Barbara Jean Brand passed away at home on January 18th, 2013 surrounded by family, friends, and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Barb was born on June 19th, 1952 in Valley City, ND to Arlene and Douglas Larson. She grew up and attended school in Valley City. She graduated from Valley City High School in 1970 and from Valley City State University in 1974 with a degree in Education. After college she had various different jobs. One of which was a teaching job in Bird Island, MN where she met her husband Michael Brand. Barb and Mike were married on December 27, 1975. Together they made their home in Valley City, ND and had two children.