Barbara Joan (Severson) Cousins, passed away at the Jacobson Memorial Care Center, Elgin where she was lovingly cared for until her passing on August 13, 2023. Barbara’s Celebration of Life Service will be at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Hillside Baptist Church, Dickinson with Pastor Rob Grunden officiating. Inurnment will take place at Hettinger Cemetery, Hettinger.
Barbara Joan Severson was born to Stanley and Ruth (Austad) Severson on July 10, 1951 in Hettinger. She was raised and educated in the Hettinger area. Barbara went on to complete her LPN Education in the early 70’s and also completed her EMT course in 1982. She worked as an LPN for many years and later worked in home health. She lived in various places over the years which included Hettinger, Dickinson, West Fargo, Virginia Beach, VA, and Dahlgren, VA. She eventually moved back to Dickinson and even spent a short time in Arizona.
In the 1980’s she was in a bowling league. Barbara volunteered as an Awana teacher at Hillside Baptist Church for a number of years. She enjoyed gardening, she loved her plants and it didn’t matter where she lived. She always had plants in the house and a beautiful flower bed outside. She also enjoyed crafting, going to rummage sales, watching TV, and especially loved her fur babies, who did not lack attention and brought her much joy. One of her greatest joys was talking to and hearing all about her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Barb touched so many lives and had so many friends, we’re convinced she never met a stranger because of her ability to connect with people right away. Her phone calls, letters, cards, and hugs will be dearly missed.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Tanya Rustan (Ben) Balkcom and their children Justin; and grandchildren, Logan and Analiese; Dezaray, Sylvia, and Emily. Allison Rustan Bland and her children, Daejaun and his wife Katie; and grandchildren, Carmelo and Alyanna; son, Dezmond. Sister, Diane (Archie) Wolf and their children, Scott and Bea, Marc and Anne and families; brother, Pat (Guanghua) Severson and families; aunt, Doris (Severson) Christman and her children and families.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Tiarah Bland.
