Barbara Jean "Barb" Quatse, 79, of St. Paul, formerly of Ord, and Russell, PA, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Brookefield Park in St. Paul.

Barb was born on October 29, 1946, to Russell Charles and Jessie “Ramona” (Carrier) Brown in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She graduated from Fenger High School in 1964. She worked several different jobs until finally becoming a Nurse’s Assistant. She had a passion for helping people and spoke highly of her time at the Holland Home in South Holland, IL.

Barb was married to Roy Shepardson, and they had 4 children together. In 1976, Barb was remarried to William “Bill” Quatse. They lived in Illinois and Missouri for several years before finally retiring to Russell, Pennsylvania. Barb enjoyed quilting and was a member of the Quilter’s Night Out Quilt Guild in Russell, PA. There was always a puzzle close at hand for anyone to help piece together. She also enjoyed baking homemade pies and cookies.

After Bill’s passing in 2018, Barb moved to be closer to family. After moving to Ord, Barb met a special friend, Gene. They enjoyed fishing, walks in the park, dancing, and playing music together for retirement homes and local events.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Ron and Susan Shepardson of Ord, Russell Shepardson of Bothell, Washington, Donna and Greg Scherzinger of Lansing, Illinois; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; her companion, Eugene “Gene” Michalski; and her beloved golden retriever, Katie.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 42 years, William “Bill” Quatse; and son, Raymond Michael Shepardson.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home, 411 O St, St Paul, NE, 68873. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services. 

A private interment will be held at  Thompson Hill Cemetery in Russell, PA. 

Memorials are suggested to the Kearney Nebraska Area Animal Shelter.