Barb had an extraordinary gift for caring for children. While raising her family, she operated a daycare from her home, welcoming many children into the family. The house was filled with laughter, homemade Play-Doh, holiday crafts, backyard parties, imaginative stories, scraped knees, and sticky fingers. She loved every child she encountered as if they were her own.
From there, she dedicated her time and her heart to teaching special needs children at the Eaton County ISD. She was a vocal advocate for children affected by Autism and learning disabilities. Eventually, Barb transitioned from working in schools to help care for her grandchildren. She created a home where children felt safe, celebrated, listened to, and completely loved. Many who knew her as “Grandma Barb” felt fortunate to have been raised, even in part, by her steady presence and generous heart.
Barb inspired creativity and encouraged others to follow their dreams. She founded Handicrafts by Barb and shared her love of drawing, painting, and crafting with her children and grandchildren. She also taught her family to look for the good in everyone.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Leslie Schupbach; her children, Amanda Tuckey (Matthew); L. David Schupbach (Gail); and Brian Schupbach (Rachael); and her grandchildren, Elizabeth Richardson (Maximillian); Katie Schupbach; Vivian Tuckey; Nathaniel Schupbach; Claire Schupbach; Ayden Schupbach; Eve Schupbach; and Ruby Schupbach. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marcella Owens, and her brother, Joseph Owens.
Barb’s life was measured not only by the family she raised, but by the countless people she welcomed, encouraged, comforted, and loved. She made people feel like they belonged. Her beautiful spirit will live on through the traditions she created, the children she helped raise, the creativity she inspired, and the love she gave so freely.
She was fearless, creative, deeply faithful, and always ready for an adventure. Whether it was an impromptu drive to Florida, a ride around the lake on an inner tube, or a pontoon outing, she believed life was meant to be enjoyed.
Her family feels profoundly fortunate to have had her for as long as they did and will carry a piece of her with them wherever they go.
