathy) and Steven (Mary Ann) Burley, her sons-in-law, Robert (Karen) Westrick, Merlyn (Angela) Heller, and James (Therese) Sannes, and grandsons, Corby Heller, Jesse and Eric (Melissa) Burley.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen (Robert) Westrick, Angela (Merlyn) Heller, Therese (James) Harrington, and Barbara (Eric) Olerud, her sons, Donald (Donna), Roger (Susan), Bernie (Ardys), and James (Barbara) Burley. Barbara leaves well over 50 beloved grandchildren.

Visitation and Rosary will begin at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Williams Catholic Church of Argusville. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at Holy Cross (N) Cemetery following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Northern Cass Dollars for Scholars/Burley Memorial Fund or the St. Williams Building Maintenance Fund.