Barbara Shepherd

On August 11,2016, Barbara Katherine Allison Shepherd joined eternity when she died to her earthly body while at home in New Harmony, IN one month short of her 94th birthday.

Born on Sept. 15,1922 to James M. Allison II and Lillian Lee (Rheinhardt) Allison in Wayne Co. IL near Ellery.  She had one brother, James. M. Allison III.

She married Ellis J. Shepherd on April 20,1941; they were married for nearly 58 years.  Through love & hard work together, they applied the adage of "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."  They prospered & were able to buy farms and invest in oil wells.  When Ellis retired, they traveled extensively & enjoyed their family, particularly their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  When they came to visit, she delighted in having a variety of cookies or "beans" (jelly beans) stocked to give them.

One of the joys of their lives was two pinochle card groups that they belonged to that provided lots of laughter and life long friends.  The T&C group met once a month for nearly 50 years.  Barbara was also a member of 20th Century book club, Pollyanna Club, and the Grayville Birthday Club.

She was a extraordinary cook that produced meals of legendary variety and proportions.  Barbara was known to be feisty, quick-witted, honest and loyal.  When she could, she always preferred to run rather than walk.  With a seemingly endless supply of stories, songs & poems, she could produce one for any occasion.

She was a baptized member of Bethel Church (Ellery, IL), and a long time member of Antioch Christian (Cowling, IL), Grayville Christian and New Harmony Christian churches.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband & brother. She is survived & greatly missed by her family - daughters K. Susan Gordon (Steve) of Newburgh, and Nancy DeFries (Dr. Roy) of New Harmony.  Grandchildren Rachel Nadeau (Bill & son Will) Wilmington, NC; Katie DeFries of Indianapolis; Lora DeFries Arneberg(children Per Erik and Ellis Jane) of New Harmony, IN and additional grandchildren Jennifer, Mandy & Matt Gordon. The family would like to include special long time friend Dick Hampsten; they enjoyed many, many hours of companionship.  We would also like to thank neighbor Linda Sue Alsop for years of friendship, conversations and assistance.

The family will have a private memorial service at a later time.  If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Evansville Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, or the church of your choice in care of the Stendeback Family Funeral Home at 1330 E. 4th St., Mt. Vernon, IN 47620. Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com