Carol Ann (Brown) Ziebarth, 87, of Scranton, ND, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on April 16, 2026, at the Southwest Healthcare Long‑Term Care Center in Bowman, ND.
Carol Ann was born to Herbert and Louise Brown on August 11, 1938, the fourth of nine children. When asked about her childhood, she often spoke with humor and fondness—of long stockings, hand‑me‑downs, and spiral curls that “got in my way.” Her favorite memories included riding horse, 4‑H, skating parties, church picnics at Cave Hills, and hiking to the Ziebarth farm. These early years shaped her love of family, community, and the simple blessings God provides.
Carol graduated from Scranton High School as Salutatorian and trained as a CNA in Hettinger, ND. She often talked about how fulfilling that work was to her. Caring for others came naturally to Carol, and she lived out her faith through a lifetime of service. She was an active church member where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served with a willing heart.
On October 6,1957, Carol married Sylvester “Silver” Arthur Ziebarth. Childhood friendship grew into a marriage that lasted 65 years, grounded in faith, trust, and hard work. Life on the Ziebarth family farm made their home a gathering place for family and friends. Pinochle parties filled the house, Sunday chicken dinners were a tradition, caramel rolls her specialty. Many nieces and nephews spent summers there, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. Silver invited; Carol cooked; and the round kitchen table always had room for one more.
Carol worked in the fields, helped care for the cattle and devoted herself to raising her family. Wherever life took them, Carol had a gift for making any place feel like home.
In 1994, Carol and Silver moved to Laurel, Montana, where they operated a small construction company. During their 24 years in Montana, their Christian faith deepened as they ministered to inmates at the Deer Lodge State Prison and the Montana Women’s Prison. They introduced many to the Lord and mentored them as they returned to life outside prison. They also served as team leaders and directors for Via de Cristo, inviting many friends into a deeper walk with Christ.
Carol treasured the many lasting friendships she made through her life. She delighted in her growing family—five children, fifteen grandchildren, and twenty- three great‑grandchildren—and looked forward to each new arrival. She attended countless activities, and each grandchild felt her love, pride, and encouragement.
In 2019, Carol and Silver moved back to Scranton. After Silver’s passing in 2022 and as her health declined, Carol moved to Western Horizons Assisted Living in Hettinger in 2024, and later to Southwest Healthcare Long‑Term Care Center in Bowman in 2025. She became very attached to the staff who cared for her, and the family is deeply grateful for their kindness and compassion.
Carol will always be admired for her gentle ways, gracious spirit, and steadfast faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and quiet strength. Though she will be deeply missed, we rejoice knowing she is now reunited with Silver and resting in the eternal peace of her Savior.
Carol is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, siblings Duane, Verlin, Gary and her great grandson Logan Fried. She is survived by siblings Marlene Mrnak, Sharon Bliss, Shirley Clemmons, Jeanette Nelson and Marvin Brown; children Nola (Roy) Horvey, Paula (Steve) Kildahl, Mona (Laverne) Teske, Lance (Tracy) Ziebarth, Amy (Jesse) Smyle.
Grandchildren – Kimberly Honeyman (Bart), Sharli Ziebarth Swinehart (Tim), Kalyn Horvey, Tera Fried (Mike), Kelly McKitrick (James), Lea Doerr (Lucas), Kyla Fisher (Jordan), Macy Burke (Alex), Josie Smyle (Chandler Braaten), Ellie Kildahl (Javon DeGrand), AnnaGrace Ziebarth, Ian Ziebarth (Gabby), Abby Osendorf (Matt), Emma Ziebarth, Brooke Kildahl.
Great-Grandchildren -Raegen Honeyman, Haven Kiner, Greyson Kiner, Jordyn Honeyman,
Natalie Fisher, Camdyn Fried, Macen Honeyman, Klay Fried, Peyton Doerr, Owen Swinehart, Liam McKitrick, Avanah McKitrick, Blakelynne Burke, Sydney Doerr, Gemma Fisher, Jensynn Burke , Rocco Fisher, Jaxen Doerr, Treyton Burke, Huxxon Burke, Lucy Fisher, Ivy Osendorf and baby Osendorf due soon!
Funeral services were held April 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Scranton, N.D.
