Obituary for Barbara A. Ostrander
Barbara Ann (Shepherd) Ostrander, age 94, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Summit Villa Memory Care in Holts Summit, Mo.
Barbara was born May 18, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa to Rupert Leo and Cresta Muriel (Johnson) Shepherd.
In 1946, she graduated from East High School in Des Moines, Iowa and enrolled in Drake University majoring in music. She graduated with a degree in violin, with secondary instruments in piano and voice. While in college, she met the love of her life, John Robert Ostrander and after graduation, they married on June 11, 1950. Barbara and John both taught instrumental music in Newton, Iowa until 1952.
Living in Jefferson City since 1960, she played violin as a member of the Jefferson City Symphony, and was active in the Order of the Eastern Star eventually earning the position of Worthy Matron. For a time, Barbara and John took up square dancing. Barbara and John were members of the First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. Every summer, she valiantly tried to grow tomatoes, and occasionally succeeded.
At age 60, Barbara learned to play the harp, and took great pleasure in performing for the Church. She also was the harpist at the governor’s mansion, and played for three governors and one senator.
Barbara expressed herself creatively through sewing, knitting, crocheting, china painting, and stained glass. She was an excellent cook and always made too much food for holiday dinners. At every Thanksgiving, she gave each member of the family a hand painted Christmas ornament. For family holiday photos, she would get the giggles when the self-timer started counting down; holiday photos took several takes. She always reminded us how important it was that we could be together.
Barbara loved pets and cared for them dearly. Her favorite cats were Nubbin, Tuk Tuk, Winston and Wellington; her favorite dogs were King, Frisky, Bernie, Jake, and Mia.
Barbara and John travelled extensively after his retirement with trips to Russia, China, Thailand, Australia, Central America, and throughout Europe, but their favorite place was Hawaii.
Barbara had a strong personality and a clever wit. She lived a full life, but walked the dark road of Alzheimer’s disease in her later year, a disease which ultimately claimed her life.
She is survived by: two daughters, Bobbi Calix (Roland) and Tammy Ostrander (Tony Barrett); two grandchildren, Simon Barrett (Kelsey Munger) and Kenley Barrett; two great-grandchildren, Aaron and Quinn Pelzer; niece, Susan McNally (Jon Miller); nephew, Richard McNally; and rescue dog, Cody.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 69 years, John, who preceded her in death on June 25, 2019; a sister, Naomi McNally; and a niece, Vicki McNally.
Her family would like to thank the staff of Summit Villa for their devoted care, especially Janet, Sheila, Letitia, and many others. We would also like to thank the staff of Care Partners, especially Julie, Traci, Marlene, Sheila, Joyce and many others for their invaluable help for over a decade.
Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022. An Order of the Eastern Star Service will be held before the visitation at 11:45 a.m. Saturday under the auspices of the Victoria Chapter #14.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Angela Madden officiating. Graveside service and interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City Animal Shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association by mailing all donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
Barbara was born May 18, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa to Rupert Leo and Cresta Muriel (Johnson) Shepherd.
In 1946, she graduated from East High School in Des Moines, Iowa and enrolled in Drake University majoring in music. She graduated with a degree in violin, with secondary instruments in piano and voice. While in college, she met the love of her life, John Robert Ostrander and after graduation, they married on June 11, 1950. Barbara and John both taught instrumental music in Newton, Iowa until 1952.
Living in Jefferson City since 1960, she played violin as a member of the Jefferson City Symphony, and was active in the Order of the Eastern Star eventually earning the position of Worthy Matron. For a time, Barbara and John took up square dancing. Barbara and John were members of the First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. Every summer, she valiantly tried to grow tomatoes, and occasionally succeeded.
At age 60, Barbara learned to play the harp, and took great pleasure in performing for the Church. She also was the harpist at the governor’s mansion, and played for three governors and one senator.
Barbara expressed herself creatively through sewing, knitting, crocheting, china painting, and stained glass. She was an excellent cook and always made too much food for holiday dinners. At every Thanksgiving, she gave each member of the family a hand painted Christmas ornament. For family holiday photos, she would get the giggles when the self-timer started counting down; holiday photos took several takes. She always reminded us how important it was that we could be together.
Barbara loved pets and cared for them dearly. Her favorite cats were Nubbin, Tuk Tuk, Winston and Wellington; her favorite dogs were King, Frisky, Bernie, Jake, and Mia.
Barbara and John travelled extensively after his retirement with trips to Russia, China, Thailand, Australia, Central America, and throughout Europe, but their favorite place was Hawaii.
Barbara had a strong personality and a clever wit. She lived a full life, but walked the dark road of Alzheimer’s disease in her later year, a disease which ultimately claimed her life.
She is survived by: two daughters, Bobbi Calix (Roland) and Tammy Ostrander (Tony Barrett); two grandchildren, Simon Barrett (Kelsey Munger) and Kenley Barrett; two great-grandchildren, Aaron and Quinn Pelzer; niece, Susan McNally (Jon Miller); nephew, Richard McNally; and rescue dog, Cody.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 69 years, John, who preceded her in death on June 25, 2019; a sister, Naomi McNally; and a niece, Vicki McNally.
Her family would like to thank the staff of Summit Villa for their devoted care, especially Janet, Sheila, Letitia, and many others. We would also like to thank the staff of Care Partners, especially Julie, Traci, Marlene, Sheila, Joyce and many others for their invaluable help for over a decade.
Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022. An Order of the Eastern Star Service will be held before the visitation at 11:45 a.m. Saturday under the auspices of the Victoria Chapter #14.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Angela Madden officiating. Graveside service and interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City Animal Shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association by mailing all donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.