Barbara R. Jeffers, 83, of Shreve passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Akron General Hospital.
Barbara was born July 12, 1940, daughter of Lucille and Rocco Ricciardi in Port Jervis, NY. While still in high school she started working as a veterinary assistant, which led to an interest in science and medicine, and she graduated second in her class from Port Jervis High School when she was only 16. She attended Cornell University, majoring in biochemistry, and graduated in 1961. She paid her own way through college working food service jobs at a time when it was still possible to work your way through an Ivy League University. She continued on to graduate school at Iowa State University where she acquired a master’s degree in biochemistry, a husband (Dan Jeffers) and their first two children, in that order.
Barbara arrived in Wooster in the late 1960s where the next chapter of her life was dedicated to raising her four children. In 1973, Barbara and Dan built their own house and established Killbuck Tree Farm east of Shreve. The farm allowed Barbara to embrace her love of gardening and, as a testament to her belief in self-sufficiency, she canned or froze a year’s supply of vegetables and fruits each summer. Barbara was an active participant in the farm which became a successful Christmas tree growing operation.
In the late 1970’s Barbara re-entered the workforce, teaching chemistry and biochemistry at Wayne College for a decade. She worked at several local companies before launching her own business, Little Tin Box, at the age of 52. She operated her business for two decades. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for many years. Barbara was fearless and fascinated with life. She was an early adopter of computer tech, a voracious reader and passionate about her hobbies which included beekeeping, woodworking, stone working, gardening, photography, quilting, knitting and crocheting.
Barbara is survived by her children Russell (Claudia Dwass) of Fairfax, VA, Christopher (Andrea) of Wooster, and Sarah of Los Angeles, CA; her son-in-law Richard Havourd of Pinkney, MI; her grandchildren Taryn Sammons, Brianna Jeffers, Meyer Jeffers, Paul Jeffers, Rocco Havourd and Donato Havourd; her great-grandchildren Harper, Lainey and Bowen Sammons; and her brother James Ricciardi of Salt Lake City, UT. Barbara was proceeded in death by her husband Daniel L. Jeffers and her daughter Rebecca Havourd.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave. Wooster, with inurnment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be directed to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
So sorry for your loss. Pray for your family’s healing end comfort.
So very sorry for your loss. Barb was such a very special lady & a wonderful neighbor. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family & friends.
Barb was a big part of my life. We met at the Wooster Y, exercised together, ran together, and got each other through early childhood development. Christmas trees, blueberries, and many cups of tea all lead to good conversation and heartfelt friendship. Some time after I moved we lost contact. I have always regretted that. Your family was lucky to have such a dynamo for a mother. I miss my friend.
We are so sorry for the loss of Barb. She always loved life and had a smile on her face.
Joyce Balderston So sorry to learn of the passing of Barb: All that is said of her is true. She was a dynamo of a person. She lived well and had to be an example to all who knew her. Well done my friend you did it! Blessings to your family, love and peace.
Barb was a wonderful woman who was a friend to me as a young teenager. You were my back yard neighbor and I babysat for you all. My deepest condolences and May you have peace beyond all understanding in this time of grief.
Barb was a tremendous person. Way ahead of her time. She will be missed in so many ways.
i enjoyed my conversations with her as she always carried an understated intelligence and grace.
To start a business at a later stage of life speaks volumes of her vision and courage.
She leaves a great family as her legacy and her influence will live on for many generations.
If only we could have more Barb Jeffers in our world.
I worked with Barb at Wayne College. She was an excellent instructor and full of energy. I will never forget her. So very sorry for your loss
I worked with Barb at Wayne College. She was an excellent instructor and full of energy. I will never forget her. So very sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry for your loss, Russ and Claudia. She was an amazing lady. I can see her in you, Russ.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Barb was an exceptional woman to say the least. What I loved most was she was incredibly intelligent but a very down to earth person. We will all miss her greatly.
Barbara was a dynamo of Action until the very end. She was a wonderful woman to work with as she transitioned out of the Christmas Tree business. She will be missed by all!
So sorry for your loss Chris and Andrea. She looks like she was a warm and wonderful Mom. Hoping you have many happy memories of your time with her.
Sorry for your loss . She was a good person ! Who raised a great family, and was always there for everyone.
Barb’s family, you have my sincere sympathy and prayers.
May she rest in peace.