Burial for Shannon will be on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm and the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, rural Rhame.   A time of gathering will follow Shannon's burial at the Waterhole Bar in Rhame

Shannon tragically left us on July 16, 2025. Born to Norman Barth and Carol Wald on October 22, 1969, she grew up alongside her two siblings, Mike and Renae. Mike, the older protective brother, always looked out for them, while Shannon and Renae shared a deep bond—often described by Mike as "two cats in a gunny sack."

In 1989, Shannon met the love of her life, Marlin Vatne. Although they never married, they shared over 34 beautiful years together.

Shannon had two very dear friends, Bobbi and Craig Egeland. Their friendship was strong and enduring, and after Marlin's passing, Bobbi became Shannon's primary source of support.

Shannon found her ideal home with Marlin in Rhame, North Dakota—a place that suited her perfectly. She preferred the peace and quiet of a small town over the noise and bustle of Bismarck.

She spent several years working at Southwest Health Care, where she cherished her coworkers and residents, regarding them as family.

After Marlin's passing, Shannon was proud to secure a place of her own. She loved sitting on her deck, imagining that the cows in the nearby pasture belonged to her—even giving them names.

Shannon adored her siblings, niece, nephews, and great-niece. She often saved pictures from their social media accounts, printing them at home to proudly display on her fridge.

Shannon is fondly remembered by her brother, Michael Barth; her niece, Mersadie Barth; and her nephews, Koleton (Shelby) and Trysten Barth (Justine & Zariah Meschke), great niece Malia Nelson. She is also survived by  Darrel Wald; her stepbrother, Corey Wald; her stepsister, Jenifer Mallum (Chris Marchand); and step-nieces, Sonora and Medora Mallum. She leaves behind many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Shannon is preceded in death by the love of her life, Marlin Vatne; her mother, Carol Wald; her father, Norman Barth; her sister, Renae Barth; and her cherished cat, Merle—named after Merle Haggard.