Barbara Ellison

Barbara Ellison, Age 90 of Herman, MN passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Barbara Ann Ellison was born on July 16, 1935, in Herman, MN. She was the seventh of eight children born to Earl and Mary Newberger. She married Edward Ellison on April 14, 1955. Barb completed her associates degree at Moorhead State in 1955. After college, Barb and Ed moved to the family farm established by Ed’s grandparents in 1903. The couple had four children: Jane, Dan, Mark and Bruce.

The young couple worked hard to make the 1880’s farmhouse comfortable for their growing family. Being a “city girl” from the big town of Herman, Barb taught herself how to cook, bake, can, garden and all the skills needed for life on the farm.

Barb was multi-talented and creative. The piano was her passion and extraordinary talent. She was a very good pianist and a longtime organist at St. Charles Catholic Church. She was a 4-H leader and is fondly remembered for directing a spectacular production of Puff the Magic Dragon. For many years, she produced media presentations for local graduations and community events.

Barb was a lifelong member of St. Charles Catholic Church and volunteered her time freely. She was a talented investor and a member of two investment clubs. She was also active in local organizations and leadership groups.

We had dogs, even though she didn’t like dogs. Today, when the four kids are together, we still have fun “remember when” conversations about our dogs. Of course, we went to school, and Mom ended up spending more time with them than we did.

Barb’s family was very important and she enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also had a large extended family of siblings, in-laws, cousins, step grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Barb is survived by her children Jane of St. Paul, MN, Dan (Cindy) of Herman, MN, Mark (Lori) of Elbow Lake, MN, and Bruce of Mandan, ND; 6 grandchildren: Grant (Liz) Ellison of Bozeman, MT, Michael (Kierstin) Ellison of West Fargo, ND, Kecia (Austin) Joritz of West Fargo, ND, Evan(Erika) Ellison of Cambridge, England, Ross Ellison of Norcross, MN, Spencer (Alexis) Ellison of Elbow Lake, MN; five great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Sharon Cadwell of Rochester, MN and Janet Ellison of Alexandria, MN; and brother in-law Richard Bowden of St. Cloud, MN; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Edward, daughter-in-law Donna Ellison, parents Earl and Mary Newberger, three brothers and four sisters.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church in Herman at 10:30 on Friday, January 16 with visitation one hour prior. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Herman Community Center following the services.