Lillian M. Moug

Lillian May Moug, 87, of Fargo, went peacefully into the Lord’s hands on February 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on August 27, 1938, in Eckelson, North Dakota, to Joseph and Augusta (Mortenson) O’Brien. Lillian grew up with the strong values of faith, hard work, and family that would guide her through her life. On December 28, 1956, she was united in marriage to Edward David Moug. Together they shared 70 years of marriage.

With an inquisitive mind, Lillian devoted many years working for the United States Department of Agriculture, where she studied worms and other insects. Her passion for entomology, combined with her upbringing on a North Dakota farm, inspired her to create beautiful butterfly gardens at the homes she cherished throughout her life.

Lillian found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, including sewing, gardening, completing crosswords, playing solitaire, working puzzles, reading, baking, and proudly shopping for the best bargains in town. She was practical, steady, and wise.

Lillian placed her family above all else and was always ready to lend a helping hand. She treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking pride in offering guidance, encouragement, and sharing the incredible skills she had learned over a lifetime. Most importantly, she was deeply devoted to her faith and her relationship with the Lord. All who knew her would cherish the memories and love she shared always so generously.

Lillian is survived by her husband, Edward Moug; her children: Terry (Steve) Larsen of Gold Canyon, Arizona; Stephanie (Jeff) Moug of Moorhead, Minnesota; Steve (Robin) Moug of Pasco, Washington; and Rodney (Janie) Moug of Branson, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ailisa (Dean) Ureneck of Maricopa, Arizona; Kimberly (Neil) Hulihan of Tokyo, Japan, David Moug, and Kelly Moug of Branson, Missouri; Jackie Browning of Mesa, Arizona; Justin (Ashli) Moug of Moorhead, Minnesota; Crystal Christenson of Kennewick, Washington, and Danielle Moug of Seattle, Washington; and Audrey Moug, Brandon Moug, Sara Moug, and Lauren Moug, all of Branson, Missouri.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Megan; Greyson; Victoria; Maddison; Boenn, Loreynna, Rowan, and Celeste; Courtney; Jaylyn; Dawnavi, Zachary, Aubrye, Trinity, Elijah, and Emmarie; and Kamryn; and one great-great-grandchild, Willow.

In addition, Lillian is survived by her brothers, Lloyd O’Brien of Chicago, Illinois, and James O’Brien (who joined his sister in eternal rest two days later) of Valley City, North Dakota; her sister, Mary Emke; sisters-in-law, Marie O’Brien and Carolyn O’Brien; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, DuWayne Moug; and her siblings: Joseph (Betty and Margaret), Francis, Charles, Larence, Maurice (Lillie), Louis (Marie), Lucy (Ben), Alice (Alvin), Dale (Carolyn), Dennis (Janet), and Earl.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sanborn, North Dakota.