A funeral service for Barbara Jo Gerdes, 69, of Chickasha, will be held Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Butler officiating.

Barbara Jo Shelton was born March 4, 1957, in Quinton, Oklahoma, the daughter of Howard Shelton and Jewel (Riley) Shelton. She passed from this life on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

She attended Amber-Pocasset schools and graduated in 1976. While in school, Barbara was active on the basketball, volleyball, and softball teams.

Barbara married Steve Gerdes on April 14, 1979, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and they shared over 47 years of marriage together. They were both instrumental in the operations of the Dr Pepper & Royal Crown Bottling Company in Chickasha.

Barabara enjoyed spending her time with her family and friends and especially loved watching her grandkids in their sporting activities. She loved to watch scary movies and liked to golf. She enjoyed being outside and going to the lake. She was feisty and you always knew where you stood with her. She would do anything for her loved ones and she cherished her grandkids.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; brother, Riley Don Shelton; and brother-in- law, Paul Kuykendall.

Loved ones left to treasure her memories are her husband, Steve Gerdes of the home; son Brian Gerdes and wife Cara; daughters, Stephani Nieto and husband RJ, and Shelbie Gerdes; granddaughters, Drue and Arden Gerdes; grandsons, Javier and Gabriel Nieto; siblings, Judy Kuykendall and husband Eugene, Diane Kuykendall, Debbie Shelton Smith and Darvin Harris, Pat Gouge and husband Terry, Dale Shelton, and Fred Shelton and wife Lanelle; sister-in-law, Clairessa Shelton; numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Grady Memorial Hospital for the loving care they provided Barbara. 

Viewing will be at Ferguson Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.