Barbara Ann Kent

Barbara Ann Kent, 94 of Elk City, Oklahoma, was born on January 16, 1932, in Mountain View, Oklahoma to Earl and Annie Ethel (Prentice) Dirickson. Barbara looked upon the face of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at her residence, Elk City, Oklahoma, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was the last of eight children born, she grew up and attended Mountain View High School, where she graduated.

Barbara was baptized at First Baptist Church when she was twelve years old.

In 1976, Barbara married, Billy Kent. Their marriage was a true partnership filled with love and devotion. Together, they shared many beautiful years, building a life rich with memories, laughter, and family. Billy preceded her in death in 1991.

Barbara loved life and worked as a waitress, telephone operator, sales clerk, a checker at Safeway, and beautician. She retired from Puckett's after twenty-five years of employment. After her retirement, she began volunteering her time at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, Elk City, Oklahoma for fifteen years, retiring once again at ninety-one years old.

She was a devoted member of Fairview Baptist Church, Elk City, Oklahoma, where she taught sunday school with a willing heart and found deep joy in the fellowship of her church family. Barbara was a longtime member of the Lions Club, and Red Hatters Club.

Barbara enjoyed reading, gardening, playing dominoes, and loved watching a variety of sports, especially the "Thunder", Sooners and Cowboys.

Barbara found great joy in spending time with her family, she delighted in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. She cherished every moment spent together, whether at family gatherings, or in simple everyday moments.

Barbara's presence brought love, joy, and laughter, she will be deeply and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her. The memories Barbara created will continue to provide comfort to those she leaves behind.

Private family services will be conducted at a later date. Services have been entrusted to the care of Richard and Tammy Dugger and the staff of Martin-Dugger Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elk City, Oklahoma.

Barbara is lovingly survived by her son, Karey Sheperd of Elk City, Oklahoma; two daughters, Kathy Sheperd of Mountain View, Oklahoma, Kalli Sheperd of Del City, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Korey Sheperd, Kristin Pool, Kaitlyn Roah, Kayla Sheperd, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; three great grandchildren, Blakely, Kinsley, and Nash all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Kent; one daughter, Kristy Sheperd; her parents, Earl and Ethel Dirickson; three sisters, Ruby Stevens, Earline Long, Esther Austin; four brothers, J.C. Dirickson, Leon Dirickson, Donald Dirickson, and Homer Dirickson.

Memorials can be made to the charity of choice Oklahoma in care of Martin-Dugger Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 707, Elk City, Oklahoma 73648.

We invite you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or perhaps share a memory of Barbara at www.martin-duggerfuneralhome.com.