Barbara Ellen Roberts Lundell

Born to Jay and Gertrude Roberts, Barbara Ellen Roberts Lundell passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, under the care of Kittson County Hospice and Nursing Home, surrounded by her family.

Barbara grew up in the hills of Montana as a rancher’s daughter, where she developed a strong work ethic and a love for the beauty of nature. She pursued Christian Education at Saint Paul Bible College, where she met the love of her life, Oliver Lundell. The two were married on August 26, 1954, and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and commitment. 

A devoted homemaker, Barbara was well known for her gift of hospitality. She welcomed many guests into their home on the farm east of Kennedy, where her cooking and hosting created cherished memories. In addition to her talents in the kitchen, Barbara was an accomplished artist, enjoying watercolor and acrylic painting. She was also a skilled quilter, creating beautiful, intricate quilts for her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews – masterpieces that will continue to be treasured by her family for generations. 

Barbara and Oliver loved to travel, exploring Europe together and enjoying RV trips across Canada and the United States. Winters spent in Arizona brought them joy and relaxation.

A faithful servant of Christ, Barbara taught preschool Sunday School for over 30 years and was a dedicated Pioneer Girls leader and Awana Cubbies teacher. She also served on the Red River Valley District Covenant Women’s Ministry board for several years. Her spiritual legacy was marked by her devotion to reading the Bible. She completed reading the entire Bible every year, and when she could no longer read, she faithfully listened to it. Her profound faith, hope, and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ will live on through her family and all those she touched.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Oliver Lundell; her children, Jay (Mary) Lundell of Gillette, Wyoming, and Janelle (Phillip) Bengtson of Kennedy, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Mark) Tangquist of Moorhead, Minnesota, Erica (Rustin) Hildebrand of Stonewall, Manitoba, Micah (Tressa) Bengtson of Moorhead, Minnesota, Jordan (fiancée Katie) Bengtson of Kennedy, Maiya (Travis) Carlson of Honolulu, Hawaii, Christie (Marty) Miller of Colorado, and David Lundell of Gillette, Wyoming; her 14 great-grandchildren; her sister, Adele Roberts Trier of Goodyear, Arizona; her brother, David Jay Roberts of Lambert, Montana; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Gertrude Roberts, and her brother, Eugene Roberts.

Barbara will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service for Barbara will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kennedy Covenant Church. Visitation will be held at the church for an hour before the service. Interment will be in Jupiter Community Cemetery, Kennedy, Minnesota. Arrangements are being handled by Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock.