BARBARA JOAN SHAVER SOAPER

     Barbara Joan Shaver Soaper, affectionately known as Bobbie, passed away on July 25, 2026, at the age of 91.

     Born December 23, 1934, in Henderson, Kentucky, Bobbie lived a life defined by her devotion to family, faith, education, and the community she loved so dearly.

     Bobbie was the daughter of the late John Wesley Shaver and Clyde Lehman Shaver. She lost her beloved father while she was still a teenager, but the years they shared left an enduring impression. Throughout her life, she spoke of him with great affection and treasured the memories of their time together. Her mother helped lay the foundation for Bobbie's lifelong dedication to the education profession and her belief in the importance of learning.

     A beloved teacher in Henderson County Public Schools, Bobbie dedicated much of her life to educating and inspiring young people. She was a tireless advocate for the underprivileged, the undervalued, and the underestimated, believing that every child deserved an opportunity to learn, succeed, and reach their full potential. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, touching generations of students whose lives were changed by her encouragement and unwavering belief in them.

     Bobbie's faith and devotion to St. Paul's Episcopal Church were central to her life. She served as Director of Christian Outreach and Education, was a dedicated Sunday school teacher, led more than one Search Committee, and faithfully served on the Vestry for many years. An active member of the Altar Guild, she also managed the church's memorial contributions for almost two decades. Her church family was a source of tremendous joy, friendship, and purpose.

     A proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, Bobbie briefly participated on the university's synchronized swimming team and was a devoted member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. Her sorority sisters remained among her most cherished lifelong friends.

     Following her graduation, Bobbie spent a memorable summer traveling throughout Europe. Among the stories she shared with only a select few was the possibility that she and her dear friend, the late Tom Ferguson, who himself had many ties to Henderson, may—or may not—have danced on tables in Barcelona. Whether it actually happened remains a delightful mystery, although those fortunate enough to hear the story were left to draw their own conclusions.

     Bobbie's commitment to serving others extended well beyond her classroom and church. For many years, she volunteered at the polls on Election Day. She also served with the American Red Cross in Henderson and was especially dedicated to assisting Vietnamese immigrants arriving in the community during the 1970s. Through her efforts to provide food, meals, clothing, and tutoring, she helped welcome immigrant families and support them as they established new lives in Henderson.

     Bobbie loved Henderson, and Henderson was very much a part of who she was. A familiar figure downtown, her daily walks frequently included visits with local merchants and friends. She loved animals, flowers and nature, the Ohio River, Henderson’s Central Park, and the Henderson County Library, where she eagerly sought out her next literary discovery, often gravitating toward popular works of historical fiction.

     An unwavering fan of University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, Bobbie followed her beloved team with extraordinary enthusiasm. She also loved professional golf and, in recent years, became a particularly devoted admirer of Scottie Scheffler.

     Bobbie was married to Robert Callaway Soaper, III, who predeceased her. She is survived by her son, Robert Callaway Soaper IV, of Henderson, whose devotion to caring for his mother remained steadfast until the very end; her loving daughter, Susan Pringle Soaper Gaston, and her husband, David William Gaston, who Bobbie adored, of Williamsburg, Virginia; her beloved grandsons, John William Soaper Gaston, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, of Jacksonville, North Carolina; and Henry Callaway Ellsworth Gaston, and his fiancée, Teresa Maria Heller, both of Norfolk, Virginia.

     She also is survived by her cherished sister, Anne Shaver Sheffer, and her husband, Ronald Sheffer, of Louisville, Kentucky; her nephews, John Sheffer and his wife, Laura, of Louisville, Kentucky, and their children, Sam, Thomas and Sarah; Thomas Sheffer and his wife, Allison, and their children, Luke, Nate, Sebastian and Vivian, of Oldham County, Kentucky; and her niece, Joan Sheffer of Louisville, Kentucky.

     Her extended family also includes her niece Margaret “Meg” Shaver Briles, her husband, Andrew, and their children, Jacqueline and Catherine, of Kalispell, Montana; and her nephew John Shaver, and his wife, Mary, of San Ramon, California. In addition, Bobbie held a very special place in her heart for Marianna Soaper Wright and her husband, Robert, of Evansville, Indiana. She also was extremely fond of Maxwell Soaper of Henderson, Kentucky, and had a strong familial system in the Pontiac Michigan area as well, now anchored by Gretchen Adler.

     Three weeks following Bobbie's passing, the family also mourned the loss of her only brother, John Wesley “Butch” Shaver, Jr., of Arizona, following a long-term illness. Bobbie absolutely adored her little brother, and the bond they shared was one of great affection. Bobbie also was preceded in death by her niece Elizabeth Shaver, Butch's daughter, who lived in California at the time of her passing.

     Beyond her family, Bobbie leaves a remarkable legacy in the lives of her former students, the countless friends she made throughout Henderson, and her cherished Kappa Delta sisters in Kentucky and beyond. She was blessed to have had many godchildren, innumerable close friends and vast social connections that sustained her throughout her life.

     Those who knew Bobbie understood that her diminutive stature belied an extraordinary strength of character. She possessed strong convictions, unwavering determination, a generous heart, a rare but wry sense of humor, and a willingness to stand up for those who needed someone in their corner.

     As her family and friends learned early on, Bobbie Soaper may have been small, but she was mighty. And no one ever needed to underestimate her.

     Her legacy lives on in her own family, the students she inspired, the families she helped, the friendships she nurtured, and the community she served so faithfully.

     A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Henderson. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Church’s Parish Hall. A private interment of ashes will be held later that afternoon in Fairmont Cemetery.

     Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 5 South Green Street, Henderson, Kentucky, 42420; or to the Henderson County Public Library Foundation, 101 South Main Street, Henderson, Kentucky, 42420.

     Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

     Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.