Barbara Jean Shepherd

Barbara Jean Shepherd, age 73, has joined the Angels in heaven after a hard fought battle with appendiceal cancer. She never lost her hope or her strength during her fight. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lance Shoemaker for saving her life and giving us 2 more years with her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ruby Hunter; many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. She was born in Franklin KY, and grew up in the Bratwurst capital of the world, Bucyrus Ohio. She moved to Columbus, married and had three children whom she is survived by, son, David (Sarah) Fields; daughter, Debbie Fields (Chris Bukovac), daughter, Lorrie (Scott) Bradford; grandchildren, Matthew (Kaleigh) Fields, Logan Bradford, Jared Bradford, Miley Fields, and her great grandchildren. She is also survived by the best group of friends many would envy, her best friend of 40+ years, Jo Ann St. Clair; other special friends, Darlene Sausser, Leidy Bidwell, Joyce Brown, Theresa Breech, Jane Celehar, Lynda Nelson, Michelle Ratcliff, her co-workers, Connie and Julie and too many more to mention. She held a special place in her heart for Kelly Lynn Oien and her husband Tony. Barb was a woman of great kindness, courage, strength, wisdom and had a passion for living. She had an adventurous spirit and believed that life should be lived to the fullest. She believed you should try anything at least once and if you enjoyed it, do it again. She had a passion for the arts, traveling, animals and The Ohio State Buckeyes. She never met a stranger and if she could help you in any way, she certainly would. She was truly a hardworking woman, using just her high school diploma and employment at Industrial Nucleonics, Fling & Partners, & Mettler Toledo as stepping stones to first owning her own advertising agency and then an event planning company. Throughout her brave 2 year battle, her focus was always being able to get back to her job she truly loved at Concord Counseling in Westerville. She now takes her brave wings and flies in Heaven. All are invited to celebrate her life on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Kobacker Hospice House, 800 McConnell Dr., Columbus, OH 43214.