Barbara Hepburn peacefully stepped into the presence of Jesus on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. A close family friend and one of her nurses had a sweet and beautiful time of conversation and prayer at Barb’s bedside. Just moments later, Barb was in the arms of Jesus. She is no longer encumbered by her body. Barb was born in Middleborough, Mass.
Her parents were Harry and Barbara Armstrong. From there, she moved to southern California with her parents and her brother, Donald. She married James Nelson Rose and had two boys, Michael James and Thomas Stuart. After James Rose passed away, she married Douglas Hepburn.
Barb was preceded in death by both of her parents, Harry and Barbara Armstrong; her first husband, James Rose; great-grandson, Nicholas Jr.; her second husband, Douglas Hepburn; and step-daughter, Tressa Epler. Barb is survived by her two sons, Michael Rose and wife, LaVon, and Thomas Rose and wife, Sandie; one step-daughter, Denise Bonura and husband, Dean; two step-sons, Frank Hepburn and wife, Ellen; and Charlie Hepburn and wife, Loretta; one son-in-law, Bill Epler and wife, Elaine; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren on both sides of the family with three more in production; her brother, Donald Armstrong and wife, Becky; as well as cousins and other family members. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree while raising two children. She later became a realtor and also taught Special Education for elementary school children. In her earlier years, she enjoyed camping and riding her own dirt bike with her two boys and husband, James Rose. Barb loved to sew, go to church, spend time with friends and family and loved to help people. In her latter years, Barb and her husband, Doug Hepburn, spent time helping at Mt. Gilead campground in Santa Rosa, Calif., and were volunteers with New Tribes. They also enjoyed traveling with Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service (RVICS). There she was able to combine her love of sewing and helping people and fell in love with Missouri, where she has spent the last 30 years.
She is now and forever with her Savior. Barb is deeply and forever loved and has made a tremendous difference in many lives. In lieu of flowers, Barb had a heart for missions. If you would like to be a part of something that was close to her heart, you may send a donation in memory of Barbara Hepburn for “Missions” to Liberty Faith Church, P.O. Box 99, Norwood, Mo. 65717. A graveside service for Barbara Hepburn was held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, with the Rev. Reg Kelly officiating. Special songs were “Standing On The Promises” and “When I Go Home.”
Burial was in the Thomas Cemetery of Norwood, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove.
