Dara Marie Bjornson-Meddock, 61, Minot died on Thursday, August 31, 2017 in a Minot hospital after a courageous battle with cancer which caused a massive stroke.

Dara was born on March 16, 1956 in Minot to Roy and Elaine (Susak) Bjornson. She was raised and educated in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1974 As a young adult she was employed at Westland Oil Company in Minot.

Dara was once married to Howard Pyle and they made their home at various military bases around the world. During this time she was the first female manager of Club Systems at the Guantanamo Base in Cuba and was a veterinary technician and stable manager in the vicinity of the Millington, TN Base.

Dara returned to Minot in 2004 to help care for her father. Following her father's death she began employment at RCC Western Wear now Boot Barn in 2007. This was a job she thoroughly enjoyed.

Dara's family would like to especially thank the doctors and nurses in the ICU of Trinity Hospital for their extra special care and concern for Dara and her family during the past several days.

Dara was a member of the Moose Lodge and active volunteer at animal shelters in the places where she lived. She especially enjoyed horseback riding, embroidery, crafts and feeding birds, animals and tending to flowers and plants.

Dara's loving family includes her true love: Andrew Plank, Minot; daughters: Tianny (Greg) Miller, Memphis, TN and Michele Pyle, Minot; grandchildren: Arieana, Justin, Gregory III and Piper; mother: Elaine Bjornson, Minot; siblings, Karen (Paul) Nitsch, Minot, Greg (Martha) Bjornson, Duluth and Gary (Connie) Bjornson, Minot; aunt: Gloria Gelking, Fargo; uncle: Don (Connie) Susak, McCleary, WA; dear friend, Chris Plank, Minot and several, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dara was preceded in death by her father and grandparents.

Celebration of the Life of Dara: Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 3:00 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.