Barbara Elser Obituary

Barbara Jean Trueman Elser.

January 12, 1935 – November 24, 2025.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Barbara Elser, 90, who passed away on November 24, 2025. Barbara was born on January 12, 1935, in Butte, Montana to Leslie and Betty Trueman. She was the second of four children, having two sisters and one brother. Barbara was raised in Melrose, Montana by her parents and aunt and uncle, Sam and Elsie Friend until high school. She moved to Silver Star, Montana to attend high school in Twin Bridges, graduating in 1953. It was in Twin Bridges where she met Don Elser. They were married on May 30, 1954 and lived in Elko, Nevada for one year, where Don taught Vo Ag at Elko High School. Don and Barbara moved from Elko for 4 years while Don served in the Air Force. They moved back to Elko where Don and Barbara raised their 4 children. Barbara worked as an office manager for McMullen McFee CPA Accounting firm, in Elko. Her passions were raising her family and spending time with her six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. After retiring, they moved to Sheridan, Montana where they lived for 35 years while raising Quarter Horses. They graciously welcomed their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends for visits and to experience the beautiful state of Montana.

Barbara's advice to living a long, happy life was simple, "Do what you enjoy!" Some of Barbara's favorites: dancing with Don, riding snow mobiles and 4-wheelers, walking on the ocean beach in Aptos, family reunions at Lake Tahoe with children and grandchildren, watching Steph Curry play for the Golden State Warriors, floating the Big Hole River, horseback riding through The Bob Marshall Wilderness, attending FFA National Conventions in Kansas City, camping at Lamoille, becoming a Pioneer member of the Northeastern Nevada Museum, dances at Columbia Gardens, the Hecla mine, attending the National Finals Rodeo, riding in the Highlands with LaMarshes, and visiting Yellowstone Park.

Barbara is survived by son-in-law Rodger Hansford, grandson Timothy Hansford (Darci), granddaughter Christina Bucarey (Ethan). Daughter - Suella Elser Brown (Russell), grandson Casey Brown, (Tasha), grandson Scott Brown. Son - Don Elser (Polly), grandson Brian Elser (Danielle), grandson - Sean Elser (Lauren). Son – Rodney Elser (Stephanie). She was preceded in death by her loving husband Don and daughter Cynthia Elser Hansford.

A celebration of life will be held for Barbara Elser in the summer of 2026. Information and details to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Elko County School District; Attention Don and Barbara Elser Memorial Scholarship Fund, 987 College Ave; Elko, NV 89801.