This month, Shepherd’s Pantry is honored to remember two extraordinary volunteers and dear friends of our community, Robert “Bob” Ashburn and Mary Ashburn. Though both have passed, their kindness, generosity, and steady devotion continue to shape the heart of the Pantry today.
One of Bob’s weekly jobs was picking up pastries from a local bakery and delivering them to Shepherd’s Pantry early Monday morning, ensuring our clients had fresh treats to enjoy on distribution day. Fellow volunteer and close friend, Bob Terranova, remembers joining him on these Sunday pickups:
“I didn’t even know Bob was my neighbor until we met at Shepherd’s Pantry. I’d help him pick up the pastries, and the smell was so delicious. He always called the pantry volunteers his family.”
This weekly act of service became the beginning of a deep friendship. Bob Ashburn and Bob Terranova bonded not only through volunteering, but also through gardening and spending time together as neighbors. Their connection was built on shared values of generosity, humility, and warm-hearted service; qualities that defined Bob and Mary’s life together.
Mary, remembered for her kind spirit and quiet strength, was equally devoted to helping others. Together, Bob and Mary lived a life rooted in compassion. They were known for giving generously of themselves, always looking for ways to support their community and uplift those in need. Their love for Shepherd’s Pantry was genuine and enduring.
“Bob and Mary were such giving people and loved Shepherd’s Pantry,” Bob Terranova shared.
Today, we honor the Ashburn’s for the countless ways they enriched Shepherd’s Pantry and the lives of everyone around them. Their legacy lives on in the friendships they formed, the food they helped deliver, and the warmth they brought to every volunteer shift.
To their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them, thank you for sharing Bob and Mary with us. Their memory continues to inspire the spirit of service that makes Shepherd’s Pantry a special place.
