Moran was born in Maddock, North Dakota, USA, on 18 March 1911, to parents Jacob Jacobson (1886–1976) and Emma Julia Nottestad (1890–1990). At the age of 1, she moved to Harlow, where her family was among the first residents. She grew up on a farm, milking cows and working the fields. Her father was a farmer and had a blacksmith shop in the small town of Flora. She graduated from Maddock High School in 1930.

On 7 October 1940, she married John Moran, and they farmed near Flora until his death in 1963. The couple had a son, Gary Wayne Moran (1942–2019). She lived in Minnewaukan (North Dakota) for some time before moving into an assisted living facility in Minnesota at the age of 98. She enjoyed doing crafts, crocheting, and sewing.

Her maternal grandmother, Anna Jorgina Nottestad (1870–1973), lived to be 103, her maternal aunt Anne Marie Engen (1888–1989) lived to be 101, and her maternal uncle Edwin Nottestad (1897–2001) lived to be 103.

Moran celebrated her 112th birthday in May 2023 because she tested positive for COVID-19 in March. This was the second time Moran had survived COVID-19.

Moran passed away at Eventide on Eighth Care Center in Moorhead, Minnesota, USA, on 2 April 2024, at the age of 113 years, 15 days. She was survived by her grandson and great-grandson.