Barbara “Barbie” B. Kerch

Southern Shores – Barbara “Barbie” B. Kerch, 79, of Southern Shores passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 11, 2014 in Chesapeake.

She was born May 27, 1935 in Akron Ohio.  Barbie graduated from Buchtel High School in 1953. She then attended Ohio Wesleyan and later graduated from Akron University in 1957. In the meantime, she met and married her soul mate, John, and the couple raised their family in Akron.

After her husbands retirement, Barbie and John relocated to the Outer Banks, NC joining Duck United Methodist Church and Duck Woods Country Club. Barbie was also an active member of the Master Gardeners, loved bridge, mahjong and was a local volunteer for numerous organizations. Especially dear to Barbie was her time spent in Al-Anon and the Gulls

Barbie was predeceased by her father Don A. Belden and mother Alice T. Belden.

Surviving Barbie is her husband of 58 years, John, of the Southern Shores residence; two children, her son Jay G. Kerch (John Perkins), her daughter Jennifer D. Kerch all of Swanton, VT; one brother, Don Belden (Marge) of Denver, CO; one grand daughter, Trudy Shockley of Akron, OH; one great-grand daughter, Lilly Grace Shockley also of Akron, OH; one grandson, Drew K. Bronstrup of Homestead, FL; numerous nephews, nieces, extended family members, and cherished friends.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 11am at Duck United Methodist Church.  The Rev. John Tyson will officiate.  Floral tributes may be forwarded c/o Gallop Funeral Services in Nags Head, NC.  Memorial donations in Barbie’s name are greatly welcomed at Duck United Methodist Church, a breast cancer charity of your choice or The Dare County Animal Shelter.

Condolences to the family may be expressed via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.  Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.