ELIZABETH R. SHEPARD

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Shepard “slipped” away from this earth peacefully on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at Glenhaven in Glenwood City, Wisconsin.  She was surrounded by family who were all able to express their love, thanks, and gratitude to her before her passing and she seemed at peace once she knew that they would all be able to carry on without her.  She will be greatly missed.

Born in Hoopeston, Illinois on August 5, 1926, Elizabeth was a graduate of Rankin (Illinois) High School.  She furthered her education at the University of Illinois and graduated with a degree in Music Education, which she put to use over the next forty years of her career in several states including Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arizona.  She had a great passion for music, was a talented pianist, and led hundreds of children and high schoolers in various Christmas plays, musicals, and operettas.

Besides music, Mrs. Shepard had never-ending love and support for her children, was loved by many that she met, had the utmost respect for nature and animals, and enjoyed each and every day she was alive in one way or another.  Though her body could no longer support life, her will to live never did end.

She is survived by three children, Jan (Aaron) Frederick of Downing, Wisconsin, Jim (Carol) Shepard of Independence, Missouri, and Scott (Kevin Chitwood) Shepard of Lodi, Wisconsin.  Grandchildren include Erika (Matt) Bursavich of Needham, Massachusetts, Justin (Allison) Wilson of Albany, New York, and Tim Shepard of Kansas City, Missouri.  Great grandchildren include Oliver and Theo Bursavich and Sully Wilson.

Mrs. Shepard was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Eugene Shepard; her mother, Sophia Frederick Lutz; father, Franklin Lutz; brother, Frederick Lutz; grandchild, Jake Shepard; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Boyceville United Methodist church with Pastor Shannon Mattison officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:15 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  A light luncheon will be served immediately following the service.

Her wish was to rest eternally beside her one and only husband, Gene, at Rankin Union Cemetery in Rankin, Illinois and she will do so on Saturday, July 28, 2018.

We, her family, cannot express enough gratitude and thanks to the staff of Glenhaven, Grand Oaks, and Havenwood for their compassion and care for her over the last three years–you were all part of her family during her end of life decline and helped her to do it with dignity.  Thank you so much.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services in Altoona, WI, is serving the family.  To express condolences online, please visit www.chippewavalleycremation.com.