Barbara Carol Tveten

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Carol Tveten, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, who peacefully departed from this world on May 22, 2024, at the age of 87.

Barbara was born on June 4, 1936, in Wolf Point, Montana. She grew up alongside her brothers, Wayne, Bill, and Gene, and graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1954. Pursuing her passion for education and music, Barbara attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where she graduated in 1958. Her dedication to learning and teaching shaped her career as an elementary teacher, where she touched countless young lives with patience, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her students.

On August 9, 1958, Barbara married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Lawrence (Larry) Tveten. Their union was a testament to enduring love and partnership, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and travel. Together they had two sons, Douglas born on February 15,1960 and Peter on September 18, 1970. Barbara often accompanied Larry on business trips and together they traveled and vacationed through many fantastic locations including France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, Mexico, and many others.

Barbara was not only an exceptional teacher but also possessed a beautiful alto voice. Her singing brought joy to many, and she often performed solos at her church. Barbara sang all throughout high school and college. She was a member of the Bach Society in Minneapolis MN, the Tampa Bay Oratorio in Tampa FL, and the Dale Warland Singers in St Paul MN. Her voice was a source of comfort and inspiration, reflecting her inner grace and strength.

While living in Florida, Barbara became a Mary Kay Director. She used her executive abilities to recruit, train and motivate her group of women in the use and sales of the Mary Kay products. She proudly drove the pink car that she earned during her time with Mary Kay. Barbara’s son Peter, who was 10 years old at the time, was less than thrilled being chauffeured to school in a pink car and would often try to dodge being seen.

Barbara had a strong Christian faith and was the Children’s Music Director at the Lutheran churches she and Larry belonged to in the various states they lived. She also served as Congregational President at St Philip Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Minnesota.

When living in the Twin Cities, Barbara worked with one of her close friends to bring the Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) to the Twin Cities together with influential leaders, government officials, fellow believers, and the St Olaf Choir. All these group participated in a conference dedicated to improving our world. As a result, the LVC is still active in delivering results there.

In retirement, Barbara and Larry enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren and traveling between their homes in Treasure Island Florida, Chandler Arizona, and the home they designed and built in the beautiful Swan Valley of Western Montana.

Barbara’s life was a melody of dedication, compassion, and love. She took everything day by day and felt that every day should be meaningful and enjoyable. She was a consummate hostess and she loved to visit family and friends and entertain. Family was everything to Barbara, and her grandchildren Taylor, Chloe and Christian were the apple of her eye. She loved her daughters in law Marla and Cathleen and her many nieces and nephews, and they all loved her. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Larry Tveten, her sons Doug and Peter, her grandchildren, and a legacy of love and kindness. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Berenice Hanson, and her brothers, Wayne, Bill and Gene.

There will be a private family gathering in Barbara’s honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Barbara’s honor to Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix) or Phoenix Children’s Hospital.