Barbara L. Pepper

Service for Barbara Pepper will be 11:00a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at New Hope Church of God. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 14, from 3pm-7pm. 

Barbara L. Pepper, born on June 14, 1944, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to John and Hazel (Cobb) Roberts, passed away peacefully in her home on January 8, 2025. A proud member of the Class of 1962 from Barnsdall High School, Barbara's journey in life changed when she saw William E. Pepper driving around town with his sister. Upon asking who the girl was driving around with Bill Pepper, she said, “I’m going to marry that man someday.” Three months after their initial meeting, Bill and Barbara were married on June 18, 1965. Together, they created a loving family and made Claremore their cherished home starting in 1970. They were married for 60 years. 

Throughout her life, Barbara's priority remained her family, which she cared for with an open heart. Although she engaged in several jobs during her years of raising children—working in the school system, babysitting, and honing her skills in real estate—it was her position at the Rogers County Health Department, which she began in 1985 and held until her retirement in the early 2000s, that signified a notable period in her career. No matter where her work took her, Barbara ensured that she was present for her children’s school activities, demonstrating her commitment to being actively involved in their lives.

Barbara's home was a welcoming place, filled with love and laughter. With a servant's heart, she opened her doors to her children’s friends and created countless memories around the dining table, often featuring her scrumptious cheeseburgers and delectable pies. All who visited her left with a fulfilled appetite and a heart full of gratitude.

Beyond her family life, Barbara enjoyed various hobbies that reflected her vibrant personality. She loved reading, played the piano with passion, and was an avid fan of the long-running television show, "The Young and The Restless." Her greatest joys came from spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, and cheering them on at their events. Birthdays were particularly special, as she would always greet her family members with a unique rendition of "Happy Birthday," making each celebration unforgettable. Barbara was very active with her church. She especially devoted her skills and hospitality to the funeral dinners at the church; it was her ministry.

A devoted admirer of Elvis Presley, Barbara's enthusiasm for the King of Rock and Roll was well-known among her family and friends. It seems fitting that Barbara's departure from this world coincided with Elvis's birthday, allowing her to join him in song once again.

Her legacy of kindness and love will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. Her spirit will undoubtedly live on through the many wonderful memories she created and the love she so generously shared with her family and friends.

Those surviving family members include her husband, William E. Pepper; her sister, Eva Ledbetter; sister-in-law, Linda Roberts; two daughters, Gina Walker and Keli Rumsey and husband, David; her son, Bill Pepper and wife, Joey; and her beloved grandchildren: David Rumsey and wife Cassie, Dylan Rumsey, Delaney Rumsey, Abby Zimmerman, Maggie Zimmerman, Zoe Zimmerman, Jacob Pepper, Jordan Pepper, Jacob Chambers, and Gentry Chambers.