Barbara Troy

We gather here today to remember the life of our beloved Barbara Ann Shearer Gunderman Troy, born June 16, 1944, in Colorado Springs, CO, to Raymond James Shearer and Rowena Belle Malone Shearer who passed away on May 15, 2025 at the age of 80 with her beloved children by her side. Barbara was a beacon of compassion and dedication, always putting others first and giving unconditionally. A woman of deep faith and love for her family, her selflessness was a testament to the strength of her character. It was said that she would give the shirt off her back to help anyone in need, a testament to her generous spirit and warm heart.

Barbara made her home in Hattieville, Arkansas, where she was known not only as a loving mother, but also as a skilled seamstress at Levi Strauss before her retirement. Even after retirement, she continued to use her skills to help others, displaying her dedication and supportiveness in every aspect of her life.

While her parents, Raymond and Rowena Shearer, preceded her in death along with her first husband Norbert Gunderman Sr., second husband David Troy, daughter Deborah Louise Gunderman and grandson Michael Gunderman Jr.

Outside of work, Barbara was an avid reader. She could always be found with a book in her hands, be it a murder mystery one day or a love story the next. Her love for literature was only second to her love for her family. Her children: Norbert Jr (Kathy) of Plumerville, Sharon (Lynn) Andrews of St. Vincent; Michael (Melissa) Gunderman of Morrilton, Joe (Gina) Gunderman of Cabot, Stepson Tony (Kim) Troy of Lonoke; brothers: Charles (Linda) Shearer of Texas, and Robert (Lin) Shearer of California. She was Nanny to 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and even in her final days, her eyes would light up at their presence. As the poet Maya Angelou once said, "I sustain myself with the love of family." Barbara's life was a testament to this truth.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at 9:00 am at Saint Mary's Church, 11 Kaufman Lane, Hattieville, Arkansas, followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the cemetery. We invite all those who knew and loved Barbara to join us in celebrating her life and sharing in the comfort of her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School Endowment Fund or to St. Mary Catholic Church.

We would like to extend a sincere a thank you to her special friend, Martaesia Parks, the nurses and staff at CHI St. Vincent in Morrilton and Hospice. You were all with us during a very difficult time and your kindness touched us all.

We encourage you to share your memories and photos of Barbara on her memorial page. Your stories and pictures are a testament to the remarkable life she led and the many lives she touched. In sharing our memories, we keep her spirit alive and honor the legacy of love and dedication she leaves behind.