Barbara J. Kjono-Phelps

To join Barbara's family for her Celebration of Life please click on the Livestream link below her obituary on this page.

Barbara Jean Kjono-Phelps passed away peacefully at the age of 76 in Dilworth, MN, on February 28th, 2025.

Barbara was born August 14th, 1948, in Fergus Falls, MN to Roy and Lillian Kjono, the oldest of seven children growing up in Twin Valley, MN. Upon graduating high school in 1966, Barbara attended Minnesota State University in Moorhead, MN, majoring in education. During her time at MSUM, she was an active member of the Delta Zeta Sorority.

Following graduation, Barbara moved to Breckenridge, MN where she began her 30+ year career teaching elementary school at Breckenridge Public Schools. In 1986, she was united in marriage to Richard Phelps and welcomed Anthony Phelps as a stepson. In 1989, she welcomed her daughter Kelsey to the world.

Barbara is remembered as a loving mother, aunt, and teacher. She loved working in her flower beds during the summer and was an avid reader that could often be found at either the Breckenridge or Moorhead Public libraries. Her greatest pride in life are her daughter Kelsey and stepson Anthony and her grandchildren Magnolia (3) and Alexander (8).

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Lillian (Bredeson) Kjono; and her husband, Richard.

She is survived by her stepson, Anthony Phelps (Boston, MA); and daughter, Kelsey Phelps Ronningen (Derby, KS).

The family kindly asks that in lieu of gifts and flowers to please donate to the Hospice of the Red River Valley.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Barbara will begin at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 6, 2025, followed by a Celebration of her Life beginning at 11:00 AM, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)