Barbara May Shrader

Barbara May Shrader was a resident of Stanislaus County for almost 40 years.  Her death came after she fought her battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) disease over the last 3 years.  She was born in Pasadena, CA to Harold Wayne Beeson and Lucille Evelyn Wright.  Barbara was the oldest of 3 sisters, Beverly McCarley of Idaho, and Rebecca Beeson of California.  In 1953 she moved with her family to Los Gatos, California where her father served as pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene.  She attended elementary school and graduated from Los Gatos High School in 1959.

  She married Richard Earl (Dick) Shrader August 21, 1959 recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.  In 1981 her clergy husband was appointed as pastor of the Modesto First Church of Nazarene and subsequently served the congregations of Centenary United Methodist, Modesto, Escalon United Methodist, and Hughson United Methodist until Dick’s retirement.  Barbara’s greatest commitment and passion was to her 5 children and 17 grandchildren. She was an accomplished seamstress having operated her own sewing school in Modesto for several years.

  She formerly worked for the Bank of the West, Modesto, and as an administrator for a General Engineering/Excavating Company in recent years until her illness.   She was an avid gardener, and a gourmet cook.  She served churches in leading Bible Studies and serving as a pre-school director. She was sought after for her wisdom and compassion as a personal counselor.  Her greatest love and influence is seen in the lives and hearts of her large family and the greater Modesto community.

  Barbara is survived by her husband, Rev. Dick Shrader of Modesto and her children, Carolyn Shrader Eaton (Rick) of Colfax, CA., Catherine Shrader Taylor (Gary) of San Diego, CA., Daniel Wayne Shrader (Cyndi) of Modesto, CA., Bradley Larkin Shrader (Marisa) of Modesto, CA.  She leaves 16 grandchildren, Benjamin Eaton (Haley), Zachary Eaton, Lucas Eaton, Rachael Taylor, Christian Taylor, Gabrielle Taylor, Harrison Shrader (Tamera), Austin Shrader, Jackson Shrader, Andrew Shrader (Maggie), Emily Shrader, Abigail Shrader, Madelyn Shrader, Douglas Shrader, Grace Shrader, and Samuel Shrader.  She is survived by two sisters, Beverly McCarley (Howard) of Idaho, and Rebecca Beeson of San Francisco area.  Barbara was preceded in death by son, Richard Earl Shrader, Jr., grandson, Larkin Alexae Shrader, parents, Harold and Lucille Beeson.

  Flowers and/or Contributions may be made on her behalf to the ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250 – Washington, DC 20005 (www.alsa.org), or to Centenary United Methodist Church, 1911 Toyon Ave., Modesto, CA. 95350 or charity of choice.

Funeral Service to be held at Centenary United Methodist Church, 1911 Toyon Ave. (Corner of Briggsmore and McHenry), Modesto, CA. 95350.  January 13, 2020 at 10AM.  Graveside services at Lakewood Memorial Park. 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, CA.  Services will be officiated by The Rev Bob Collins and minister Stan Skooglund.  Music to be provided by family members.

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