Barbara was born March 26, 1932 in Superior, Nebraska to Arthur L. Kerns and Ila M. (Young) Kerns. She graduated from high school in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is where she met and fell in love with her husband, Bobby J. Shannon. They were married in Fremont on June 8, 1952, and spent their early years in South Carolina where Bob was stationed in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg. After his discharge in 1954, they made their home in Fremont where Bob worked for Hormel Foods.
Barbara was a remarkable lady with the heart of a servant. She was instrumental in developing many programs for the handicapped. She and other parents helped to start the Fremont Opportunity Center, which was a school for those with special needs. Later on, she would become a strong proponent for Special Olympics and became a beloved coach for basketball, bowling, and track. Some of her special kids called her Grandma, Mom, or even their best friend, and they never failed to make her heart smile. Through the ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens), she helped plan and execute holiday dances for her 'kids' who all looked forward to the next event. She became the 'invitation lady'. Barb's whole family, including her grandchildren, would get involved with Honey Sunday (the selling of honey bears door to door).
Barb worked many places in Fremont, but spent her last 21 years of working as a secretary in the Judicial Center/Courthouse. Retirement was hard on her as she loved the people she worked with.
She is survived by her daughters, Debra (and husband Dan) Hitchler and Denise Shannon, both of Fremont. Barbara had two grandchildren, Jessica Hitchler of Lincoln and Tyler (and wife Breanna) Hitchler of Omaha. She loved being a grandma and was blessed with two great grandchildren, Silas Hitchler and Marlys Hitchler. She is also survived by two sisters, Norma Payzant (and husband Ron) of Fremont and Arnita Wolf of Hooper, and a sister-in-law Patsy Bishop of Oklahoma City, Ok, as well as nieces, nephews, and her special kids. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, daughter Diane, as well as her parents and brother-in-law Raymond Wolf.
The funeral service will be 10 AM Thursday, October 15, 2015, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church with the Rev. Russell McDowell officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 14th from 2 to 8 PM with the family present from 6 to 8 PM at the Ludvigsen Mortuary, Fremont. Burial will be Memorial Cemetery, Fremont. All memorials received will be divided between the Alzheimers Association and Hearts United for Animals.
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(6)
Ross.Bev Rasmussen
Fremont, NE Thursday, October 15, 2015 To Barbs dear family, Barb will be remembered for her loving smile, and she had a heart of gold. Barb will be missed, but you have many fond memories. My love and prayers to each of you. Bev RasmussenJohn Young
Van, TX Wednesday, October 14, 2015 We will all miss her, she was one of my 3 big sisters that I never had and did her best to spoil me while trying to keep out of mischief.I'm really sad that Mel and I were not able to be there for you!
My prayers are with all of you and love y'all!
Jeannie Koyen
Beaverton, OR Tuesday, October 13, 2015 I have wonderful memories of my cousin Barb. When I was little she and Bob would take me to the Zesto for ice cream cones. I still have ice cream almost every day.Bob was my Roy Rogers and Barb was my Dale Evans.
I was very blessed to have had them in my life.
Bill McCarty
Hooks, TX Tuesday, October 13, 2015 I will always remember Barb for her diligent work with Special Olympics, at Dodge County Corrections and just being a great friend. You was one in a million.Richard & Joan Porter
Fremont, NE Monday, October 12, 2015 Dear Deb, Denise and family,We knew Barb wasn't very well the last time we saw her but still it was a shock to see she had gone home to God, Bob and Diane. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and can't begin to know what you are feeling right now. a sense of relief in one breath and a sense of the loss of your mother in another. What ever all of you are feeling right now, know that God is there and will help you find comfort and peace once again and above all, you are NOT alone. Rest in Peace Barb !
Cindy Hinkel
fremont, NE Monday, October 12, 2015 a lovely lady who was always a pleasure to visit with, she was a great example of strength and grace