Barbara Rash

Barbara Dozier Rash passed from this life on May 15, 2012 in Fairfax, Oklahoma at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Barbara was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma January 11, 1934. She was the daughter of Dr. B.E. and Helen Tolbert Dozier. On October 10, 1951 she married the late Joe M. Rash in Walters, Oklahoma. They lived in Shidler for all but four years of their lives and were happily married for 52 years. Barb was a longtime member of the First Christian Church. In 1965 Barb was named Outstanding Young Woman of America. Barb attended both Interlochen Center of the Arts and the University of Oklahoma where she played in the band.

Joe and Barb owned and operated Shidler TV and Appliance from 1956 until 2004. Barb was a Tag Agent and Utility Clerk for PSO and LeAnn Gas for over 20 years. Joe and Barb helped restart the Shidler Area Chamber of Commerce in 1982. Barb was later voted Chamber Member of the Year in 1988. She served as Chamber President in 1989 and received the Chamber Leadership Award that same year. Barb was an Executive Officer of the District 11 Alumni Association 20 years and a long standing member of both the Shidler Booster Club and Lakeview Golf Association. She was a very active and vital part of the Shidler Community. Many considered her the First Lady of Shidler.

Barb had a deep love of music and played the piano for numerous events and as a hobby throughout her entire life. She loved accompanying young musicians in their performances and contests and lists this as the second largest highlight of her life behind only her family. Countless hours were spent and wonderful memories were made by many in the Rash home. Barbs family and friends will always consider her the Hostess with the Mostess. She was truly an amazing woman and an inspiration to many.

Barbs memory and legacy will be kept alive through the family and friends she leaves behind which includes: two daughters, Jeri Robertson of Stillwater, Oklahoma and Jodi and Pat Patton of Shidler, Oklahoma, one Son, David Rash of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, four grandchildren, Carmen and Ray Miller, Aaron Patton, Leslie and Courtney Jenkins, Lindsay Patton and Nate Flippin and four great grandchildren, Zane, Emery, Drew and Nathaniel and numerous family and friends. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. B.E. and Helen Dozier, husband, Joe, and daughter in law, Angie Rash.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday May 19, 2012 at First Christian Church of Shidler with Brother Charles Richey officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Patton, Danny Alexander, Dean Crain, Tom Rash, Doug Bivin, and Dr. James Graham.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Ashley Alexander Memorial Music Fund in care of the District 11 Alumni Association in honor of Barbs lifelong love of music and to carry on her legacy of supporting young musicians in the community. Donations can be sent to:
District 11 Alumni Association, PO Box 531, Shidler, OK 74652.