Roberta Jean Shepherd

Roberta Bobbie Jean Staples Shepherd July 4, 1931 - January 19, 2009 Roberta Bobbie Jean Staples Shepherd of Independence, Oregon passed away January 19, 2009 at the age of 77. Bobbie was born on Independence Day, 1931 in Wells, Maine. She was the daughter of Robert and Edna Staples. She is survived by her husband Ron, daughter Judy Postier, and son Rob Shepherd. Grandson Matt Postier and Grand Daughter Maia Blattner. Great Grandson Fox Postier and Great Granddaughter Rhianna Postier, all of Salem. Bobbie attended the University of Maine and was the captain of the College basketball team. She operated her own Recreational business renting beach toys to tourists at Ogunquit Beach in Maine until she joined the Marine Corp in 1950. She excelled in the Marines as one of the first ladies, attaining the rank of Corporal within the first six months of service. She met and married fellow Marine Ron Shepherd after he returned from serving as a medic in the Korean conflict in 1951. They lived in Salem, Oregon and had daughter Judy in 1952. They moved to Farmington, Maine, and in 1964 had son Robert where they lived until 1969 when they moved back to Oregon. They bought a little acreage South of Independence, where she lived until her peaceful passing in her sleep at home, where she loved to be with her garden and her pets. Bobbie loved gardening. She belonged to the Polk County Master Gardners, as well as the OSU Extension team. She achieved the lifetime Master Gardner certification, and volunteered at the Polk County Fair Grounds as a consultant. She was an accomplished artist, selling nature oil paintings through local businesses and the art fair. She was an avid bird watcher, enjoying the many song birds, ducks, geese, herons, and occasional bald eagles that visit the adjoining lands of her property. But most of all, she enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be missed by all. Memorial Service will be 2:00pm Friday, January 23, 2009 at Farnstrom Mortuary 410 Monmouth St. Independence.