Mary Barth

Mary Ellen Barth, 91, of Mandan, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Miller Pointe, Mandan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 30, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Joshua Waltz as celebrant. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 7:00 PM.

Mary was born on May 13, 1931, the daughter of Jacob and Minnie (Kautzman) Ferderer.  She attended rural elementary school and always dreamed of going to high school.  She would say, “when she grows up, she wants to be a stewardess”. 

At a rural weekend dance, her future husband asked her to dance.  After stepping on her toes, their fate was set.  June 18th, 1951, began early with milking cows, rosary, and a wedding mass at 10am, she married Ottmar C. Barth and together they raised five children and celebrated 71 years of marriage.  Mom’s advice for marriage, “No secret, just work together”; Dad’s advice, “Just one day at a time”.

They moved to Mandan and raised their family.  Mom, always one to stay busy, worked for many years as the manager of Dairy Queen, Bismarck, Fairfield Inn, and The Bridal Shop, where she enjoyed helping brides and working alongside her daughter-in-law, Linda. Mom and Dad volunteered at St. Alexius Hospital and many events at the Civic Center and ND Game and Fish.

Mom enjoyed many activities including knitting and crocheting.  The family received many treasured Afghans, baby blankets and dollies.  Ceramics was a winter hobby with each family receiving a ceramic Christmas tree or a nativity scene.  She was an avid walker and enjoyed many walks around town.  She loved to garden and would insist that her garden be tilled early so that potatoes could be planted by Good Friday.  She canned many jars of pickles each year and her pickle recipe is still used by family members.

Mom enjoyed spending time with her family.  Family holiday gatherings always included many homemade dishes.  Her homemade buns were a favorite staple.  She would never sit down to eat until each dish was passed around twice.  Her traditional Christmas Cookies were loved by many.  Christmas cookie baking day was a full day event with Mom rolling the dough because no one else would do it right.

Her and Dad enjoyed many years traveling with friends and family.  Mom was always up for an adventure.

She will be greatly missed by her husband of 71 years, Ottmar; children, Ron (Linda) Barth, Colleen (Gordy) Knoll, Randy (Pam) Barth and Carol (Brendan) Ternes; eight grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; three sisters-in-law and brother, Ernie (Linda) Ferderer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia Bullinger; her parents; and siblings, John Ferderer and Kathleen Himmelspach.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Miller Pointe for their loving care for Mom and appreciating her sense of humor.